Contain-able edibles

The consumer media is buzzing about container and edible gardening. As a retailer, it makes sense to combine these trends into a package. A recent informal poll on Garden Center’s Facebook page showed that gardeners still struggle with this pairing. Common problems cited include pots that are too small, watering too much/not enough, plants ill-suited for containers and poor-quality soil. Our editors dug into our product database for some goods that deal with these issues.


The problem:
Containers and watering

Possible solution:
UrBin Grower
Nature’s Footprint Inc.
http://naturesfootprintinc.com

This system is compact—but big enough to let veggies grow to their full potential. A visible water reservoir prevents under- and over-watering.


The problem:
Poor-quality soil

Possible solution:
Organic Potting Mix
Fafard
www.fafard.com

Fafard’s Organic Potting Mix contains natural Canadian sphagnum peat moss, aged pine bark, perlite, vermiculite, dolomitic limestone, gypsum, and all-natural Perdue organic fertilizer with no synthetic materials. It meets National Organic Program (NOP) guidelines.


The problem:
Ill-suited plant selections

Possible solution:
Salsa Garden
Amber’s Garden
www.ambersgarden.com

Amber’s Garden markets a Salsa Garden in a ready-to-plant seed mat. The 18-inch circle includes seeds for tomatoes, chili peppers and cilantro. Plants do not need to be transplanted to larger containers to reach their full potential.


The problem:
Desire—but no time

Possible solution:
Urban Planter
Imperial Nurseries
www.imperialnurseries.com

Imperial Nurseries is offering two varieties of its ready-to-go Urban Planter. The Herb Planter includes a mix of tarragon, lemon grass, spearmint, oregano, parsley and thyme. The Strawberry Urban Planter is a mixture of Seascape and Earliglow strawberries.