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Don't let a small space stop you from growing fruit and veg – here's how!
One of the many great things about being a proud Aussie is our love of spending time outdoors, and enjoying all that nature has to offer us. And what better way to enjoy the great outdoors than by growing your own fruit and veggies in a flourishing garden?
Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to have a big backyard with plenty of space for a garden. More and more Australians are finding themselves living in high-density housing with little or no outdoor space to call their own.
But don't despair if you find yourself in this situation – there's still hope for you yet! You can create your very own oasis (no matter how small) by potting your plants instead. Trust us, it's not as difficult as it sounds...and the results can be just as beautiful and bountiful.
So if you're ready to get stuck into some gardening but are limited on space, read on for our top tips on successfully potting your plants. With a bit of TLC (and following our advice), you'll be growing flowers, fruit, and veg like a pro in no time!
Planting plants in pots allows you to cultivate fresh produce, flowers, and herbs right in the comfort of your own home. Credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio.
Pick the right plants
The first step to successfully potting your plants is to choose the right ones. Not all plants are created equal, and some simply won't survive in a pot for long – no matter how well you care for them.
Before choosing your plants, do some research to find out which ones are best suited to live in a pot and which ones will best thrive in the environment that you have in your home.
If you have a place that gets plenty of sunlight, here are some good recommendations:
- Gardenia
- Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (Brunfelsia)
- Lilly Pilly
- Bay Tree
- Ficus
- Sacred Bamboo (Nandina domestica and dwarf forms)
- Roses
- Geranium especially new cultivars like 'Big Red'
- Succulents such as Agave, Aloe, Cotyledon and Echeveria
- Cordyline
- Lady or Rhaphis palm
- Camellias
- Hydrangeas
- Daphne
- Gold Dust Plant (Aucuba)
- Begonia (especially the cane type)
- Elephants Ear (Alocasia)
- Clivia
- Bromeliads
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra)
Credit: Growing in the Garden.
Once you've made your decision, it's time to get potting!
Prepare your pots
The next step is to get your pots ready. If you're using new pots, make sure you wash them out thoroughly with soap and hot water to get rid of any dirt or debris that may be lingering inside.
If you're reusing pots, you'll need to sterilise them before adding new soil and plants. The best way to do this is to soak them in a solution of bleach and water (one part bleach to nine parts water) for 30 minutes. Once they've been soaked, rinse the pots out thoroughly with clean water.
Now that your pots are clean and ready to go, it's time to add some drainage holes. These holes are essential to allow water to drain out of the pot and prevent your plants from becoming waterlogged.
We recommend drilling four to six evenly-spaced holes into the base of each pot. Once you've done this, it's time to add some soil.
Choosing the appropriate species of plant is essential if you want to make sure that it will thrive in your indoor environment. Credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio.
Choose a high-quality potting mix
One of the most important aspects of potting your plants is choosing the right soil. Unlike plants grown in the ground, potted plants rely solely on the soil they're in for all their nutrients. This means it's essential to choose a high-quality potting mix that will give your plants the best chance of surviving and thriving.
When choosing a potting mix, make sure it's loose and airy – not compacted or clumpy. It should also be slightly acidic (with a pH of around 6.0), as most plants prefer slightly acidic soil.
It's also a good idea to add some organic matter to your potting mix to help improve drainage and aeration. This can be anything from compost to peat moss which will help keep your plants healthy and hydrated.
Now that you've chosen the perfect potting mix, it's time to add it to your pots. Fill each pot until it's about two-thirds full, then gently firm the mix down with your hands.
Planting
Now for the fun part – it's time to add your plants! Start by lightly digging a hole in the potting mix big enough to accommodate the root ball of your chosen plant.
Next, gently remove the plant from its original pot and place it in the hole you've just dug. Once it's in position, backfill the hole with potting mix, gently firming it down as you go.
Do research as much as you can about how to care for and maintain each of your plants. Credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio.
Water your plants
Once your plants are in position, give them a good watering. This will help settle the potting mix around the roots and hydrate your plants.
We recommend using a hose with a fine spray attachment or a watering can with a rose head to avoid damaging the leaves and stems of your plants.
Apply mulch
The final step is to apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants. This will help keep the soil moist and prevent evaporation.
A good rule of thumb is to apply a layer of mulch that's about 5-7cm deep. This will help insulate the roots of your plants and keep them healthy and hydrated.
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