PLANNING YOUR SMALL SPACE VEGETABLE GARDEN

The first thing to consider is where you would like to build your small space vegetable garden. Space is crucial in deciding what plants you can grow in your garden. The key to success is ensuring that you make the best use of the space you have, using clever planting techniques and the right crops.

• Consider using versatile containers to suit your space and living situation.
• Renters may require portable or temporary gardens.
• Elderly folk or people with mobility issues may find raised containers or beds easier to manoeuvre.
• Basic requirements of WATER, SOIL and SUNLIGHT

A ready supply of water is necessary however, conservation of water is important during these times of drought. 

The most common killer for plants is watering. Both over watered and under watered plants will show signs of stress if you are not watering properly.

This method takes the guesswork out of watering plants and provides the plant with a constant reservoir of water from which to draw their water requirements.

ROOT POUCH VEGETABLE GROWING BAGS

These food safe growing bags provide good drainage so plants will not suffer from sitting in excess water.

Using the combination of the two products provide a water source AND good drainage. An Olla will never overwater a plant.

All plants need plenty of sunlight. Your garden should grow in a plot that has adequate access to natural light. It is not essential that this is direct sunlight, but that your plants receive enough light energy to feed themselves.

It is important that the soil you choose has a good drainage system and that excess water filters out to a drain. Root Pouch grow bags offer excellent drainage

Ensure that you have allowed enough space between your plants. This is essential for a number of reasons; firstly, crowded plants do not grow well. Next, you will need to allow enough space for other gardening activities like transplanting, pruning and irrigation.

CONSTRUCTING YOUR SMALL SPACE VEGETABLE GARDEN

Recycled containers and household items that you are ready to discard can make good containers. First, choose materials that you can use as a foundation for your garden, think soil, support, and pots.

Life grows even in the most unlikely places if you create the necessary conditions.

Check out this amazing driveway garden in Thailand.

GROWING VEGETABLES IN CONTAINERS

Growing food in plastic containers like grow bags is on the rise, but is this a safe practice? What about the chemicals that leach out of plastic – are they absorbed by the soil or the food? Do they cause a health risk? There is a great movement towards organic gardening to grow healthy food locally, and for smaller back yards and balconies it’s attractive to grow food in small containers

UNDERSTANDING PLASTIC CONTAINERS

It is important to understand that there are many different kinds of plastic and even within a class of plastic there are variations. To help standardise this process, many types of plastic are now given a recycle code along with an abbreviation for the plastic-type. For example, #1 is PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate). Each type of plastic is made from different chemicals, has different properties, leaches different chemicals and breaks down differently.

 

Polyethylene terephtalate (PETE or PET): includes clear plastic soda and water bottles; generally considered OK to use, but don't reuse.

High density polyethylene (HDPE): includes opaque milk jugs, detergent bottles, juice bottles, butter tubs and toiletry bottles; considered OK to us.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): includes food wrap, cooking oil bottles, and plumbing pipes; do not cook food in these plastics and try to minimize using no. 3 plastics around any type of food (use wax paper instead of plastic wrap and use glass containers in the microwave)

Low density polyethylene (LDPE): includes grocery bags, some food wraps, squeezable bottles, and bread bags; considered OK to use.

Polypropylene: includes most yoghurt cups, water bottles with a cloudy finish, medicine bottles, ketchup and syrup bottles, and straws; considered OK to use. 

Polystyrene/Styrofoam: includes disposable foam plates and cups and packing materials; do not cook food in these plastics and avoid using no. 6. plastics around any type of food.

All other plastics not included in the other categories and mixes of plastics 1 through 6 are labelled with a 7, including compact discs, computer cases, BPA-containing products, and some baby bottles.

Do not cook food in no. 7 plastics that aren't PLA and avoid using non-PLA no. 7 plastics around any type of food

Plastic leaches chemicals. 

Root Pouch grow bags are BPA free and tested food safe using the criteria of the USFDA. 

SELECTING SEEDS AND SOIL FOR YOUR CITY VEGETABLE GARDEN

Premium Australian standards compliant potting mix is recommended.

Another great way to enrich the soil base is through composting. Using the organic waste from your home can help grow healthy nutrition-rich veggies and fruits. As an added benefit, this is completely free.

When selecting your vegetables to grow choose seasonal veggies, this will help you save on resources like water, sunlight, and fertiliser.  This will also contribute to improving the overall health of your potted garden. Select vegetables that you’ll actually eat.

USE A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT PLANTS

Numerous plant species have distinct qualities that could benefit your garden. Some are natural repellents of pests and fungi that could harm your garden. Others can offer beautiful flowers, delicious fruits and vegetables or perfumed aromas. Create biodiversity in the garden to encourage microbiome and insect populations.

CREATE YOUR OWN SOIL

If your soil isn’t quite ready for planting – you can use hollowed out eggplants treated with some damp paper or spongy soil to grow your seeds. Transplanting your seedlings to their final place when they are a little older. 

Amending the mix after it is spent.  Using homemade composts and other amendments.