By Vanessa Richins

Vivian Campbell is wondering “about the safety of vegetables grown on a terrace in a polluted city like Cairo, which is where I live. Any help available? Thanks.”

Hello from the other side of the world!

As the world becomes more industrialized and the air, soil and water more polluted, it is indeed a concern to gardeners everywhere.

One plan that I would suggest is, if possible, bring the plants inside. You can surround them with plants that work to purify the air. Some plants that are especially efficient at removing air pollution include (as tested by NASA) :

• Bamboo palm, Chamaedorea seifritzii
• Chinese evergreen, Aglaonema modestum
• English ivy
• Fiscus, Benjamina
• Gerbera daisy, Transvaal daisy
• Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’
• Dracaena ‘Marginata’ Read the rest of this entry »
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Urban Garden Casual reader, Joyce Dunn, asks the following question:

“My husband saw the upside down tomatoes in 5 gallon buckets and wants to plant two now!!

All I have (it’s too far to go to town) is organic Miracle Gro potting Mix, Espoma dolomite, and Espoma fertilizer 4-6-6.

How much of each would you say goes into a 5 gal. bucket?

We would like to get the ratio right so we don’t burn the tomatoes. BTW, I like your site and have bookmarked it - very interesting.”

Joyce, thanks for the kind words about Urban Garden Casual, we’re glad you are enjoying it!

I hope my answer will help. I would use Read the rest of this entry »