There is something immensely satisfying about putting one’s own, home grown plants in one’s landscape, such as patios, terraces, and gazebos. Not only does it give one a sense of achievement, it also provides a wonderful opportunity to recycle and conserve the water available. However, for apartment dwellers where attempts at gardening are often futile, the alternative is container gardening. It is both emotionally satisfying and practically opportunities to grow.
If the only space you have available is a balcony, patio, rooftop, or even just an empty wall, then you can successfully grow a range of plants. As long as you are armed with a few containers, you can routinely grow a range of healthy and decorative plants, such as herbs, spices, vegetables and flowers.
The upside to container gardening is that not only is it relatively easy, it does away with digging up the soil and soil borne diseases. Additionally, it saves water and introduce nutrients to the soil for plants.
So, as long as you have a patio, balcony, rooftop or even a window box, you can grow a range of fresh herbs, including garden cress, chives, parsley, orenago.
If you have purchased a few containers from a reputable florist, they will usually have a warranty to protect your plants. As well as encouraging vigorous perennial plants, it will also provide for decorative additions to your patio. Many larger chain retailers are now selling decorative ceramic planters for pots that will not only protect newly set plants, but look as good as new.
Planting seeds
While some gardeners may prefer to plant seeds, the results can be very variable and not always reliable. It is much better to set up a little project, such as making a pot of chilies, in the spring, using seeds that are known to grow well in your climate. In addition, some plants will not grow well in certain climates and their seeds may be too unpredictable to grow. Many gardeners may prefer to buy plants already germinated.
Growing from seed is not difficult and involves little more than choosing a packet of seeds and following the instructions. Even relatively unskilled people, as well as gardeners that have never grown from seed before, can produce beautiful gardens from seed.
Many gardeners prefer to create their own seeds as it gives them greater control over the results. If your climate is too cold or too humid for some of the plants you want to grow, you can often find special varieties that will grow indoors. Many gardeners prefer growing from seed, but it too has some difficulties, such as destruction by pests or disease.
Some seeds will germinate quickly, such as radishes and alfalfa, but others may take months to germinate. Choose your seeds carefully to ensure that your garden is protected against varmints and birds.
Caring for Your Garden
In order to produce the best garden, you will need to spend some time taking care of your plants, especially those that are not naturally suited to your soil and environment. Apply general fertiliser at intervals in the growing season and mulch using suitable material, such as well-rotted garden compost or manure.
Watering is also important, particularly as the dry season approaches. This may have some effect on the appearance of your garden, but it is necessary if plants are to grow the way you want them to – especially climbing plants that will create a lovely display on your patio as well as providing shade and habitat for wildlife.
Plants that will provide your with something to eat while you are gardening include peas, beetroot, honeysuckle, grape tomatoes, chard, rocket, clement grape, sage, potatoes, vines and roses.
bolts will attract birds and small mammals to your garden, but avoid unless you are a true plant slacker as you will probably get discouraged after a while!
Always eat those fruits and vegetables that are being kept or produced in a controlled environment, like at Theitably Botanic Garden or The Trust Garden.
Lastly, remember to keep a diary or some form of record of your gardening activities for at least three months, that way you can plan for next year automatically.
