Tips

Growing Your Own Kitchen Garden with Gardenary's Nicole Burke

Growing Your Own Kitchen Garden with Gardenary's Nicole Burke

Have you ever wanted to be someone who says things like, "I'm heading out to my garden to pick some rosemary"? Because, same. We'll be the first to admit that our gardening skills begin and end with just barely keeping a succulent alive. But recently, we've turned over a new leaf regarding plant parenthood. (Ha, get it?) Now that Clea is cooking at home (see here for proof) and Joanna is warming up to the idea (here for proof), we can't help but wonder how nice it would be to have some ingredients right in our backyard.

Let us introduce you to Nicole Burke, a fellow Nashville resident and the visionary behind Gardenary. The company's mission is to make gardening more accessible and less confusing for all—yes, even those of us with 'brown thumbs'! We instantly connected with Nicole's philosophy since ours is similar about organization: If we can do it, you can do it. Oh, and did we mention that her signature process includes containing and categorizing? We're all ears. 

From deciding what to plant to the supplies you'll need, read on for Nicole's best advice for creating a kitchen garden when you lack the confidence to start.

 

photo credit: Victoria Quick

What advice do you have for someone who considers themselves a "brown thumb" but wants to start gardening?

"First of all, I believe there is no such thing as a brown thumb. It simply means that you need more experience growing plants! Don't try to run a marathon when you haven't even walked to the end of the block. In other words, start with the easiest plants to care for, like leafy greens and herbs, rather than a tomato plant, which can be more complicated. At Gardenary, we created a system (and an entire book!) around this concept called Leaves, Roots, and Fruit—and leafy greens and herbs are step one. That's because leafy greens and herb plants don't need a lot of space, sun, or care, making them perfectly suitable for someone just starting.

Easiest herbs to grow: Oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage.

Easiest leafy greens to grow: Arugula, butter crunch, spring mix, kale, and Swiss chard.

"Then, after graduating from leaves and herbs, the next two steps in the Gardenary system are Roots and Fruit. Root plants are going to need a little bit more time, more space, and more care. Fruiting plants need the most of all three. So, fruit in our scenario is like the marathon, it's going to take the longest and need the most amount of care and resources. But, bottom line, don't despair and you'll get there. Even if you stay on step one forever, you'll have way more to harvest than you thought possible."

photo credit: Victoria Quick

What supplies do you need to start a kitchen garden?

"While you can use the ground, you'll have a much easier time gardening in a container or raised bed. You'll also need a schedule or system that will water your plants regularly—whether it's a watering can and a personal schedule or an irrigation system with a timer. Then, of course, the seeds and plants and great soil. I created my own 103 Blend soil, which is something you can make at home."

Here's a list of other tools that help Nicole get the job done, from containing to maintaining:

Needle Nose Pruning Scissors
Deep Trowel
Dibber
Twine

Plus, the products that we at The Home Edit recommend to keep all your gardening supplies organized and your harvest fresh:

The Home Edit by iDesign Produce Bins
Garage 5-Hook Track
Foldable Garden Seat
Corner Double Tool Rack

photo credit: Victoria Quick

Does what you plant depend on where you live?

"Yes, it definitely differs by location. At Gardenary, we teach a seasonal system: COLD, COOL, WARM, and HOT. While not all areas have a HOT or COLD season, most have COOL and WARM seasons. When in doubt, use our Garden Calendar to get the exact planting dates for your town or city."

COLD:

  • Temperature: Highs under 32°F with consistent frost and solid ground.
  • Plants that thrive: In general, the garden is dormant during this period, though you might have some bulbs or seeds that were planted before your soil froze, settling into your garden for the winter. One such frost-resistant plant that likes to establish its roots during the coldest months is garlic.

COOL:

  • Temperature: 35-65°F with a chance of frost.
  • Plants that thrive: Cilantro, oregano, mint, Swiss chard, kale, thyme, rosemary, sage, radishes, beets.

WARM:

  • Temperature: 65-85°F with no chance of frost.
  • Plants that thrive: Arugula, basil, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, beans, watermelon.

HOT:

  • Temperature: Highs above 85°F, nighttime lows below 70°F.
  • Plants that thrive: Arugula, okra, eggplant, sweet potato, hot peppers, basil.

Ready to grow? Head to Gardenary for more tips, and learn more about the company and Nicole's mission.

Share:

Need help getting organized? Click below to book!

Services

Thoughts welcome!

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Similar Posts

Tips
Top Organizing Tips From The Home Edit Team

Top Organizing Tips From The Home Edit Team

Hi friends! We're the team behind The Home Edit. From the professional organizers who work in client homes to the creative and operations teams in the office, we're full of...

Read More
Tips
Happy Little Projects: Bathroom Organization

Happy Little Projects: Bathroom Organization

Have you ever struggled to remove a blow dryer wedged in a bottom drawer? Or maybe you couldn't bring yourself to tell your friend that the real reason you were fifteen...

Read More
Tips
10+ Kitchen Storage Solutions to Keep You Organized

10+ Kitchen Storage Solutions to Keep You Organized

If you've ever opened a drawer in your kitchen, took one look inside, and thought, "No, thank you. I need a nap now, please," you've come to the right place....

Read More