You don’t need a lot of space, equipment or experience to grow your own food. Growing your own flowers, herbs, seeds, berries and plants can give you a great source of healthy food. Not only does it make you feel good and helps you save money, it also reduces waste and contributes to a greener city.
Kick start your edible garden by booking into one of our Edible gardens for renters workshops. This 2½ hour workshop is perfect for balcony, courtyard and small space growing.
Or here are some simple tips for edible gardening in the inner city from Belinda Thackeray, project manager for Sydney City Farm at Sydney Park.
There are so many options – how do I get started?
Mobile, pack-away style gardens, planters and pots all work well. They are easy to move and also allow you to keep the soil that you’ve invested time and money improving. Use vertical space, hanging pots, tiered plant stands and window boxes to make the most of your available sun.
Which pots are best for what?
Bigger pots are often better than lots of small pots that can dry out quickly. Dwarf fruit trees need the soil to be about 50cm deep while vegies and herbs need about 20cm to 30cm.
I like corrugated tank styles or large plastic pots that are lightweight and easy to move. There are a great range of colours and styles available.
If you’re reusing plastic pots, remove any old dry soil first and wash them with warm soapy water. Half wine barrels are great for fruit trees.
Free polystyrene fruit boxes from greengrocers are the perfect depth for growing herbs and small vegies. Just put a few drainage holes in the base and fill with good quality potting mix.
Use pots with saucers on balconies to avoid any water run-off issues.
Where should I put my pots and planters?
I like to position my edibles near the door, window or kitchen for easy harvesting and so I don’t forget to water them. Keep in mind, many edible plants need 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight to be fully productive. Vertical gardens can work on sunny walls or potted plants on trolleys so you can move them to follow the sun. Optional self-watering window box planters reduce watering three fold.
I only have a small balcony within an apartment block – what should I grow?
Picking the right plants for your position is critical.
Herbs are a great option and don’t need much space. For sunny spots, plant basil, chives, oregano and thyme. In shadier spots try parsley or mint. Mint can spread quickly so plant it in its own pot.
Remember to water often as the wind can dry plants out quickly. It’s a good idea to use heavy pots or secure planters so they won’t blow away.
Taller perennial herbs like rosemary can act as a windbreak for more delicate annual herbs like dill and coriander.
Apartment dwellers also need to follow body corporate rules.
What should I plant now?
Always plant what you like to eat and go for fast growing, high yield producers. Something like rocket (arugula) is ready in just 4 weeks when grown from seed. It can be continually harvested for months.
You can grow from seed or save time buying seedlings to get you started.
How often should I water?
Plants need regular watering until established. Water more often when it is warm and put water onto the soil for the plant’s roots. In summer, water in the morning to reduce fungal disease problems.
Spreading a layer of mulch like sugar cane over the soil surface helps conserve moisture. This means you need to water less often and keeps the soil and plant roots cool. Water crystals and soil wetters can also help with soil water penetration and retention.
Simple irrigation systems and tap timers are great if you’re going away.
You can find out more about urban farming and growing your own food at Sydney City Farm.
