DIY Veggie Gardens & Local Markets for Apartment Life

Written by: Gloria Pytlak

When sourcing fresh produce for meals, big-box grocery stores are ever popular. Even now, supermarkets are evolving to cater to shoppers in various ways. But summertime is near, and it’s the time of the season for some DIY veggies and supporting local farms.

Here are a few simple kitchen garden veggies and herbs practically made for your windowsill. No worries if your thumb isn’t too green – we’ve got some recommendations for farmer’s markets in and around Shadyside.

Indoor Herbs

Quite a few herbs do well in apartments. It’s nice having them fresh and readily available, so plant away! Make sure they get the sunlight they need and keep the soil moist.

  • Basil – Pack moist soil into a small pot and sprinkle the surface with seeds. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently.
  • Mint – Start with a seedling and transfer to a pot with drainage holes. Water it well after planting and keep in indirect light.
  • Chives – Add moist soil to a pot with adequate drainage and sprinkle seeds on top. Add about ¼“ of moistened soil on top and expect germination within two weeks.

Indoor Vegetables

Herbs aren’t the only edible plants you can maintain indoors. Some veggies are just as easily doable.

  • Carrots – Depth is important here, so use an 8” – 12” deep pot. Fill the pot to an inch from the top with moist soil and plant seeds ¼” deep. Once they germinate, separate them so they’re at least an inch apart from each other.
  • Lettuce greens – Fill a pot with moist soil and sprinkle around 10 seeds on the surface. Cover with ⅛” of damp soil and move seedlings apart when they germinate.
  • Arugula – Follow the same steps here as you would for lettuce greens and you’ll have harvest after harvest of scrumptious arugula. Just remember to pick the bigger leaves and leave the smaller interior leaves to grow.

Farmer’s Markets Near Shadyside

Farmer’s markets are terrific, open-air excursions with tons of variety. Get your fruits, vegetables, meats, and more at the Bloomfield Saturday Market and the East Liberty Farmers Market.

  • Bloomfield Saturday Market is located at 5050 Liberty avenue
  • East Liberty Farmers Market is located in the Garland Park lot on N Euclid Ave

Local vendors showcase the freshest foods you can get. Supporting these vendors helps local farms, bakers, cheesemakers, and more so check them out.

Keep in mind, these markets are doing their best in adhering to health and safety procedures. Refer to the Bloomfield Saturday Market Facebook page and the East Liberty Farmers Market website for more information regarding current restrictions.