Grow organic crops

hGrow organic crops

Whoever said that you have to own a big backyard to grow a vegetable garden lied. “Organic Crops in Pots: How to Grow Your Own Vegetables, Fruit and Herbs” by Deborah Schneebeli-Morell (Cico Books; $24.95; hardcover) is proof that produce can be grown almost anywhere, even small yards, balconies and sunny windowsills.

Starting with an overview of organic gardening, the book helps readers choose containers (options are endless and include traditional terra cotta pots, empty olive-oil cans, plastic garden buckets and fruit boxes, among others) and covers composts and soils; sowing and growing; watering and mulching; and dealing with diseases and pests.

Learn to grow essential herbs such as basil and cilantro, leaves and shoots such as wild arugula, summer favorites such as potatoes and tomatoes, beans, fruits and berries.

Words of advice

When you turn a lawn mower on its side, turn it so that the air-filter side of the machine is up. Otherwise, oil drains out of the filter and the mower won’t start.

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