Gardening on the Go: Growing Food in Your RV

Gardening on the Go: Growing Food in Your RV

Posted on April 2, 2024

Imagine enjoying your morning coffee in the warmth of the sun, surrounded by the lush greenery of tomato plants and fragrant herbs—all within steps from your RV door. This isn't just a fantasy; it's very much within reach.

More and more RVers across Canada are discovering the delights of 'gardening on the go.' It's a trend that combines the freedom of travel with the joy of growing your own food. No matter where your travels take you, the ability to pluck fresh veggies and herbs right from your mobile garden is not only practical but incredibly satisfying.

So grab your gardening gloves, and let's dig into the world of RV gardening, where the open road doesn't mean leaving the pleasures of fresh, home-grown food behind.

Choosing Plants Suitable for Mobile Gardens

Choosing the right plants for your RV garden can turn a small space into a bountiful oasis. Since space is at a premium and conditions can change with each new destination, it's wise to focus on compact plants that are known to thrive in variable climates. 

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are winners for their quick-growing times and adaptability. Herbs, such as basil, chives, and parsley, are also perfect companions for the travelling gardener, easy to grow and handy for spicing up your campsite meals.

For a bit of sweetness on your journey, why not try growing strawberries in a hanging basket? And if you're up for a little challenge, compact tomato varieties and chilli peppers can add a kick to your kitchen. These plants don't just thrive in confined spaces; they actually prefer them. Like your trusty RV, they're hardy, adaptable, and ready for adventure.

Just remember, the key to a thriving mobile garden is selecting the right varieties that can handle the ebb and flow of the changing environments as you explore the highways and byways.

Container Gardening Tips

With your plants picked out, it's time to get them snugly settled into their travelling homes: containers. Container gardening is a game-changer for RVers. It gives you the flexibility to move your plants around to catch the sun or tuck them away during transit.

But not all containers are created equal, especially when they're going to be hitting the road with you. Opt for lightweight materials like fabric pots or plastic containers that are easy to move and won't add much weight to your load. When choosing containers, consider ones with good drainage to prevent over-watering, and don't forget to pick up some saucers to catch any excess water. For the space-conscious, look into stacking planters or hanging pots that make the most of vertical space—ideal for small patios or limited outdoor areas.

Durability is also crucial; the containers should withstand a good amount of movement without cracking or breaking. And when it's time to hit the road, make sure your green passengers are secure. There's nothing worse than a toppled plant family come arrival at your next scenic stop. With the right containers, your mobile garden will be both a visual treat and a testament to practicality.

Watering and Fertilizing on the Road

Taking care of your mobile garden means sticking to a solid watering and fertilizing routine, even when you're rolling down the highway or parked in a new locale every few nights.

Watering your plants might seem like a challenge, but with a little ingenuity, it can be seamlessly integrated into your RV lifestyle. For starters, consider a portable watering system or a simple watering can that can easily be stowed away. While some RVers rely on the convenience of automatic drip systems, others prefer the control that hand-watering provides.

The trick is to water consistently and adjust based on climate and indoor conditions.

Your plants will drink up more on hot, sunny days, especially when travelling through the arid regions of the Canadian Prairies. But be careful not to overwater; soggy roots are no friend to your travelling greens. If you've got a knack for DIY, you can even collect and reuse grey water from your sink for watering—an eco-friendly move that your plants and the planet will appreciate.

As for fertilizing, the key is to choose a product that's easy to apply and store. Water-soluble fertilizers or slow-release granules are both excellent choices that provide nutrients over time. A little goes a long way, especially in the confined space of a container. Don't forget to follow the instructions on the label to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage your plants and lead to nutrient runoff.

Harvesting and Cooking Fresh Produce

There's a simple joy in harvesting produce you've grown yourself, and doing so in an RV can be exceptionally gratifying. Whether it’s plucking fresh herbs for your evening meal or harvesting ripe tomatoes for a vibrant salad, the fruits of your labour are a delicious reward for your gardening efforts.

To ensure peak freshness, harvest in the cool of the morning or evening, and try to use your produce shortly after. Having fresh ingredients on hand opens up a world of culinary possibilities, even in the compact kitchen of your RV. Imagine whipping up a batch of pesto with basil from just outside your door or garnishing a dish with cherry tomatoes that were basking in the sun only hours before. You can keep meals simple and let the fresh flavours shine, or get creative with recipes that bring out the best in your homegrown veggies.

You don't need to be a gourmet chef to make the most of your RV garden.

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying, especially when they feature ingredients you've nurtured from seed to harvest. There's a community aspect to it as well—sharing a meal you've prepared with produce from your mobile garden can be a great way to connect with fellow RVers and swap gardening tales.

Integrating Herbs and Edible Flowers

Diversifying your RV garden with herbs and edible flowers isn't just about flavour; it's a creative approach to enhance both your meals and your mobile living space.

Herbs like cilantro, mint, and thyme are not only culinary treasures but are also quite undemanding, perfect for the changing conditions of RV travel. They'll flourish in small pots on a sunny windowsill or in hanging planters, bringing a touch of greenery to your RV interior.

Edible flowers such as nasturtiums, violets, and calendula add a splash of colour and an element of surprise to salads and desserts. These blooms aren't just pretty; they're packed with unique flavours and can often attract beneficial insects while deterring pests. Imagine garnishing your dishes with petals that offer a peppery, sweet, or tangy accent, all harvested just outside your RV door.

Growing these plants isn't just for those with a green thumb; it's a simple pleasure that everyone can enjoy. With minimal investment in seeds or small plants, you can transform your meals and create a living space that's both functional and beautiful.

As you tend to your herbs and flowers, you'll get to know each plant's personality and needs—an intimate process that connects you to the very essence of mobile gardening.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Maintaining the health of your RV garden is crucial, and that means staying vigilant against pests and diseases. The confined space of a mobile garden can make plants more susceptible to issues, but fear not—there are plenty of natural and effective strategies to keep your greens thriving.

For starters, regular inspection of your plants is key. Keep an eye out for telltale signs of trouble like discolouration, spots on leaves, or unexpected leaf drop. When it comes to pests, prevention is your first line of defence. Practices such as rotating your plants and not overcrowding them will help reduce the likelihood of infestation. If pests do show up, consider natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap, which are safer for you and the environment than harsh chemicals. You can also introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs into your garden, who will happily feast on aphids and other common pests.

For diseases, ensuring good air circulation around your plants and avoiding overwatering will go a long way in preventing issues like mildew or root rot. If you notice a plant is diseased, isolate it from the rest to prevent spread and treat it promptly with organic fungicides or by removing the affected parts.

Connecting with Gardening Communities

You're not alone in this green-thumbed journey.

Across Canada, there's a vibrant community of mobile gardeners and gardening enthusiasts who are more than willing to share their knowledge, swap stories, and give each other a helping hand. Connecting with these communities can provide a wealth of information that will help you grow your RV garden, whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting with your first pot of basil.

Start by looking for online forums and social media groups where RVing garden enthusiasts gather. These spaces are wonderful for asking questions, getting advice specific to your region, or even finding meet-ups. Many regions have local gardening clubs that welcome visitors, offering workshops and plant swaps that can enhance your gardening skills. Remember to check out local farmers' markets as you travel. They're not only great places to pick up fresh produce but also to chat with local growers who can offer tips on what plants do best in the area. Some markets even have community boards where workshops and gardening events are advertised.

Cultivating Your Traveling Garden

Wrapping up our tour through the garden paths of your RV lifestyle, it's clear that with a bit of soil, seeds, and the willingness to learn, you can enjoy the freshness of home-grown food wherever you go.

The sense of satisfaction that comes with tending to your plants and harvesting your own produce is unmatched. It connects you to nature and provides a fulfilling way to supplement your travels with nutritious, home-cooked meals.

As spring blossoms in Canada and you gear up for your travels, consider the seeds you'll plant and the growth you'll nurture both in your garden and within. This guide is your starting point; from here, the growth is all yours. Share your green journey with the community, inspire others to start their own mobile gardens, and watch as the movement of gardening on the go flourishes.

Gardening in your RV is a sustainable practice that offers a taste of home, no matter where you find yourself. It's a hobby that nourishes both body and soul, providing a creative outlet that makes every stop along your journey a place to grow. So, roll out your awning, set out your pots, and let's get growing—Canada's landscapes are waiting to be your garden.