one-day course urban/small-space gardening

venue: Bill Quay Community Farm, Gateshead

This course will teach you how to grow your own fruit, vegetables and herbs in small spaces.  If you don't think you have enough space, then think again! A container and a window ledge is enough!  From an indoor herb garden on your kitchen window sill to containers of fresh salad and seasonal veg on your patio, this course will show you that there are lots of options.

Container gardening is adaptable and versatile. Ideal for window sills, balconies, landings, patios, courtyards or roof areas - this method of growing allows you to create a perfect growing environment for any particular plant, and with the proper attention a container garden can be as productive as one planted directly in the ground.

The choice of containers is almost endless and doesn’t have to be expensive, it can be a great opportunity to recycle otherwise redundant objects and give them a new lease of life.

The course includes:

• growing from seed and buying established plants
• what sort of container - materials, size, weight
• drainage and water retention
• watering and feeding
• soil types, fertilisers, organics
• which plants grow best in containers
• creating a seasonal growing plan
• companion planting
• dealing with common pests without the use of pesticides
• clearing out and replanting
• making the most of the space you have

more on container / small space gardening

all sorts of containers can be used to garden in small spaces

you can grow great beans in a bag!

or you could grow artichokes in an old plastic container