Page 23 - Cornwall Issue 6_2023

MICRO GARDENING

GARDENING

BLOOM WHERE Y OU’RE PL ANTED

ardening has never really
gone out of fashion, but
its popularity is currently
Gat an all-time high.
In the fast-paced modern age,
characterised by digital interactions
and urban living, gardening offers
a welcome respite. Gardeners will
tell you that gardening is relaxing
and therapeutic, and scientific
studies confirm the physical and
mental health benefits – proof that
gardening really is good for you.
The best part, however, is that
getting into gardening has never
been easier, no matter your level of
experience or the space you have
available.

KITCHEN GARDENS
Traditionally, a kitchen garden
refers to an area in the garden set
aside for growing food crops such
as vegetables, fruits and herbs.
However, if you don’t have an
outside garden, let alone one big
enough for a dedicated food growing
space, you can make a garden
in your kitchen. Kitchens are well
suited to indoor gardening as they
are usually designed to receive lots
of natural light throughout the day
and watering from the kitchen sink is
easy and convenient.

Popular growing options are leafy
vegetables (which can be grown
from scraps and waste), herbs and
micro greens. These are young
vegetable seedlings that can be
harvested soon after sprouting
and used as an extra fresh touch
in salads and sandwiches. Indoor
kitchen gardens can be planted can cause damaging rips and tears gardens. There may be restrictions
in a single container placed on a or pull up the roots of the plant. on hanging planters from railings
windowsill, or in multiple containers Use a specialised cutting tool when and walls, or guidelines for watering
placed around the kitchen wherever harvesting to ensure precise and systems to ensure you don’t cause
you have space. clean cuts with minimal impact on problems for the neighbours next to
your plant growth. or below you. It’s also important to
Vegetable, herb and micro green check in with the building manager
seeds can be purchased from BALCONY GARDENS about the weight your balcony
garden centres or supermarkets. You can create a lush outdoor oasis can safely carry. Large ceramic
Your garden centre can advise on right on your doorstep with a well- containers filled with soil may be too
the most suitable containers for planned balcony garden. Start small heavy for your balcony so you may
your space as well as a flowering and add pot by pot throughout the have to choose smaller containers
indoor plant to add to your food crop season, as you learn what works in made from lighter materials.
collection. your particular balcony space.
Before starting, find out if your After checking the rules and
TOP TIP: Harvesting vegetables, building has any rules and regulations, take note of the wind,
herb sprigs or micro greens by hand regulations regarding balcony sun and shade your balcony

Cornwall View • Issue 6 2023 21