Gardening Techniques
Vertical Gardening
Make the most of limited space by growing plants upwards. Use trellises, cages, or netting to support climbing plants like cucumbers, peas, and beans. It not only saves space but can also reduce disease by improving air circulation.
Companion Planting
Practice companion planting to boost productivity and manage pests. Certain plants, when grown together, mutually benefit each other. For example, marigolds deter nematodes and other pests, benefiting their plant neighbours.
Succession Planting
Keep your garden productive all season by practicing succession planting. As soon as you harvest one crop, plant another in its place. This ensures a continuous supply of fresh veggies and herbs.
Square Foot Gardening
Adopt the square foot gardening method for efficient use of space. Divide your garden bed into one-foot squares and plant different crops in each square, according to their size and space requirements.
Moon Gardening
Some gardeners swear by moon gardening, where planting is guided by lunar phases. The idea is that as the moon's gravitational pull affects tides, it may also affect soil moisture, promoting better plant growth.
Hydroponic Gardening
If soil conditions are less than ideal, consider hydroponic gardening. Plants grow in nutrient-rich water, offering faster growth rates and larger yields. It's great for indoor gardening and can be surprisingly simple to set up.
No-Dig Gardening
Preserve soil structure and biodiversity with no-dig gardening. Instead of turning the soil, add organic matter to the top. Over time, this builds rich, fertile soil with less labour and disruption.
Use of Garden Zones
Understand your garden's zones and microclimates. Place plants accordingly to maximize their growth potential - sun-loving plants in the sunniest spots, and shade-tolerant plants where sunlight is less abundant.
Permaculture Techniques
Implement permaculture principles in your garden. This includes techniques like mulching, composting, and creating plant guilds, which can increase your garden's productivity and sustainability.
Bottle Irrigation
Reduce water waste with bottle irrigation. Bury a small, perforated plastic bottle next to your plants and fill it with water. The water will slowly seep into the soil, delivering hydration right to the roots.
Keyhole Gardening
Try keyhole gardening, a technique that combines a raised bed with a central compost pile. You add kitchen waste to the compost pile, which nourishes the surrounding soil. This design also minimizes bending and reaching.