Garden-in-a-Can from Back to the Roots Set up and Care

Garden-in-a-Can by Back to the Roots

Growing food in small spaces can be a challenge especially if you only have a little space but wish to grow at home none the less. Small spaces gardening can sometimes be difficult as typically soil and containers can take up valuable storage space.

There is now a simple product that can allow everyone to grow fresh organic herbs at home.

Back to the Roots has just unveiled their Garden-in-a-Can product joining its other products like the Water Garden formerly known as the AquaFarm and Mushroom kit that allow you to grow organically at home. On today’s episode I am going to go through setting it up and how it works.

First off take the lid off and inside you will find a seed package for either Organic basil or cilantro. Both basil and Cilantro can be eaten fresh on salads or used in a variety of dishes including my favorite margarita pizza!

It is quite simple to get the kit going. Simply open the seed package and sprinkle the content on the soil. Moisten the soil and you’re off. Make sure not to over water as there are no drainage holes in the bottom.

You don’t have to worry too much about getting the right amount of water as the soil mixture is designed to help out. It is made from organic soil, organic fertilizer and biochar.

I’m sure most of you will know what soil and fertilizer is but what is biochar? Biochar is what you get when you take any organic material like wood chips and remove everything leaving the carbon frame. Biochar holds water and nutrients while aerating the soil among many other benefits.
Once you have planted the seeds its time to find a sunny place to put the Garden in a Can.

Herbs don’t need tons of direct light but do require some. So place the can in preferably a South facing window. If you don’t have one a West or even East facing window should do the trick.

If you don’t have access to sunlight a lamp with a compact florescent light bulb will do the job. Make sure you get a light bulb that is preferably “cool white” (6500 Kelvin) or warm glow (2100 Kelvin).

Place the light a few 2-3 inches or 5-10cm above the can and turn the lamp on. The light will help with germination. Turn the light on when you wake up and turn them off when you go to bed. I generally try to keep them to 12 hours on 12 off.

In a few short weeks you will be harvesting your own herbs at home and enjoying the absolute joy of doing so!

When you are done make sure to recycle the soil in your garden or at a very least your residential compost program. The can is also completely recyclable.

If you are looking for other ways to grow more in small space next time we will go through growing in other small spaced like decks or patios.

Product Website:

Garden-in-a-Can Set (4-pack)

AquaFarm Set up:

Two Month Check Up on the AquaFarm:

About Stephen

The Alberta Urban Garden Channel hopes to promote organic gardening that is simple, sustainable and does not have to cost a lot. We do this by investigating the Science behind gardening, methods, practices and products to make sure that you will have the best chance of successfully growing your own food at home.

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