I thought I’d do a little update on the plants that I’ve been growing for the past couple of months. I started the seeds and have been keeping them under just regular 100-watt equivalent CFL bulbs for about 12 hours a day. For the most part they’ve been super happy and it’s been a pretty easy, and awesome, process.

I took all of these photos last weekend, on the 25th, and a bunch of these are already significantly bigger. It’s crazy how fast they grow and how much a little bit of time on the roof in full sun helps. (I live in a 3rd floor apartment and will be planting everything in containers on my roof/fire escape.)

On to the plants!

eggplant
plant date | 2/12

I was planning on planting some more since only one seed germinated, but I think I’m going to stick with just this one for now.

kale
plant date | 2/26

beets
plant date | 3/19

These are at least twice as big now. I planted an early variety and a gourmet variety, and am going to keep planting every few weeks. I also think that I’m going to end up planting these in bags on my roof. Getting creative with the apartment garden.

carrots
plant date | 3/19

Two varieties of these, too. One baby and one carnival blend. Also planning on growing these in bags.

Squash varieties
plant date | 3/19

Acorn Squash, Butternut Squash, Pumpkin, and Watermelon. I also planted some Spaghetti Squash. I’m hoping I can keep all of these far enough apart that they don’t cross.

On to the peppers! They’re probably my favorite to grow.

Santaka Pepper
plant date | 2/12

I’m excited about these, and planted more last week. They’re the hottest of the peppers that I’m growing.

Sweet Bell Pepper
plant date | 2/4

Planted more of these after I realized I only had one.

Cayenne Pepper
plant date | 2/4

The Cayenne Peppers have been loving life so far and I just spotted flower buds on 3 of them!

THIS is a mystery seed that came in the Cayenne Pepper packet. Clearly not a pepper. Any ideas??

Brussel Sprouts
plant date | 2/12

Romanesco Broccoli
plant date | 2/12

I haven’t had great luck with broccoli in the past and wasn’t even planning on planting any this year, but I saw the Romanesco seeds and decided to try it out.

Brandywine Tomato
plant date | 2/12

I’m glad I decided to take pictures of everything because it forced me to separate all of the plants and made me realize that I only had one Brandywine plant.

Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes
plant date | 2/12

Cherokee Tomatoes
plant date | 2/4 + 2/26

Rainbow Cherry Tomatoes
plant date | 2/4 + 2/26

And that’s that for now. I also planted a bunch of herbs and am planning on adding some potatoes into the mix along with several other things, but that’s what I currently have started + taking over my apartment. I’ve been posting updates on Instagram (@saramontour) pretty frequently if you want to follow this little urban gardening adventure over there.