Page 15 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 10_2023

GETTING INTO GARDENING HAS NEVER BEEN

EASIER, NO MATTER YOUR LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE

OR THE SPACE YOU HAVE AVAILABLE

ardening has never
really gone out
of fashion, but its
popularity is currently
at an all-time
Ghigh. 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.
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
in a single container placed on a
windowsill, or in multiple containers
placed around the kitchen wherever
you have space. clean cuts with minimal impact on or below you. It’s also important to
your plant growth. check in with the building manager
Vegetable, herb and micro green about the weight your balcony
seeds can be purchased from BALCONY GARDENS can safely carry. Large ceramic
garden centres or supermarkets. You can create a lush outdoor oasis containers filled with soil may be too
Your garden centre can advise on right on your doorstep with a well- heavy for your balcony so you may
the most suitable containers for your planned balcony garden. Start small have to choose smaller containers
space as well as a flowering indoor and add pot by pot throughout the made from lighter materials.
plant to add to your food crop season, as you learn what works in
collection. your particular balcony space. After checking the rules and
Before starting, find out if your regulations, take note of the wind,
TOP TIP: Harvesting vegetables, building has any rules and sun and shade your balcony
herb sprigs or micro greens by hand regulations regarding balcony receives. Set aside a day when
can cause damaging rips and tears gardens. There may be restrictions you are at home and pay careful
or pull up the roots of the plant. Use on hanging planters from railings attention to the following:
a specialised cutting tool when and walls, or guidelines for watering
harvesting to ensure precise and systems to ensure you don’t cause • Where does the sunlight fall on
problems for the neighbours next to your balcony?
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14 DPL issue 10 2023