This plan is for three containers and one hanging basket to place on your balcony or patio. The plan calls for plastic or resin containers; if you prefer ceramic, clay, or wire they will cost more than what is stated here. The first year you will be investing in the containers, so your costs will be less in the following years unless you want to expand your garden with more containers. Any extra seeds can be kept in a cool, dry place and used the following year. Note prices may vary a little depending on where you live and the time of year.

List of items needed:

Four 18-liter bags organic potting soil ($24.00)

Three 16-inch round plastic pots ($24.00)

One 16-inch plastic hanging basket ($8.00)

Four 6-foot length stakes, made into a teepee ($3.00)

One rosemary plant ($4.00)

One thyme plant ($4.00)

One oregano plant ($4.00)

One kale plant ($3.00)

Two lettuce plants ($3.00)

Two Swiss chard plants ($3.00)

Two bok choy plants ($3.00)

One packet of pole bean seeds, twelve seeds altogether, three at the base of each stake ($3.00)

Six colorful annuals of your choice ($3.00)

One tomato plant (“Tumbler” variety) ($5.00)

Four basil plants ($3.00)

One packet of nasturtiums, 12 seeds needed ($3.00)

If you want you could exchange the herbs for other perennial ones, the pole beans for peas, and the kale for a cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli plant.

▼   $100 garden design