Want to blossom but don’t know how? You don’t need a lot of space or experience to grow your own produce. Growing your own fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs is not only satisfying it can save you money, cut down on food waste and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are our tips on how to grow your very own edible garden.
Choose a sunny spot
Your plants will need good sunlight to thrive, so plan your patch in the sunniest spot. Some plants, such as tomatoes, need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Start small
Select a few of your favourite fruit, vegetables and herbs that are suitable to the climate and season to begin with. Once they are thriving consider planting more.
Invest in the right tools
You will need good quality seedlings, potting mix, fertiliser, a watering can and/or hose to attach to your tap and some pots with drainage holes. Lightweight pots can go on stands with wheels to allow an easy, moveable solution as needed.
Maximise your space
Make sure your pots are big enough for your plants to spread their roots. A common mistake beginner gardeners make is overcrowding plants in small pots. Hanging baskets and vertical walls will help you to make the most of your space.
Feed your plants regularly
Potted plants lose moisture more quickly than those in garden beds so water them well and regularly. Source organic replacements for potting mix, manure, pesticides herbicides and fertiliser. Extra points for creating your own worm farm to compost food scraps and create “worm tea”.
Be prepared for failures
Some plants will thrive, others won’t, some might take a couple of seasons to provide fruit. Be patient and take any setbacks as learnings.
Feel that you have been destined with a black thumb?
Centennial Parklands will be hosting a workshop so that you too can make your own edible garden under the supervision of professional gardeners from Yates. Bring a mate and learn the ropes to gardening over a glass of wine.
Learn more about the edible windowbox workshop hosted by Angie Thomas here.
