Vegetable Planter: Part 2

The second phase of my experiment in vegetable gardening (which maybe should have been the first) is planning out what I am actually going to plant. ​There is a ton of information on the web about when, how, what to grow and it can be rather overwhelming. I eventually found my way to the Missouri Botanical Garden website which allowed me to find specific information about growing in St.Louis and also helped to streamline the rather intensive process. In a nutshell, this is what I learned.

When: In Missouri, vegetables are classified as cool seasons, warm seasons or perennials. The cool season is planted in mid-March and then again in July or August. These plants can withstand frosts and some even have their flavor enhanced by it. The most popular vegetables in this category are: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, kohlrabi, kale, collard greens, lettuce, onions, spinach, beets, swiss chard, carrots, radish, potatoes, and peas. Depending on how the next few months go I plan on trying to grow some brussel sprouts or broccoli come August.

The warm season vegetables are planted in late April to early May (mid-May this year as it has been unusually cool for this time of year). The most common species are tomato, pepper, eggplant, corn, cucumber, green beans, sweet potato, squash and melons. ​

Perennials grow all year round and include things like asparagus and rhubarb. ​

While the above types dictate the approximate dates in which vegetables should be planted each variety has its own specific timeline -some early and others late. One should also keep in mind the the last average frost date and the first killing frost date - in Missouri its April 15th and October 15th.​

How: There is really two options: a container or in the ground. Since we are renters, this really wasn't a choice for us. Unfortunately, this means we are limited on space and will have to invest more upfront for the cost of the container (completed) and its preparation -lining and finding soil (not done and will probably require a whole other post)​.

What: I had a rough idea of what I wanted to grow but not if it was possible. One this list was: tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, onions, and lettuces. What I discovered that is that I could grow everything (lettuce is a bit risky but I am going to try it anyways) except the onions. I also decided I would add sweet bell peppers and some strawberries and that I would get two separate pots to plant basil and dill. 

Thus after more research that would surely bore most of you I made a plan.

​images via Missouri Botantical Garden

Any experienced gardeners out there see any problems with the plan? ​Please let me know if you do!

Farm Table and Chairs

One of my favorite pieces of furniture in our home is our dining room table. Some of my not so favorite items are our dining room chairs or rather how the chairs go with the table.

Finding our table was almost magical. We had only three weeks, a rather tight budget and we knew pretty much exactly what we wanted - a big authentic farm table. And we were lucky enough to get it! Our table is a 8' long, finished in a dark coffee stain, and even came with a pamphlet illustrating its use in country schoolhouse in the Missouri Ozarks. 

​It has already been the center of some great dinners and I look forward to all that are yet to come. But there is a but - the chairs to be exact. Functionally and aesthetically they just don't work. The table is slightly taller than an average dining table - 4 inches to be exact causing our guests to feel like little kids at the grown ups table in their petite chairs. And visually the small scale combined with mismatched styles does nothing to counter the mass of the table. Thus we are in the market for new chairs. 

​In looking for new chairs, I know I want something to contrast the rustic feel of the table. When selecting furniture I always try to think about how it will represent us as a couple and as individuals. In the case of our dining room, the rustic table conveys our relaxed approach to our home as well as our love for simple shapes and things with character. For our chairs, I want to counter this with something more modern and softer in form. I also want them to be comfortable so that our guests feel free to linger and relax. Below are a few looks we are considering.

the lucy chair by bend seating

I like the color and material of these as well as their shape - geometric but still a little curvy. My main concern is comfort.

​the riviera side chair by serena and lily

​Again I like the color and material of these. I also like the bench and the end chairs. They also look rather comfortable. However, I wonder if they are a little busy for us.

​the scoop back chair by West Elm

I like the white. I also like how modern and simple they are but I think they are probably a little too stark for us. ​

​wishbone chair by Hans Wegner produced by Design Within Reach

I am a big fan of the Danish designer Hans Wegner and I would love to have these wishbone chairs in a natural finish. However, they might be too special for our casual get togethers and I could see myself obsessing about their care and maintenance.

I am not sure what we will end up going with - I probably need to plan out the room a bit more (sounds like another posting) but I will be sure to update when we do. ​

Vegetable Planter: Part 1

One of my favorite things about Spring is the return of farmer's markets. Every Wednesday from May till September, I go to our local market and stock up on fresh produce and eggs. 

This year I wanted to try my hand at growing my own veggies and thus I recruited Jeff and my Dad to build me a planter. I asked that it be on wheels and high off the ground. Other than that I had no specifications and let them have at it with the design and construction. This is how it turned out.

​A little clunky but I think it turned out pretty well. I plan on filling it in the coming weeks with herbs, lettuces, cucumbers and tomatoes so stay tuned for more planting related posts.

In the meantime, here are a few planters I enjoy.​

​1. Repurposed filing cabinet/houzz 2. Wood and metal planter/Gardener's Supply Company 3. Canvas bag planter/West Elm 4. Gray metal planter/via Gardenista 5. Natural willow planter/Williams-Sonoma