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Space can be at a premium, especially these days when apartments & condos are so popular. A simple solution for all those wanting to grow at least a few basic herbs & vegetables is to grow in containers. Maybe you do not have the time to maintain a large vegetable garden, or you have a physical condition that prevents you bending down or using the usual gardening tools. Right. Whatever the reason, container gardening can be a great way to produce some of your organic food needs.

While container gardening may have its limitations, there’re some great benefits.
* You have the advantage of being able to bring containers indoors through the coldest part of winter.
* Your pots / containers can create a focal point on a balcony or patio area, adding interest, colour or foliage.
* Planters can be made from just about any type of container that holds soil & allows adequate drainage.
* Potting mediums are easy to work with as they are the correct pH.
* Weeds are much less likely to become a problem.
* Less likely to be attacked by snails & slugs or soil borne diseases.
* The tiniest space ? even a windowsill can be often used to produce some fresh herbs

Soil
You need to purchase premium potting mix for growing in containers. Do not actually be tempted to use soil from the garden in your pots as it will become compact & heavy, not allowing water to drain well. A premium potting medium is a must. It is lighter & so gives excellent drainage.
You will need to provide all your plants nutrients as most potting mixes do not come with organic fertilizer. Remember that more is not better when it comes to applying fertilizer. Too much fertilizer in contact with your plant’s roots will burn them. Always follow the directions on packaged fertilizers. There is more. There is more. There are many organic fertilizers available to select from so look for blends suited to the type of plant you are growing - leafy, flowering, vegetables, etc.
Container plants need watering more frequently than normal garden plants, & as a result the water leaches away fertilizers. So container grown plants benefit from liquid feeds on a regular basis throughout their growing season. You can purchase organic liquid fertilizers if you do not have room to make your own. Use them for foliar feeding & drenching the soil around your plants.

Watering
Because container plants are above ground the sun & wind will dry potting soils out quicker than plants grown in the ground. During summer you will need to take care that your pots do not dry out.
Water containers when the soil dries out to a depth of 1-2cm (1/2 inch). Apply water with a soft flow to be gentle on your plants & the soil. In really hot weather I usually re-water about 30 minutes after my initial watering. Do you follow? This is beneficial in containers as plants can notalways take up the water quickly.
It is important to make certain that your containers have adequate drainage or your plants will suffer & ultimately die if the roots are permanently sitting in water. If your containers sit on the ground bottom holes may not drain readily. If they are on a patio or are just off the ground, there should be no problem with bottom holes. If you are not sure, make side holes.
Pieces from an old broken clay pot or fly wire placed over the holes will keep the potting mix from packing around the holes & reducing drainage, as well as keeping it in the pot.
You can add some mulch to larger pots in summer to help stop them from drying out. I like to use pea straw.

Choosing the right plants
When you are growing in containers you will need to look for varieties that are the most suitable for growing in small areas. Many herbs make excellent container specimens. You could start with some of the smaller vegetables such as radishes, lettuce, onions, capsicum or chillies, eggplant, short varieties of carrots, bush beans etc. Container planting is ideal to attempt out some companion planting techniques. You’ll have better success if your plant combinations are happy :) ones!
If you plant in three weekly successions you may be easily able to achieve continuous production of some plants.
You can also attempt some climbing plants providing you have some trellis or railing for support. OK. Strawberries grow well in containers, particularly hanging baskets if they are not allowed to dry out.

Location
Choose a position for you container plants where they get about six hour sun each day, preferably morning sun rather than afternoon sun.
You may also need to protect your plants from falling over in strong winds. If you have many pots they might provide some protection for each other. Place the tallest plants along walls or trellises.

Many conventional gardeners find themselves with more than just a few plants growing in containers. I would not think of any other way to grow mints as they are just impossible if they escape into the garden. And how many people have the space for a full grown bay tree, when they only use a few leaves each week?
Yes, they take a little extra care, but we are well rewarded with our bounties. There is more. There is more. Try growing a few pots together. They look great & they provide a suitable micro-climate for each other. Good luck with yours!

Hi, I am an avid organic gardener & am known by my friends as the recycling queen. I live on a small country property in South Australia. It is my mission to encourage as many people as possible to start organic gardening. Do you follow? This will improve both our individual lives & the wellbeing of our personal & global environments. Please visit my website & get your free 3 part Composting Guide. For Companion Planting info click here.

Happy gardening, healthy living?
Julie Williams
http://www.1stoporganicgardening.com