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Organic Container Gardening

Whether you have pots on the patio or small containers on the balcony; organic container gardening is becoming ever more popular amongst urban-dwellers in Australia.  As the size of the typical block shrinks; savvy gardeners and beginners alike are thinking of innovative ways to get their garden thriving; even if the space is small. 

For those wanting to grow organic vegetables in containers, follow some simple     

instructions to get you started and before long you should be enjoying the fruits of your labour. Firstly, ensure that the spot you have chosen for your organic vegetable garden gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. Then look for stockists of organic seeds and plants to get you started. Use organic compost and soil to ensure your plants are chemical and pesticide-free.

Make sure you have the essential gardening tools for the job. Choose containers that are right for the plants you want to grow.  This can be fun as you explore the various nurseries and hardware stores for just the right container for your organic gardening venture. Terracotta pots are ideal as they stay cooler than plastic pots.  Be sure they have adequate drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, as some plants don’t like sitting in pools of water and there is the possibility of root rot. You may want to put broken pieces of terracotta or stones in the bottom of the pot for free drainage.  Plastic pots  or wooden pots may be preferred.  The choice is yours. 

Remember when planting organic vegetables; make sure your container is big enough; giving the roots plenty of room to grow and enough space for adequate water to be supplied to the growing plants. Smaller pots require more frequent watering, especially in the summer months. Regular watering and feeding are essential especially during the growing period.  Feed with an organic material as these are chemical and pesticide-free. With daily inspection of your plants, it is easy to keep pests under control.  Some pests can be simply removed by hand or under gentle running water; whilst others need organic solutions sprayed on the plants. For control of troublesome pests in pots; there are organic remedies on the market. 

Herbs in containers on the kitchen window-sill is another example of small-space gardening.  Or you may have a tiny spot in your backyard garden where another container will just fit in with your existing vegetable plot.  Nurseries are now providing plants that are grown specifically for containers.  This gives endless possibilities for organic container gardening.

Vegetables that do well in pots are:  tomatoes, capsicums, peas, silverbeet, lettuce and spinach.  Remember it is important when you are container gardening to make sure there is adequate sunlight 6-8 hours daily, shelter plants from strong winds, adequate watering, appropriate nutrients depending on the crop you are sowing and a container that is suitable for the size of the plant you are planning to grow.  Follow a few simple guidelines and you should get enjoyment from your venture. Happy organic container gardening