Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/118258
live at home Go-To Gardening Tools Brennan's five must-haves for growing your green thumb Ideas for urban planting bloom at Sprout By Kelsey Bewick Inside a video store is an unlikely place to find a budding garden shop, but for Sprout, a year-old urban agriculture store, it's become a fitting spot to put down roots. Situated in a corner of Four Star Video Heaven where it can soak in the sunlight streaming through the windows, Sprout's modest storefront perfectly embodies a key concept of urban gardening—making the most of your space. An idea that grew from owner Lisa Brennan's own interest in urban agriculture and vertical gardening, Sprout began as "a way to get more green things into people's lives," says Brennan. While its space is small, Sprout boasts the right mix of tools for a variety of growing goals. From walls lined with potted plants to shelves of gardening essentials, their offerings can help you grow an array of greenery, including decorative flowers and edible plants such as herbs, pea pods and even kiwis. Then there are the windows stacked with microgreens like cilantro sprigs, which Brennan regularly plucks and sprinkles over her lunch. For Brennan, growing food 20 BRAVA Magazine April 2013 and sampling from small-scale harvests is an important facet of the store. She hopes that her efforts not only promote urban agriculture, but boost the notion of sustainable living. "It's something that has to be approached by a lot of people taking small steps, and this is my small step in this direction," she says. In short: A quick stop for education and inspiration to start an urban garden or build on one you've already created. Brennan's favorites: While Brennan most enjoys the simple task of growing, she especially likes having microgreens and herbs handy for easy munching. Why you'll love it: Whether you're looking to brighten your space with potted flowers or grow your own lunch, Sprout has the know-how and supplies to help your space bloom. Where to go: 449 State St., Madison; (608) 255-1994 Quality compost: Madison's soil quality varies, and having access to good compost can make a huge difference. For people with yards, composting is a snap: Just designate a bin to mix highnitrogen organic material like kitchen scraps (skip the meat and dairy), with brown or high carbon material like dead leaves and shredded paper. No yard? No problem! Brennan says vermicompost, or worm-composting bins, can do the trick. Sturdy, comfortable gardening gloves: Digging in the dirt can take a toll on your hands and there are plenty of hidden hazards in the typical yard, so reach for quality gloves to keep your paws healthy and clean. Versatile tools: Brennan's favorites include a multi-purpose gardening knife, a sun meter to measure the amount of sun a particular spot gets each day, and a basic trowel to dig, smooth dirt and move plants. An open mind, good attitude and willingness to learn: "Gardening is great fun and highly satisfying, but it does involve plants and living systems, and there is always a certain amount of experimentation," Brennan explains. Or, just think of it like kids do: fun time playing in the dirt. Photo by Bobbi Petersen A Garden of One's Own Superb local seeds and seedlings: Though a bit pricey, Brennan says organically produced heirloom seeds pay off thanks to their variety and quality. She recommends buying local because the varieties are well adapted to the area.