Learning to grow your own veggies is shaping up to be a mid-year resolution for many Canberrans, and with cost of living on the rise, apartment dwellers are no exception.
Love of balcony gardening is blooming, and it’s easy enough to enjoy the spoils, as long as care is taken to maximise every possible square centimetre of your outdoor space.
Think railings, walls, and ceilings. By utilising vertical and overhead space, as well as floor space, families can grow a great deal of their own produce, according to Australian horticultural products supplier, Jack.
A terrace rail planter can be used for herbs and lettuces (some of the easiest things to grow). Just be sure to tightly secure the planter to the railing, and the pot to the planter to avoid safety hazards.
For root vegetables – carrots, parsnips, potatoes, etc., – a deeper pot, of say 40cm, is ideal. This is where apartment dwellers would opt for a grid planter that can be fixed to a wall or fence.
A ceiling-fixed hanging planter brings a further dimension of style to balcony growing.
Particularly for renters, it is crucial to use saucers with all pots on balconies, as run-off can stain tiles, timber, and even concrete surfaces.
Check the climate and seasonal conditions prior to selecting seeds and seedlings, and follow the guidelines listed on the packet.
When choosing seeds, look out for those varieties labelled ‘dwarf’ or container varieties, as well as checking the mature height on the back of the packet. Go for the smallest option, as you are working within space constraints.
For all balcony vegetable growing, it is preferable to have at least six hours of sunlight per day to ensure the ripening of the fruits (and veg) of your labour.
To purchase any of the Jack products mentioned, visit any major hardware store including Bunnings, Mitre 10, Home Timber and Hardware, and Hardware + Building Traders (HBT).Â
Get the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
