one-day course urban/small-space gardening

venue: Hackney City Farm, London

Have you always wanted to grow your own food, but don’t think you have the space? Then think again! An amazing amount of food can be grown in a tiny space, you just need advice about what grows best and what conditions are needed. Growing plants in containers can turn your balcony, patio or windowsill into a beautiful edible display.

Container gardening is adaptable and versatile. Ideal for 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 see or buying established plants
• what sort of container - materials, size, weight
• drainage and water retention
• watering and automatic watering systems
• soil types and feeding
• fertilizers, organics
• which plants grow best in containers
• companion planting
• dealing with common pests, without the use of pesticides
• clearing out and replanting
• making the most of the space you have

dates: see 'book online' below

more on container / small-space gardening

an urban courtyard growing tomatoes, basil, courgettes, lavender etc. in home-made timber containers and pots

basil and other herbs growing in brightly-coloured food bags on a window-sill

chard and nasturtiums growing in a container on a balcony