It's all about getting creative, thinking small, and making the most of every available nook and cranny - be it a balcony, patio, or even just a sunny windowsill. So, let's dive in and see how you can create your own thriving little garden, even in the heart of the city. We'll get through the essentials and I'll provide you with a step-by-step guide to get you started.
The Allure of Container Gardening
Why bother with containers? Well, loads of reasons:
- Space Saving: Ideal for small balconies, patios, courtyards, and even indoors.
- Portability: You can move plants around to chase the sun, protect them from frost, or simply rearrange your space.
- Soil Control: You have complete control over the soil mix, ensuring your plants get the nutrients they need.
- Pest and Disease Control: Containers make it easier to monitor and manage pests and diseases.
- Accessibility: Raised containers can make gardening easier for those with mobility issues.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Containers can add a touch of greenery and beauty to any urban space.
Choosing the Right Containers
The first step is choosing the right containers. Here are a few things to consider:
- Size: The bigger the better, generally. Larger containers hold more soil, retain more moisture, and provide more room for roots to grow. As a guide, aim for at least 30 cm in diameter and depth for most vegetables.
- Material:
- Terracotta: Classic and porous, allowing for good drainage and aeration.
- Plastic: Lightweight, durable, and affordable.
- Wood: Natural and attractive, but can rot over time.
- Metal: Stylish and durable, but can get very hot in the sun.
- Drainage: Ensure your containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Stability: Choose containers that are stable and won't tip over in strong winds.
- Upcycling: Get creative and use recycled materials like old buckets, tyres, or even wheelbarrows.
Soil Matters: Choosing the Right Mix
Don't just use garden soil in your containers! It's too heavy and doesn't drain well. You need a good quality potting mix that's light, airy, and well-draining.
- Commercial Potting Mix: A good starting point, but it often lacks nutrients.
- DIY Potting Mix: A better option, as you can tailor it to your plants' specific needs. Here's a simple recipe:
- 1 part compost
- 1 part peat moss or coco coir
- 1 part perlite or vermiculite
Selecting the Right Plants
Not all vegetables thrive in containers. Choose compact varieties that are well-suited to growing in small spaces.
- Good Choices:
- Tomatoes (dwarf or bush varieties)
- Peppers (compact varieties)
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Carrots (short varieties)
- Herbs (basil, mint, rosemary, thyme)
- Strawberries
- Dwarf Beans
- Courgettes (bush varieties)
- Avoid:
- Large vining plants like pumpkins or watermelons
- Root vegetables that need a lot of space (like potatoes, unless you use a very large container)
Container Gardening: A Step-by-Step Guide
Right, let's get our hands dirty. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up your own container garden:
1. Choose Your Containers: Select containers that are appropriate for the plants you want to grow.
2. Prepare the Potting Mix: Mix your chosen potting mix ingredients thoroughly.
3. Add Drainage Layer (Optional): Place a layer of gravel or broken pottery at the bottom of the container to improve drainage (although some argue this isn't necessary).
4. Fill the Container: Fill the container with potting mix, leaving a few centimetres of space at the top.
5. Plant Your Seedlings or Seeds: Gently remove the seedlings from their pots and plant them in the container, spacing them according to the plant label. Sow seeds directly into the container, following the instructions on the seed packet.
6. Water Thoroughly: Water the container gently but thoroughly until water drains out of the drainage holes.
7. Place in a Sunny Location: Place the container in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
8. Water Regularly: Check the soil moisture daily and water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry to the touch.
9. Fertilize: Feed your plants regularly with a liquid fertilizer, following the instructions on the packaging.
10. Provide Support: Provide support for tall or vining plants with stakes, trellises, or cages.
11. Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases, and take action promptly to prevent them from spreading.
12. Harvest Regularly: Harvest your vegetables and herbs when they are ripe and ready to eat.
Tips for Maximizing Small Spaces
Got a tiny balcony or patio? Here are some tips for making the most of your limited space:
- Vertical Gardening: Use trellises, hanging baskets, and vertical planters to grow plants upwards, maximizing your vertical space.
- Stacking and Shelving: Use shelves, plant stands, and tiered planters to create multi-level displays.
- Hanging Baskets: Hang baskets from railings, ceilings, or walls to add greenery without taking up valuable floor space.
- Window Boxes: Install window boxes to add colour and beauty to your windows.
- Edible Landscaping: Incorporate vegetables and herbs into your ornamental plantings.
Watering and Feeding Container Plants
Container plants dry out more quickly than plants in the ground, so regular watering is essential.
- Watering: Water deeply and less often, rather than shallowly and frequently. Check the soil moisture daily, and water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry to the touch. Water in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall.
- Fertilizing: Container plants need regular feeding, as nutrients are quickly leached out of the soil. Use a liquid fertilizer, following the instructions on the packaging.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Container plants are susceptible to the same pests and diseases as plants in the ground. Regularly watch your plants for signs of damage.
- Prevention:
- Use a good quality potting mix.
- Provide adequate sunlight and air circulation.
- Avoid overwatering.
- Remove any dead or diseased leaves.
- Treatment:
- Handpick pests off the plants.
- Use organic pesticides like insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Remove and dispose of any severely infected plants.
So, there you have it. A good guide to container gardening! With a bit of planning and creativity, you can transform even the smallest urban space into a thriving vegetable garden. It's a great way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce, connect with nature, and add a touch of beauty to your city life. Get creative, give it a go, and enjoy the journey!
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!
