Where Can I Find Information on Organic Gardening for Patios?
I live in an apartment, but grew up in the country. One thing I miss about that was having the space to have a garden. I also live in Arizona (moved from Louisiana) so the climate is much different from what I’m used to.
Does anyone know where I can find any information on starting an organic, edible garden with limited space, such as on a patio?
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Tagged with: apartment • Climate • edible garden • louisiana • Organic Garden • Organic Gardening • Patios
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Get yourself a subscription to "Organic Gardening" magazine at: http://organicgardening.com/ . They often include articles on organic gardening in limited spaces.
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I would check this site: http://www.organicgardening.com
All it takes is a container, good potting mix and good watering schedule to match what you are growing.
If you can provide shade, you can compost on a patio with vermiculture.
Several companies produce self watering containers under the names like earthbox or growbox…They come with instructions.
My suggestion, just visit a home supply store (Home Depot, Lowes), buy one pot – I would start with a green or terra cotta – in synthetic material. These pots are lighter in weight and retain moisture better than clay, which would probably be a help in your area. Some grocery stores carry rooted basil and thyme in the produce section. Plant water and start to enjoy.
In your climate, growing Mediterranean herbs would be easy: lavender, rosemary, and thyme are some herbs that do well in even poor soil and hot conditions.
Dear Sarah,
Howdy from Coach Dave, I work for The Home Depot. Finding inventive answers is what I enjoy doing.
To make an organic garden you need a few things:
1st:You should to decide if you want to use pots or rectangular planter. Remember, drainage is important so the plants don’t mold. I like to put about 2 inches of rocks at the bottom of my pots.
2nd: Figure out what type of edibles do you want to use? remember, your hardiness zone will help you decide what you will plant. This USDA link will help : http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/hzm-sw1.html
3rd: I’ve contacted the Phoenix Home Depot and their stock of seedlings will be arriving late January. The ones that usually do the best in full Sun are:Tomatoes,Bell Peppers, Basil, Rosemary,Squash, and Zucchini. In the Spring you can grow Lettuce and Strawberries, but die off in Summer heat.
4th: To make your organic garden complete you should fertilize with an all natural fertilizers that are available at most local garden centers.
I hope you enjoy your patio garden, for more answers check out: http://bit.ly/ey44bq and we can figure out what else you might need.
Yours Respectfully,
Coach Dave
Look for natural and organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers, such as the use of compost. Natural fertilizers, compost and organic materials encourage native earthworms. The soil’s organic matter contributes to good soil structure, and water-holding capacity. Improve the soil with organic matter and fertilizers to develop the best soil for growing seeds and plants.
Organic Gardening Tips – http://www.organic-items.com/growing-organic-products.htm
Your main concern when organic gardening is soil health. You want your little ecosystem to be as strong and healthy as possible to support the plants you’re growing and the beneficial microorganisms within the soil that depend upon your plant’s byproducts for nourishment. As you know, these elements work symbiotically to create the best environment for all to survive. Most gardeners begin with a test kit that will provide a detailed analysis of the nutrients present, as well as the acidic or alkaline reading and the drainage level.
More on Organic Gardening – http://www.perennial-gardens.com/flower-articles/organic-gardening.htm
for organic fertilizers, plant food and natural gardening products….try Spray-N-Grow – http://www.spray-n-growgardening.com