Here’s a quick, easy way to have fresh greens all summer long (or year-round if you live in a mild-winter area). All you need are a few simple, inexpensive items:
Hanging planter- Potting soil or soiless potting mix
- Lettuce or mixed greens seeds
- A shady location to hang your basket
- Wire screen (optional)
I selected a plastic self-watering container because it needs to be watered less often than other hanging baskets, but just about any hanging container with good drainage will do. Once you select your container, just:
- Add soil
- Sprinkle the seeds on top
- Water gently so the seeds don’t get washed away
- Hang the basket in a lightly shaded spot — tree branches work great because they allow some sun to pass through their leaves while protecting the tender lettuce from the worst afternoon heat
If you have birds or squirrels in your area, you may want to cover the basket with wire screen to protect the seedlings from getting snapped up before they are big enough for your plate.
After that, just keep the soil evenly moist and you’re on your way to delicious gourmet greens at a fraction of their store-bought price. For best results and to keep the goodness coming:
- Snip only a few leaves from each plant at a time
- When a plant is done producing, pull it out and sprinkle in more seeds
Enjoy!
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great idea - and I love the idea of having fresh salad without having to run to the store (since leafy greens never seem to last long in the frig).