You could hardly get smaller than a window box but the possibilities are almost endless for growing your own fresh green stuff and even hot stuff like chillies or juicy tomatoes.
First things first!
You need to find the right window, balcony, deck or patio for your window boxes. Most edibles need plenty of sun, but shelter from blazing heat, wind and winter cold. The best position would be north or east facing.
Safety foremost
A window box gets heavy when filled with soil and vegetables, even lightweight plastic containers. If not securely fixed in place they can be deadly objects, literally. Experienced window box farmers suggest using brackets to secure the window boxes which should sit a few centimetres below the windowsill so that upright growing plants have more room to spread and won’t block the window.
When using window boxes on a balcony or deck, the safest option is to attach the window boxes so that they are on the inside of the balcony or deck. Even better, make or find stands on which to put the window boxes so that the tops are just level with the edge of the balcony. However, if space is an issue, and the window boxes are on the outer side, there must be absolutely no danger of the window box dislodging.
Types of containers
Opt for the lightest ones you can find, unless there is a secure base which makes it possible to consider heavier types like terracotta, cement or steel. Plastic window boxes retain moisture better and they’re lighter.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2023 من The Gardener.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2023 من The Gardener.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
What makes a garden sustainable?
It is interesting to note that the United Nations defines sustainable development as: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
Nestled within Prince Albert's rustic embrace lies a gem that is a testament to the transformative power of human vision and nature's bounty.