Growing up a Farmers Daughter, I didn't at the time realize how well that would serve me as an adult. I have fond memories of walking outside to pick what we would eat that night. I guess I just assumed this was normal. Didn't everyone pick there own food? Oranges with my Papa. Pole beans off the backyard fence. Squash, tomatoes, and watermelon galore. You name it, we probably had it. Cut to me having my son. I suddenly had the urge to share these same moments and memories with him! To know that if everything else went wrong in the world, we could provide food on the table for our family was powerful. It was such a far out possibility but an instinct that seemed to be passed down through my blood line maybe. Cut to today, April 3, 2020. We find ourselves in a situation where going to the grocery store could be hazardous to our health. Nothing could have prepared us for the current environment around us, but I've been inspired to help others to try to grow their own during this time. - XO Willa
After talking to some friends about our garden it dawned on me that most people feel intimidated to try and grow their own. They loved the idea but had no clue where to start. I quickly started sending them what to buy and how to do it. I thought, "This is amazing!" You may not be able to grow all the things you eat but you can definitely grow some of them. It's not only a great way to get fresh greens during a shortage at the stores, but it is also a money saver. Think of it as something you can control when everything seems a bit out of control. I'm here to encourage you all to do something a little out of your comfort zone that will be a skill you can use for the rest of your life.
These vertical planters by Green Stalk are amazing. They are great for smaller spaces and are the only vertical planters I've found that make the watering process even from the top down. Even better, they are family owned and operated so you are supporting some amazing folks! Use code WILLA at checkout to get 10% discount!
Seeds, roots and plants. Theres many stages of a plant you can buy to plant. Depending on your timeline, budget, and weather, you can choose what's best for you. I use seeds for most things. For Strawberries, I love getting strawberry roots that believe it or not bloom and grow very fast. If you have the luxury you can buy plants that have already started growing and will produce faster. For plants like tomatoes, beans, cucumbers etc., you will need some simple string in the vertical tower. As they grow you just tie them to the tower so they can keep growing upwards.
I use Fox Farm soil because its the all in one soil. The fertilizer and worm casings (yes its a thing), are already mixed into the soil so you will grow bigger more productive plants like a pro. You'll need 3 bags (2 cubic ft each) for your vertical planter.
Willa's Quick Tips:
Choose a planter color that is best for your climate (ie darker colors get hotter )
Put a few more seeds in and groom back if too many grow
Put heavier plants towards the bottom to tie upwards as they grow