Micro Food Gardening: Project Plans and Plants for Growing Fruits and Veggies in Tiny Spaces

Description

Tiny plants are poised to take over the gardening world. And no category of tiny plants is as welcome and wildly embraceable as tiny edibles. Not only are they cute as a button, but they're tasty and nutritious too! In Micro Food Gardening, author and small-space gardening pro Jen McGuiness, introduces you to a world of miniature edible plants and dozens of DIY projects for growing them. Not everyone has room to grow a full-sized tomato plant or a melon vine that takes up more room than your car, but everyone has space for a micro tomato that tops out at the height of a Barbie doll or a dwarf watermelon with vines that won't grow any longer than your leg. From miniature herbs and salad greens to tiny strawberry plants, baby beets, and mini cabbages, you'll quickly discover that micro gardening offers a surprisingly diverse and delicious array of edible opportunities. Plus, with step-by-step instructions for a plethora of DIY micro food gardening projects, you'll be up and growing in no time at all. Whether you micro garden on a high-rise balcony, an itty bitty patio, a front porch container, or even in a basket on the handlebars of your bicycle, there are mini food plants ready to start cranking out fresh produce just a few weeks after planting. Creative projects include: A window box of mini potatoes for a porch, deck, or fire escape railing A mini lettuce table that serves to both grow food and hold your beverage A compact "cake tower" of strawberry plants A wine box spice garden A mini food fountain with herbs, veggies, and edible flowers A small-space omelette garden for cooking up the perfect breakfast Plus, several indoor food-growing projects will have you enjoying homegrown micro veggies year-round, even in cold climates. With advice on plant selection and care, project plans, full colour photography, and growing tips, Micro Food Gardening is here to show you the joys of growing your own fresh, organic food, no matter where you call home.

Jen McGuinness began regularly writing as Frau Zinnie in 2011 on FrauZinnie.com. The website features Jen's writing, photography, and personal gardening experiences in her Connecticut, US, garden, along with interviews with garden experts. She is a proponent of organic gardening methods and pollinator-friendly gardens. Jen is a writer, editor, and photographer. She's worked in local journalism, nonprofit communications, a small business, and now in corporate communications. She explored other interests along the way, earning two master's degrees. Jen is an award-winning local journalist, earning recognition from the New England Press Association, the Connecticut chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Awards for Publication Excellence.

"McGuinness, founder of the blog FrauZinnie, applies as much practicality as imagination to gardening in her clever, energetic debut." * Publishers Weekly * "The projects are fun and creative, and whichever ones you choose, this book will get you started growing your own tiny garden in no time!" -- Gretchen Wagner * Seattle Book Review *