Experiencing the pleasure and benefits of growing your own food doesn’t have to be limited to country living. People who live and work in the city can also enjoy the benefits of home-grown food, if on a smaller scale. In relatively small spaces, almost anything can be grown as long as you have access to good quality sunlight or purchase electric grow lights.
 
If you are interested in growing your own food and herbs, here are some step-by- step suggestions to help you through the process. You will be amazed at what you can save, the planet will heave a sigh of relief and your health will blossom along with your plants!
 
Step 1: Locate your light sources: Define the area that you can devote to your indoor garden by identifying the windows that allow the most light. If you have a balcony or deck, you can utilize that area in the summer; then bring the plants inside for the rest of the year. If you have an area you want to use, but the light is poor, invest in grow lights. The money you save from growing your own food will offset the extra electrical costs in most areas.
 
Step 2: Choose your plants: Herbs such as oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary can be planted together. Try a window box in the kitchen; they will love the steam from the sink. Chives can be grown in the same area, but they need to be in a separate pot. Trim as needed. If the plants grow faster than you can use them, trim back to prevent them from growing too large. The clippings will make a wonderful addition to your compost.
 
Almost any vegetable can be grown in containers. Choose which vegetables you want to start with, starting small to begin. Work your way up as you perfect your own growing model.

For people with limited room for container gardening, sprouts can be the answer. Buy organic alfalfa, mung beans, or other sprouting seeds at your local health food store. Measure approximately one tablespoon of seed into a quart jar and cover with cheese cloth fastened to the top with a rubber band. Fill the jar half full with water and place in a dark place or cupboard overnight. The next morning, drain the sprouts and rinse them twice a day, this is very important to avoid any bacterial growth. Depending on the type of seed you are using, the sprouts will be ready to eat in three to five days. Once they are at approximately the right size, set the jar in a window to allow them to green up or put the sprouted seeds on salads for a powerful nutritional boost!

Step 3: Choose your containers: The amount of space you have available will determine the size of your container(s). If you have a lot of room, larger containers can handle larger plants, even corn! If you only have window ledges to work with, small containers with herbs and smaller vegetables, like lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach could work for you.
 
Check with your local garden centre to learn which would be the best containers for the plants you have chosen. Individual tomato plants require large containers with at least an 8-inch diameter. Ask your local gardening supply about self- pollination techniques for flowering vegetable plants.
 
Hanging baskets can work very wellin windows. Replacing your drapes with pots of squash can make for very interesting dinner conversations! Use your imagination and use the “reuse” rule as much as possible. Incorporate jars, terra cotta pots, wooden boxes, old pots and pans, even colanders as they have drainage in your selections. Get creative; it makes it even more fun.
 
Step 4: Soil and Compost: Good quality organic potting soil is now widely available in most garden shops. Be sure to ask for food grade soil. To improve the quality of your soil and cut down on food waste, start your own kitchen compost. There are a wide variety of sizes now available. Composting will ensure you have a steady supply of valuable nutrient compost for your plants to thrive. There are some items you should avoid putting in your compost, like meat and dairy.
 
Step 5: Planting and care: Buying seedlings can be a safe starting point. As you get more experienced, you can start with the seeds themselves over the winter. Allow new plants a few days to acclimatize to the area and light that you will be growing them in, before transplanting them to your pots. Water when soil feels dry to touch on the top, and avoid letting them go for days with dry soil. Do not overwater as this can cause root and leaf rot. It is a fine balance that you will find with practice.
 
Step 6: Enjoy: The satisfaction you will feel from growing your own food will far outweigh the effort. Get your kids involved too. It is a wonderful project the whole family will love and benefit from. The best part is that you can grow year round.