i love trees. i can't imagine living in a neighborhood that isn't filled with mature trees. it's as non-negotiable as hardwood floors and more than one bathroom. but as much as i love the thick umbrella of leaves that covers our yard, sometimes i dream of full sun and all the vegetables i could grow.
our deck has a few spots that receive a couple hours of sun a day and that's what i decided to go with. armed with my "urban gardening" bibles and an inspired tutorial from life on the balcony, i set to work on my little farmstead.
i purchased a $5 pallet from our local nursery once i had given up hope on finding one curbside. i figured that $5 was a small price to pay for a planter.

with a few modifications made by my live-in handyman and a heavy duty wrap of landscaping fabric, it was ready to plant.


i stuffed it with soil, seedlings, and starter herbs. it would have been much more cost-effective to go with seeds but i was feeling a bit impatient.

and look at it now!

the slats are just bursting with herbs! some are definitely better suited for this type of planting than others but you live and learn. i still haven't planted the top but am searching for the perfect specimens.

i also broke down and bought planting bags for root vegetables. i am so happy with how they're all growing!

i bought veggie seeds that are ideal for small container plants. in this bag we've planted radishes, carrots, climbing cucumbers, and beets.

we also started seed potatoes in a bag. i can't wait to dig them up. keith has affectionately dubbed my farm our "trash bag garden". and you know what? i'm okay with that. this is the best i've ever done with gardening so i'm running with it.
i certainly won't have a bumper crop but the kids and i are enjoying our gardening adventures.
amy