Today, we are faced with the conundrum(confusing/difficult problem) that the space for cultivation is shrinking ,but concerns about food safety and availability are increasing. As an increasing number of people are starting edible gardens, however small,on terraces, balconies, in pots and planters, there are a few essential things to consider.
Here's an easy guide to building your own green space:
1.Growing medium/
potting mix:
Healthy soil grows healthy plants. Any growing medium needs to be rich in nutrients, light and airy so that the roots can breathe and expand in small spaces, and needs to hold water for sufficient moisture. Today, potting mix can be made using a mix of traditional and non-traditional, but natural materials, to create a rich, pest -fighting growing medium in which beneficial microbes can thrive.
Compost: The material that remains after kitchen waste and leaves have broken down and decomposed is very rich in nutrients. This is called HUMUS and makes an important part in the potting mix.
Red or black soil: This is high in micro-organisms, and gives the plants a stable growing medium.
coco peat: A natural fiber made out of coconut husk, it has water retention capability and adds texture and airiness to the soil.
vermicompost: This is the casting of worms. It is a highly efficient feed when added regularly to plants, especially during flowering stage.
pongamia cake, neem cake, manure and bone meal are the natural additives that enrich the NPK balance in your potting mix.
2.Seeds:
A good quality seed ensures a healthy plant and healthy harvest. Seeds can be heirloom or hybrid. Heirloom seeds are those that are open pollinated and passed down for generations.
Hybrids imply that two plants have cross pollinated to combine the most desirable traits of each plant.
save heirloom seeds for your furture harvests, but seeds saved from even prolific hybrids are often sterile.
3.containers:
The preferred planting containers are terracotta pots, which allow the soil to breathe. However, when people look for lightweights, easily movable items, there is a variety on offer:
You now have the elements to start growing. Enjoy your journey and stay involved with your garden.
Happy gardening!!!
for more information stay tuned..........
Here's an easy guide to building your own green space:
1.Growing medium/
potting mix:
Healthy soil grows healthy plants. Any growing medium needs to be rich in nutrients, light and airy so that the roots can breathe and expand in small spaces, and needs to hold water for sufficient moisture. Today, potting mix can be made using a mix of traditional and non-traditional, but natural materials, to create a rich, pest -fighting growing medium in which beneficial microbes can thrive.
Compost: The material that remains after kitchen waste and leaves have broken down and decomposed is very rich in nutrients. This is called HUMUS and makes an important part in the potting mix.
Red or black soil: This is high in micro-organisms, and gives the plants a stable growing medium.
coco peat: A natural fiber made out of coconut husk, it has water retention capability and adds texture and airiness to the soil.
vermicompost: This is the casting of worms. It is a highly efficient feed when added regularly to plants, especially during flowering stage.
pongamia cake, neem cake, manure and bone meal are the natural additives that enrich the NPK balance in your potting mix.
2.Seeds:
A good quality seed ensures a healthy plant and healthy harvest. Seeds can be heirloom or hybrid. Heirloom seeds are those that are open pollinated and passed down for generations.
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| containers |
save heirloom seeds for your furture harvests, but seeds saved from even prolific hybrids are often sterile.
3.containers:
The preferred planting containers are terracotta pots, which allow the soil to breathe. However, when people look for lightweights, easily movable items, there is a variety on offer:
- plastic pots
- grow bags
- metal comtainers.
You now have the elements to start growing. Enjoy your journey and stay involved with your garden.
Happy gardening!!!
for more information stay tuned..........
