When I open my eyes each morning, I already have a list in my head of things I need to do that day. I hate to admit this, but I immediately check my phone and waste time on social media before getting out of bed. Often my anxiety wakes me up before my alarm clock. I am always looking for ways to calm myself down, especially in the mornings, when I feel like I immediately have to start going 100 mph to accomplish everything I need or want to do.

Lately, (well, more recently before my Phoenix trip), a much-needed moment of bliss comes from tending to my little container garden. Mornings in Chicago are usually sunny but cool, and if we’re lucky there will be a slight breeze. I open my back patio door to hear that familiar chirping. I water my little lovelies and get excited about how they are progressing. It’s the best way to start my day.

Last year, my indoor container garden yielded several mini eggplants I didn’t know what to do with, about 12 or so peppers, and lots of basil. Sadly, I wasn’t able to grow to any cucumbers or tomatoes, and it took quite some time to harvest the few veggies I successfully grew. This year, I am seeing much more success. I stuck with what I was able to grow last year. Graham and I planted jalapeños, Anaheim peppers, red and green bell peppers, eggplant, cilantro, basil, mint chocolate and oregano. It’s only been a few weeks, and we already have several full-size peppers and many more on the way. We currently have our containers on the back patio, which receives almost a full day of sun and, lately, some rain.

On our front patio we have flowers (mostly petunias) and other plants. We’re seeing a lot more success than last year’s crop thanks to abundant sunshine. (Our patios face east and west, versus north and south like our last apartment.)

My little experience with container garden has taught me that it’s OK to pick easier to grow plants and vegetables, especially if you’re just starting out. We bought our two vegetable containers from Lowe’s, along with organic fertilizer.

There’s something magical about our front patio. Somehow the plants keep multiplying (and they aren’t all pictured here). I left for Phoenix and returned to find several new additions. I guess that’s why we call it Floradise around here.

Do you grow vegetables? Tell me about your own gardening experience and tips in the comments!

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