Five Things Everyone Can Grow on Five Square Feet



As chef and owner of two restaurants in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, when Michael Ayoub is not in the kitchen he can be found tending his thriving organic garden that oftentimes supplies the ingredients for his restaurants' menus. And as any cramped New Yorker or backyard-less dweller should know, you certainly don't have to have a massive area to put your green thumb to good use.


Five Things Everyone Can Grow in Five Square Feet: Michael Ayoub


1. Black cherry tomatoes
"They have a different, interesting color than other tomatoes. And though they’re small, they have a rich tomato flavor. Perfect in salads and pastas."

2. Genovese basil
"This type of basil is really popular with chefs for many reasons, but mainly because its broad leaves have such great flavor. It’s perfect for pesto. The plant will keep giving and giving too. All you have to do is just not let it flower."

3. Rainbow Swiss chard
"I really love Swiss chard, particularly the rainbow variety because not only is it tasty, but it grows into so many beautiful different colors. Once you cut it, it keeps coming back. Swiss chard is so versatile too: you can eat it raw in a salad, sauté it as a vegetable side or braise it with cooked meals."

4. Hot peppers
"Perfect for when you need to give that dish that extra punch. You can choose any you like, but I happen to be partial to the serrano. I love adding these to salads or putting them into sandwiches."

5. Fairy Tale Eggplant
"This plant grows pretty compactly - it’s about an 18-by-18-inch bush - and grows pretty quickly. They’re very sweet and you want to pick them when they’re about four inches long. Roast them on the grill or serve them in pasta."

Source: www.eatocracy.cnn.com
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Previous Comments

Newlight commented on 19-Aug-2010 07:35 AM3 out of 5 stars
I commend your motivation, but please leave out the nightshades (tomato, pepper and eggplant) for the 85% of us who are adversely effected by them, due to arthritic or pre-arthritic conditions. I eagerly await alternatives.
Anonymous commented on 19-Aug-2010 03:31 PM5 out of 5 stars
Just planted the rainbow chart yesterday and a growing Roma tomatoes in the hope that they have less acid so I can enjoy them in small quantites :)
alex@amoderatelife commented on 27-Aug-2010 05:03 AM5 out of 5 stars
Ah, I love this because its like baby steps you can take to make the big transition to a full time garden. I also adore urban gardening because it proves that you can connect with your food and the earth no matter where you are! I will be sharing this article on my Thoughts on Friday link love post. Also, regarding the nightshade vegetables, those with pre-arthritic conditions should find a good source of rose hips which are highly effective in counteracting the pain and inflammation.
Anonymous commented on 28-Aug-2010 11:40 AM5 out of 5 stars
am to hear that,want to know more about this bcoz. i have been dreaming abt it.
Anonymous commented on 01-Sep-2010 08:43 AM5 out of 5 stars
what about growing over winter? Can you grow them indoors?
Anonymous commented on 11-Oct-2011 10:54 AM5 out of 5 stars
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one affected by nightshades. My stomach won't tolerate them.
Hilary commented on 12-Oct-2011 12:38 PM5 out of 5 stars
Great article on things everyone can grow. People are too often put off, thinking it's too hard, or they don't have the room. There is something so exciting and healing about picking fresh product which you've grown yourself :).
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