My thumb is brown.
Seriously!
My history with plants is just awful.
My history with plants is just awful.
I have left many dead plants in my wake
Once (long, long ago) I had an 8' x 8' foot space in a rented community garden. My plot was a plant grave yard. The plots around me flourished. I took that as a sign - 'you are a plant killer.'
Our next townhome was surrounded by trees. No sun ever. When we landscaped our postage stamp size lot - I told the landscaper ... select plants that will live in spite of me. He did. We had to pay someone yearly to fight them into submission. Those plants were not my success being chosen and planted by plant pros. Plants on my deck never survived. Not enough sun? Not the right plants? Too much water? Not enough water? The secrets of plants totally escapes me.
Now I am in a condo. No rented garden space and deck so small that more than 2 people on it is a crowd scene. BUT I have 12 hours of full sun on that deck. I started thinking ... maybe, just maybe.
Despite my poor plant parenting ... I totally love nurseries. All those flowering plants bursting with health and promise. So off I went. This time I was careful to read all the plant tags to get something hardy and that likes full sun While I was there I noticed something called "patio tomatoes." A vegetable. hmmm ...
Not too big at this point. 'Patio' ... designed for small spaces maybe? So along with some flowering plants - a patio tomato plant came home with me as well. As we left the nursery, I felt like I needed to apologize in advance to these plants that they wound up with 'plant killer' me. I promised to do my best - without mentioning that my 'best' killed other plants.
Soon I noticed this.
Flowers ... maybe (one) tomato was in my future. Success! The tomato plant is not dying!! But then I noticed peeking below the flowers a green tomato! Ok, maybe I will get two tomatoes. Happy Dance!
Before I knew it, I had multiple green tomatoes and they had all gotten bigger!!! Last count was 18 actual green tomatoes! Holy Cow. This is unheard of ... (small panic). Its still early in the growing season.
Tomatoes EVERYWHERE!!
Ok, the secret to growing plants - at least for me - is to apologize in advance! They seem to love a penitent owner. Well ... that and a sign in my kitchen to remind me of my responsibilities ...
Here are some other beauties on my deck - still living I will point out.
If all goes well this year ... I think I will plant some herbs in pots next year. I love fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro and basil.
What other kinds of edible plants work well on decks?
12 comments:
You have some gorgeous plants. And those tomatoes!!!!!
WooHoo! "There's nothing in the world like homegrown tomatoes" sang John Denver. Chives and oregano also do well in pots. Good for you!
Congrats, lovely tomatoes and plants!
I don't have a green thumb. Odd, I can keep the lawn from dying. You'd think there wouldn't be much difference between grass and other plants.
How wonderful! You can't kill kale and it looks pretty, especially the ruffly variety. It will grow right into winter, too. And, it's so good for you! You can eat pansies in your salad and they are very hearty also.
Chives and Oregano. Sounds like a winner!
Kale! Really? I love Kale and never thought of that.
Ha! I wasn't good at lawns either!!
Congrats on your flower deck. Have you thought about trying to grow peas or runner beans?
Oh home grown tomatoes are the best. Sounds like you are no longer a plant killer. : )
Sounds like you already have gotten some good ideas for other plants for your deck. Good luck.
No but if it can grow in a pt and not be too big, I am game. Thanks for the ideas.
Well, it is early days and no plants have jumped off the balcony in a effort to escape - I must be doing something right! :-)
Yes, my deck has two geraniums. They are perfect for my sunny hot deck!
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