Hey all.  I was considering trying to grow some plants in container this year.  I would like to attempt one or two herbs that attract fairies but I have a black thumb so they have to be very hardy.  What would you ladies suggest?  Also does any one knoe if I can just grow one tomato plant or do I need two to get tomatoes?

Good morning Indigo Faerie,

It's funny; I was just thinking how much I wish the spring would arrive.  I have to admit that I am not big into fairy magic, but I do know a couple of plants historically associated with the beings that should be pretty easy to grow:

foxglove
wild thyme
marigold
blackberry
bluebell
clover
cowslip
daffodill
daisy
forget-me-not
lavendar
lilac
morning glory
pansy
orchid
primrose
peony
rosemary
rose
violet

As for tomatoes I would go with two plants.  If there are too many, just givie the excess to friends.

Hi Indigo Faerie,

             I love to garden.  Unfortunately, I'm in the great white north of Canada, and I only know how to grow things up here where we get lots of frost in the winter.  I'm assuming you're from the beautiful south?? I would take Stacy's list to a nearby nursery where they can help you decide which ones grow best in a container. And I would also get 2 tomato plants.  You don't need them for pollination but its a very good idea to have 2 different varieties especially if they ripen at different times.
                                                    Have fun,   Marigold

Hi indigo,

I agree with two different tomato plants, as for herbs and flowers...here are a few articles I found in our BOS...enjoy!

Faery Garden

http://www.paganliving.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1704

Fairies Love Native Herbs Too!

http://www.paganliving.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1364

Inviting the Fey into Your Garden

http://www.paganliving.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1009

Container Gardening 101

http://www.paganliving.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1280

Hope that helps!!

Blessings Bright and Dark,

(flowers) Thank you for the information, I can't wait to start gardening myself, i have a black thumb as well but i never let it stop me!!!!!L&L Lavendar-Ice

thanks for all the information.  I'll see if I can keep any thing alive this year.  there is a first time for every thing.

thanks for all the information.  I'll see if I can keep any thing alive this year.  there is a first time for every thing.

btw, I haven't seen a farmer's almanac or spoken to my granny about it this year.  is the drought in Georgia going to break this year?  Or should I plan on planting cacti?

I am another one who loves to garden. Unfortunately with a sick child my yard looks like the desert in some patches and the most successful weed garden in others. I live in Florida so it can be hard to grow things. We don't have the best soil so you have to work really hard to get it into shape. Most of the less hardy plants have to be in pots in the area I live in because you would basically have to dig up your yard and have new soil brought in for them to survive in the sand. Another thing I have to be really careful about is the sun. It is so strong here that there are so many plants that you just can't grow. It can make having a garden a real challenge I can tell you but, when I had the free time it was so worth it.
 I would have to agree about having at least 2 types of tomato plants. They are very sensitive. I have grown them most of my life. One thing I would suggest is that you have 3 or 4 plants for each type of tomato plant you grow. The sun can burn them easily. over watering can take them out right away just about. Also if you are fruiting and you aren't consistent with your watering routine not enough water makes for small fruit. Over watering makes the fruit split which can open the fruit up to pest invasion.
When I was younger we grew all our own fruits and vegetables. It was incredible to walk out into the back yard and pick everything for dinner. Our backyard was all fruits and veggies, the front was ornamental plants. I miss those days. I wish you the best of luck with your garden. Oh, not only do the fey love gardens so do rabbits and all sorts of critters add a bird bath and few wild ares (fey patches. Always leave a spot just for them) and enjoy the beauty of nature.