Although I am an avid gardener and enjoy growing food for my family, I am scaling back. So this year I want to give any urban homesteaders some ideas about "smart" gardening.

First, I don't grow veggies that are reasonable when they are in season. Green beans, peas, lettuce, squash are so inexpensive when come to market that I don't want to compete with the farmers market. Although tomatoes fall into this category, I do enjoy a few heirloom tomato plants. I also grow herbs for seasoning and a selection of edible flowers.Second, I encourage everyone to plant at least a little something: vegetable, fruit, flower. Here are five ideas for small-scale gardening.

1. One way is to use a container or pot to plant one tomato surrounded by basil and marigolds. . . .all edible. Be sure the pot can get at least 6 hours of sun. This will make for stronger and more flavorful produce.
2. A second possibility is to define a very small area and create a garden. This can be laying a ladder down on the ground and filling in the rungs with dirt. It could be using a wooden pallet and filling in the spaces with dirt. You can also create a hanging garden by fixing guttering to an exterior wall, fill with dirt, and plant with shallow root veggies such as lettuces. You will have to be vigilant on watering these.
3. Another is "Square Foot" gardening. Section off a 4x4 foot plot or build a raised bed the same dimensions. This can be divided into 8 or 16 equal sections making a grid by using either string or wood dividers. If it is in the ground, add compost; if in a raised bed, use a good quality potting soil. Again, you will want the garden location to get at least 6 hours of sun. Plant each square with only one kind of vegetable/herb seed or plant. You will be amazed at how much you can grow in a small area. For more information, www.melbartholomew.com and Mel Bartholomew books about Square Foot gardening.
4. Straw Bale gardening is another option. I have used this method for the past 5 years and love it. It is low maintenance and low effort. The bales take a bit of conditioning but after that it is just watering and harvesting. I use bales placed on my asphalt driveway because that location is my only sunny spot. I usually reserve the bales for tomatoes only because I have this family tradition of "every Indiana home must grow tomatoes!" Two weeks before planting, the bales are treated with nitrogen and water every other day and on the final day fertilizer. This is now a wonderful "medium" to grow your tomatoes and other plants. For more information, "Straw Bale Gardens," by Joel Karsten, of Roseville, MN and www.strawbalegardens.com
5. Finally, just insert a vegetable or edible flower in your landscape. Remembering that most plants need sun, here's an idea list:

Plan to garden this year. This doesn't have to take a lot of work. There is nothing more satisfying than growing, harvesting, and eating what you have grown. Good Luck.