Creating
the framework for your edible landscape: Growing in containers
PAT
FEATHERSTONE , who runs Soil for Life, writes how to create a
framework for your edible landscape, growing food to consume even
in situations where ground space is limited or where the soil
is not good.
For
those budding 'foodscapers' who live in flats, whose ground space
is limited, or where the soil is bad, or porcupines and mole rats
dig up your root crop and eat your artichokes.....
Don't think for one minute that all is lost and throw down your
gardening gloves! No matter what the problems and in almost no
space at all, you're able to grow food to sustain your body, mind
and soul. Boxes, baskets, used tyres, old baths and basins, plastic
bags and buckets are some of the containers in which you can grow
herbs and vegetables on your patio, balcony, stairwell or roof
top. Get to know the space that you have. An edible landscape
is an investment in your future good health and well-being so
you need to sit down with pencil and paper. Here are some guidelines
for your thoughtful planning process before you place your containers
and fill them with heavy soil and compost:
• Vegetables, herbs and fruit trees need at least six hours
of full sun every day, preferably in the early morning. So make
a note of where the sun rises and sets in summer and winter. Remember
that buildings, trees and hedges cast shadows and that shadows
are longer in winter.
• What type of soil is available for making a potting mix.
You may have to invest in a good growing medium and this could
be expensive if you have large containers.
• Identify the prevailing winds for your area. For example
in the Cape, summer brings the howling south-easter and winter
is characterised by a north-westerly wind, often hot and drying.
Both are damaging to plants. Check out your chosen area using
a one metre length of toilet paper. Hold it up when the wind is
blowing to test for wind direction and turbulence. For example
if you have an alleyway in which to grow, you may find that wind
force is too great for plants and you will have to set up wind
breaks.
• How much space do you have? Is it large enough to accommodate
fruit tree s, climbing vines and vegetables? And, finally....
"
• What type of containers are you going to use? Recycled
or re-used, or brand, spanking new. There's a cost involved in
the latter - both to your purse and the environment. Think carefully.
You can grow in anything provided it will hold a soil mix, is
large enough to allow for healthy growth of the root system and
allows for adequate drainage. Use your creativity and resourcefulness
and you'll be surprised at what you can do.
Getting started
To get started, you will have to prepare the containers. Most
containers should be lined with plastic to keep moisture in and
to protect the container. You could use a plastic bag from a shop.
Make a few small holes in the bottom so that excess water can
drain out. Good drainage is critically important. Soil that is
waterlogged has no air in it for healthy root growth. Put a layer
(about three fingers deep) of small stones or corks to prevent
the soil from falling out o the drainage holes and to provide
aeration. You will have to make sure that the soil mixture in
your containers will give you strong plants. The growing medium
must be rich and of the proper texture.
A good soil mix for containers:
Equal parts of good garden soil, compost and sand
(You can also add some vermiculite which holds water and creates
a loose texture)
Containers must not be filled almost to the top. Leave 2-3cms
without soil so that there is room to add mulch, and also to prevent
the water from running over the edge.
Good container vegetables and herbs (deciding what to plant)
Begin with your family's dinner plate. Grow what you need to add
more nourishment, or to add variety, especially things that are
expensive or hard to get. Green leafy vegetables are a good bet;
they grow quickly, give a good yield, and are important in a healthy
diet. Beans of many kinds, herbs, peppers, and tomatoes also do
well in containers. One tip successful container gardeners often
give is, 'Grow short season crops'. A crop that is ready in 60
days is worth much more than one that takes 120 days to mature.
Light
Container vegetables need the same amount off light as those grow
in an open garden - at least 6 hours (of full light) daily. Leafy
greens and some root crops get by with less light - but fruiting
plants (tomatoes, beans) need full sun.
Watering
Soil in containers dries out more quickly than in the garden.
Containers may need one watering a day or even two in warm, dry
weather. Check daily. If the top 2cms feels dry, water thoroughly
till water runs out at the bottom. If your containers stand on
a tray with an open end the run-off water could be caught in a
basin and used again.
Mulch
Mulch with wood chips, pebbles, shredded leaves or dry grass to
conserve water. You could even use old wine corks.
Feeding
Frequent watering leaches nutrients out of container soil, therefore
feed frequently - at least once a week - with dilute solutions
of manure tea, compost tea or worm tea. Water the leaves of plants
as well as the roots. This speeds up the rate at which plants
take up the nutrients.
To
all who must eat to live, there is hope. Grow your own food.
It's the simplest (and cheapest) way to good health.
Soil for Life is a Cape Town-based NGO which teaches people
how to grow their own good, safe food. For more information about
Soil for Life membership, workshops and organic methods for growing
vegetables, herbs and fruit, please phone Pat on
(021) 794 4982. Have a look at the website for more information:
www.soilforlife.co.za
