The idea of beginning a garden is often appealing at this time of year. Who doesn’t love homegrown fresh herbs and veggies? However, the reality is that a garden is often time-consuming and can seem to need a lot of space. That’s why container gardens can be a useful option when you are trying to grow your own veggies. Below you will find some ideas for making the container garden work for you, including tips for using essential oils.
Try growing herbs in a sunny spot in your home. This is excellent for those that live in apartments where space is at a minimum. Keep in mind when you’re looking for a good spot indoors that many herbs love as much natural light as possible. Find a south or southwest facing window for the best results. Use pots that have good drainage, (e.g. they have drainage holes at the bottom and quality potting soil.) Herbs that do well indoors include thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, and marjoram.
Oil tip: If you’re growing herbs inside, we recommend using Peppermint in a spray bottle to keep away any bugs that may attack your plants. The additional benefit of growing herbs if you have pets is that most cats and dogs dislike the smell of herbs, and will leave them alone.
If you want to try growing vegetables, utilize a large pot or window box. Plants that like pots include peppers of all types, cucumbers, zucchini, and tomatoes. However, you can also try any other veggies—don’t be afraid to experiment. Keep the pot on a porch or an apartment balcony in a sunny spot. Don’t forget that you will need to water a little more frequently to ensure that your plant doesn’t dry out completely, but overall you should need less water.
Oil Tip: Because this is outside, you will need to worry a little more about animals like dogs or cats that could be attracted to your pot. To remedy this, spray plants with Rosemary to keep animals out. If you are using your balcony, you can also use Cedarwood to keep the pests away.
Skip the typical chemicals used in fertilizers that you wouldn’t want indoors. Fortunately, you won’t need to worry about weeds with your potted or indoor garden (though vinegar mixed with hot water works well as a weed killer). However, fertilizer is still a must. You can meet this need by composting your organic waste like veggie peelings and egg shells to add to the soil.
Oil Tip: Find out what the “companion plant” is for your vegetables, and use that essential oil instead of the actual plant if you don’t have space to plant more. For example, tomatoes and basil work well together to create vigor for growth and plant resistance. So, water the tomato plant with Basil essential oil in the water for similar results.
Growing your own food can be a wonderful experience, and it doesn’t have to be left to those that have ample space. Using these tricks you can grow a healthy and vibrant herb or veggie garden right in the space you have available.
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If you are interested in this or any other natural health product from doTERRA, contact me and I'd be happy to help you:).
To purchase doTERRA essential oils and/or other natural wellness products, just go to: https://www.mydoterra.com/michellemoses6/#/ and:
1. Select join and save
2. Choose wholesale customer (if you plan to be a customer only - you can upgrade later but we can chat about that) or wellness advocate if you want to build a business with doTERRA or refer your family and friends and earn some money back for doing so.
3. Fill in your details
4. Choose whichever starter kit you feel drawn to (my pick is the Home Essentials Kit + Fractionated Coconut oil as it has everything you need to get started, otherwise select the Introductory Enrolment Packet and add the individual oils you would like to start with).
Also: My Pick for Essential Oil Storage -in Live Well with Michelle colours of course;) - is this fun carrier case by Fuzebag. I have 3 and they fit in every shelf unit in my house from kitchen cupboards to the laundry room cubbies.