March 2010

Okay, so this is the plan. As of October, we are city dwellers in a Philadelphia rowhouse. Our outdoor space is a teeny, tiny backyard (but, hey, we have one!) and a front porch. We could probably spill out onto the sidewalk some, but anything there is fair game for stealing or vandalism. Well, basically anything is, but being on the sidewalk would make it all the more vulnerable. There is also the roof of the porch which the front bedroom windows look out onto.

So the plan: green it up!!!

When we moved in, the backyard was waist high in weeds. It was scary. Remember? the boys wouldn't leave the step. I pulled all the weeds in the fall. Now it's space that is plain packed down dirt. And broken glass and debris bits. Right now, I'm trying to turn over the soil, which actually isn't too bad, picking the bits of glass as best I can. I imagine the glass will be a perpetual problem. I want to plant grass seed. The yard is just big enough that some grass would be nice instead of a layer of mulch. The yard is also mostly shade. Part of gets full morning sun.

the front is the only place to get enough sun to seriously support vegetable growing. we do have a good front porch. I'm thinking of doing upside down tomato plants. anyone do this with success? suggestions? I do appreciate comments some of you left on my FB. that was helpful. i'm getting excited about trying this. I think it will also prevent my vines from getting vandalized, too. I'm getting excited about this! The main issue will be watering. Because everything I've read so far says they need to be watered daily.

rainbarrels. We have no hose hookups. I don't want to buy a major rain collection system. But I'm going to need to something both in hte front and the back. How do I keep the standing water from getting yucky? If there's no way to really DIY this, I'm willing to consider buying something. But I'd rather not. We'll just really need to depend on rain collection.

compost. the more I read about compost. the more I'm convinced that if I'm seriously going to compost, then I need to get worms. I'm just a little eww about that. Can I just have a rubbermaid bin in the mudroom? anyone have success with worms? tips? will my indoor compost smell? Still trying to decide if I can do this.

green roof--experiences? We have the porch roof right off of our bedroom window. Great place to take advantage of some full sun growing space. I'd also like plants there to diffuse some of the heat bouncing off the roof into the house. Maybe I'll grow the lettuce there. ha! Could I grow watermelons up there? That would be awesome!! And cukes! Yum!!

It feels good to write it all out. Less bouncing around in my brain. I really would appreciate hearing of anyone's experience with any of this.