Opinion
www.theranger.org/opinion
Small space but big harvest Gardening has become increasingly popular. Many people who garden have a large space to work with, either a raised garden bed or a Viewpoint plot of land. by Mandi When it comes to livFlores ing in an apartment, students may think planting sac-ranger@ a garden is out of reach. alamo.edu My gardening experience really took off last spring when I squeezed about 40 plants onto a small apartment patio. The price to get started can be expensive if you go to a grocery and home improvement stores or nurseries where one pack of seeds costs almost $4. Look for seed packets for about four for $1 and also check for sales. Each of those stores usually has sales on plants through the season. When buying plants, look under the leaves for aphids, oval light-colored bugs, which kill a lot of plants. Tomato plants, in my experience, are unlikely to have these. Cheap seeds and pots can be found for $1 at dollar stores. They will grow just as well. While retailers will try to sell you on expensive soil or products, those are not necessary. A decent garden can be started with $20 and be a big success. Once you harvest your plants, their seeds can be used in the next growing season, and they are more likely to grow and do well in the same climate. When picking out an area to plant, look for the place where your plants can get at least six hours of light.
April 11, 2014 • 13
More viewpoints at theranger.org
Faculty are our real leaders Guest Viewpoint by Michael
Berrier
Change begins with an understanding of reality the chancellor lacks, allowing him to fail us as a leader.
White fountain sweetened? Viewpoint by Paula Christine Schuler
The author’s garden on her apartment patio Mandi Flores
!
Plant sale 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 17 at greenhouse benefits Palo Alto Horticulture Club. Call Kirk Williams at 210-486-3073.
Try to fit in as much as you can and still be able to use the space as well as allow room to water, prune and harvest. There is never a guarantee of what will grow. Starting seeds in small containers and then transplanting once they grow will save you time, dirt and money. These are just a few important tips that made my garden successful. Since this was my first garden, I didn’t know what to expect.
Organic tomatoes were my biggest crop with about 40 from one plant. Banana peppers also produced a bumper crop. Other vegetables that did well were carrots, peas, potatoes, fennel plants and tomatillos. Fruit trees planted in pots yield lemons, blood oranges and grapefruit. The amount of fruit and vegetables that were harvested kept me from buying almost any produce the whole summer. Gardening also can be a real stress reliever. I’ve heard many stories of people dealing with problems or illnesses and healing through gardening. Gardening changed my eating habits. Now I try to cook at home with the freshest veggies possible. It has also helped me keep a healthy diet by enjoying all of the interesting flavors that fresh fruits and veggies have to offer.
Viewpoint by Pam Paz
A child’s logic in illogical times gives insight into the thoughts of people of other cultures.
Distracted drivers deserve our shaming One in four accidents involve distracted drivers, TXDOT reports.
BACHELOR OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Interested in working within nonprofits, government, or the private sector to make positive changes to your community? Ready to find solutions to issues challenging our world today? Consider a Bachelor of Public Administration from UTSA. The BPA is ideal for those who are interested in working within: Nonprofit Agencies Environment
Government (all levels)
Healthcare
Education
Criminal Justice
Homeland Security
International Agencies
Looking to transfer to UTSA? Talk with a Transfer Specialist Downtown Admissions Office (210) 458-2000 http://www.utsa.edu/admissions/ undergrad/requirements/transfers.html
For more information about the program: http://copp.utsa.edu/public-administration/home/ (210) 458-2533
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO The University of Texas at San Antonio is your first choice for a top tier education. UTSA provides you a world of ideas, diversity and culture with more than 140 undergraduate and graduate degree options. Transferring to UTSA is easy. Go to applytexas.org and apply now.
Deadline: July 1st - Fall Learn more at
utsa.edu/transfer
SCHOLARSHIP
DEADLINES Phi Theta Kappa
May 1st
Joint Admissions June 1st