You have finally decided to venture into growing your own vegetables. So, how do you go about it? Your first step should be to look for spots which receive a few hours of direct sunlight. This will be your balcony mostly. But if you have window sills that can be rigged into a tiny garden, do utilise it.
Now for containers. It doesn’t always have to be flower pots. Tubs, buckets, paint cans, even mineral water bottles, can be transformed into a garden unit.
Time to put in soil and compost into the pots and containers. Your soil in the pots should be a 1:1 ratio of topsoil and compost. A couple of months before you begin, you can start making your own compost – use your own kitchen waste and borrow from friends. For topsoil, if possible take the decomposed biomass under trees in the park or in a nearby forest (Please ensure that the trees themselves are unharmed). You can even buy this from the nursery, but it would be preferable to get it through friends or parks. Getting from the nursery every time may not be feasible.
It is planting time! To start with, soak some fenugreek seeds overnight and wait for them to sprout. Then sprinkle them in the pot. Similarly, buy fresh spinach seeds and plant them. Harvest is 45 days to 2 months respectively. Planting and caring for mint and lemon grass are easy as well.
After your first harvest, venture into vegetables. Some plants that grow very well in containers and are, therefore, great for kitchen gardens are beets, beans, green peas, cabbage, cucumbers, and eggplant.
Beets
A deep container (about 2 feet) is better so beets can grow freely.
Beans
Again, we require deep containers for beans for better root growth. Also, attach trellis along the pot to help the beans climb.
Cabbages
Cabbages are easy to grow in containers. Only be careful that too many aren’t planted close together.
Eggplant
A 6-inch deep pot is enough for planting eggplants. Remember to stake it, as the plant will require support as it grows.
Tomatoes
The cherry tomato varieties are easiest to grow in containers and pots. Juicy and fresh tomatoes grown in your home – make it a reality today!
Peppers
6-inch pots are good enough for peppers. Within the containers, you can grow as many varieties as you wish.
Alternate your plants – this will challenge you in your gardening as well as provide your kitchen with a variety of fresh vegetables. Remember to have fun!
