The Seattle Times: Home & Garden: Container gardens for veggie lovers

The Seattle Times: Home & Garden: Container gardens for veggie lovers: "Container gardens for veggie lovers
By Sandy Dunham
Seattle Times desk editor
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'INCREDIBLE VEGETABLES FROM SELF-WATERING CONTAINERS USING ED'S AMAZING POTS SYSTEM'
Edward C. Smith's book explains self-watering containers and offers a 'recipe' for a compost-based potting soil.



So you love the idea of a garden, but you hate the idea of the work involved in gardening.
But what if you could grow your own yummy veggies without a gigantic plot of land, without constant watering and without weeding?
Sounds like a too-good-to-be-true infomercial, but in his new book, Edward C. Smith makes it sound plausible and possible. The key, he says, is the revolutionary self-watering container.
So in 'Incredible Vegetables from Self-Watering Containers Using Ed's Amazing POTS System' (Storey Publishing, $19.95), Smith explains the concept (instead of a hole in the bottom of the pot, there's a reservoir for water and a means for getting it to the plant) and shows how to make your own container.
(He and his wife have experimented with more than 200 self-watering containers and report that they water less often and grow better vegetables.)
He also explains his POTS System, with tips for growing bigger, better vegetables with less work:
P is for portable. If your containers are on wheels, you can move them easily.
O is for organic. Smith's methods are all-natural, which is healthier for your plants, your veggies and you.
T is for trouble-free. Self-watering containers allow you to water as little as once a week and weed even less often.
S is for secret soil formula. Smith shares his organic formula for tasty containe"

Local master gardener says hobby is about fun

Local master gardener says hobby is about fun: "Local master gardener says hobby is about fun

By HILLARY S. MEEKS, Features Editor

Sunday, March 05, 2006
'Gardening is not a secret handshake.'
At least, that's according to the philosophy of local master gardener Floyd Anderson. He is the one responsible for brightening up a portion of Lafayette Street with extensive landscaping. Chances are most locals are familiar with his large, yellow Victorian-style home situated close to the downtown square.
All along the sidewalk in front of his butter-colored house are rows of perky, bright petunias, and in front are beautiful winter vegetables such as cabbage and spinach. A tire swing hangs from the branches of one large tree, and a snow white cat pokes its nose around a variety of plants surrounding the structure.
While Anderson's garden is a pretty sight for the eyes, it's just not one of those sculpted, tightly-controlled gardens. There's a certain amount of respect he holds for his plants' inherent tendencies which makes the landscape seem more natural. For example, he admires instead of abhors the little winter onion weeds in his grass because he knows, soon enough, the grass is going to take over as the temperatures rise.
He knows all the names - scientific and layman - of his beloved foliage, as well as origin, background and of course, each plants preferences.
Actually, between last year's drought and a long absence from his home, Anderson said his garden is in worse shape than ever. Though he does say, with a tinge of excitement in his voice, 'Just wait until May, you're mouth will drop open like a two-dollar suitcase when you see it.'
Despite the fact he earned a degree in agr"