Sustainable Gardening

Grow Your Own Winter Veggies

The idea of being a self sufficient ‘home grower’, capable of living independently from your garden is for many of us a dream, with lack of time and land a drawback for the majority. However, it is entirely do-able on a small scale, even with only a balcony for yard space. One of the Boyds Bay horticulturalists recalls a time when at University he helped establish a 250m² block into a fruit & vegetable garden, capable of consistently feeding 20 people. Imagine saving hundreds of dollars a month on fresh produce, money that could equate to a family holiday, or new garden design once saved over a few months!

A vegetable garden can be grown from a simple pot, tub or trough, through to a raised garden bed (see Veggie Beds below) or straight into the treated ground. For potted vegetables straight from seedling, add enough quality potting mix (try Searles Herb & Vegetable Potting Mix ), to fill the pot approx 10cm from the brim. Follow planting instructions on your chosen vegetable tag regarding distance apart and preferred position (full sun/shade etc). Water well, and remember to water daily, especially while plants are young, in particular those in pots where ground moisture is not available. If you have a tendency to forget to water your plants, consider placing water crystals in the soil mixture to help prolong moisture until the next decent watering. If planting vegetables straight from seed, you will need to establish the plant via a seed tray and potting mix before transplanting into a pot.

Seeds or Seedlings? Whilst seeds can be a cheaper option, seedlings are more conveniently established for you, enabling you to simply plant in a pot/ground and water until fully grown and ready for consumption. Children tend to enjoy seeds as they can watch nature magically transform from an unassuming grain to a full grown plant from which they can eat. Mass plantings of vegetables can become costly, in which case seeds may be the preferred option.

Veggie Bed: The innovative Birdies Raised Veggie Beds are a modular galvanised garden bed perfect for any sized backyard. Whether for growing herbs and vegetables or potted colour these innovative corrugated beds can be adjusted in size to fit your outdoor space. Choose from 3 colours: Paperbark, Eucalypt and Zinc-alum, and 2 sizes, 810mm and 400mm high. Birdies Raised Veggie Beds have no base, to allow for drainage and worms to enter, however a base may be attached if preferred. We recommend you use a soil such as Searles Herb & Vegetable Potting Mix, first filling the bottom of the bed with a thick layer of clean sand, general garden wastes or hay bales. Finally plant your chosen veggies and enjoy an easy care garden!