I use Osmocote, a timed-release fertilizer, when I pot up seedlings or sow seeds in the containers. Then, three or four weeks later, I begin boosting the plants with Miracle-Gro every two weeks. After transplanting, I use Roots, which helps heal the roots and keep the shock of transplanting to a minimum. A Garden is for Sharing Splendor in the city. The Bankemper garden is an exuberant blend of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Old brick arches along one side of the rooftop provide an artful backdrop.
Despite being in the city, I find that helpful insects like ladybugs and lacewings come to visit my garden. I also get lots of birds, including hummingbirds, cardinals, and mourning doves. If I notice the birds starting to eat my plants, I put out fake snakes made from bent branches painted green. Every day or so I move the snakes to make them more real for the birds. I have people visitors, too.