‘Great Lettuce Harvest of 2009’ courtesy of ‘Wayan Vota’ Though it may seem months away, spring is fast approaching. With it comes puddles, unpredictable clothing needs and pollen. But it also means finally having fresh vegetables that aren’t of the kale variety, and if you’re a go-getter and an urban dweller, the best way to get those veggies is through an urban garden. Or a grocery store, but growing them with help from gardeners dublin is way more satisfying.

Tiered wooden outdoor plant stands with shelves allow you to save space (micro apartments) and can be used to layer your plants according to the size. Tall plants in the lowest tier, shorter ones in the middle and the shortest ones on the top tier works best. If there are a variety of plants, use stands of different sizes to arrange them.

If becoming an urban veggie warrior seems daunting, plan to head over to Coolidge High School this Saturday for the fourth annual Rooting D.C. Conference, a day-long forum for urban gardeners. They cater to everyone from those with the greenest of thumbs to the newbies. The event is free and open to the public, and will include interactive workshops that run the gamut from the basics of gardening to how to cook your perfectly cultivated produce. So much more better than standing dumbfounded in front of the produce section at Whole Foods. For information on community gardens in your area, check out D.C.’s Field to Fork Network.

Ashley Messick

Ashley is a born and bred Washingtonian who left for college but came running back to the District as fast as her little legs could carry her. By day she is a Capitol Hill brat, but by night she is a lean, mean, eating machine. It’s her goal in life to steal Anthony Bourdain’s job…by whatever means necessary. Contact her at Ashley (at) welovedc (dot) com or follow her on Twitter.