​Planning on starting seedlings? Then why not start them in biodegradable pots? Plus you can just plant out your seedlings in the garden when they are ready. Finally, since we are using little biodegradable pots and we have all sorts of organic material in our everyday trash production, we ought to just make our own pots using that.
Starting seedlings like this are just way better. They can be planted out in the garden without having to remove them from their pots and disturb those fragile young roots. The pot will then decompose right in place, often attracting earthworms, which are always squirming around for a snack. As the pot weakens in the ground, the plant’s roots will be getting stronger and bust through the sides.
Even better, the plants get all of those benefits, and we haven’t created any waste in the meantime. In fact, we’ve creatively used our garbage for the forces of good. Check out these simple and effective options for DIY biodegradable pots.

​Making newspaper pots is an inexpensive way to make pots for your seeds and seedlings. Make them, plant seeds in them, and once they are big enough to withstand the outside elements, simply plant them whole into the garden. The newspaper will eventually rot down in time for the roots of the plant to spread into the soil.

​If you regularly get coffee or tea in a paper to-go cup (because you keep forgetting your reusable mug, of course), or can raid the office trash or recycle bin for these, they make great seedling pots as well. Be sure to punch some small drainage holes in the bottom, and when you're ready to plant them in the garden, you can pull off the bottom of the cup and plant the rest, or remove it entirely and add the old cup to your compost pile.
There are coffee cups which can be composted but be aware that some, because they have a plastic lining are not compostable. Personally, I do not use this method anymore and take a refillable cup with myself when I go out because I cannot guarantee that I will be supplied with the newest coffee cups. 

​For thinner cardboard boxes, such with cereal or crackers, it’s possible to make pulp planter pots, and it’s a great project to do with the kids. Rip the boxes up into small pieces, soak them in water for a couple of hours, and whiz the soaked pieces in a regular blender. With muffin tins, use this pulp to form little pots inside the molds. Let pulp dry and that’s a pot. These probably work best for really quick seeds like lettuce.

​Become more self-sufficient by growing some of your own food. Even if you don’t have a lot of space for a garden plot you can grow some sustenance in containers.
First things first, if your potting mix is rich with organic matter, you’re going to have an easier time.
Plenty of organic matter will allow the soil to hold moisture naturally for longer, thus reducing your need to water as frequently. Moreover, it adds slow-release nutrients to your growing medium which will reduce the amount of fertiliser needed.
Compost and vermiculture are great ways to add organic matter to your mix.

​Vegetables that grow well in containers:

TomatoesMake sure tomatoes are given plenty of calcium and a proper trellis to support their floppy growth.
BeansPole beans are climbing plants and unless you plan to use a trellis for this purpose, you’re probably better off picking a bush variety of beans. This means that they will not need a trellis and will form a bush shape above your container. A little Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) works wonders for beans.
LettuceThe trick to growing good lettuce is cool (not cold) weather, plenty of nitrogen (remember that organic matter mentioned earlier- yes, lots of that), and plenty of light. A lot of indoor gardeners go wrong with lettuce because they don’t provide enough light and the leaves become leggy.
Greens are generally very good picks for container gardens due to their shallow root systems. Just make sure that the soil is rich.
Note: when adding “hot” amendments such as manures and guanos to soil mixes, the mix must be left to “cook” for at least two weeks or it will burn the leaves. “Cooking” the soil simply means to mix and leave to rest, turning occasionally.

Growing Autumn Winter Vegetables

Autumn is a great time of the year to plant those vegetables and herbs that love cooler conditions. These will be ready to harvest throughout Winter and Spring, providing fresh produce and ingredients for your home.
Autumn and Winter vegetables to plant

Sunlight

Sunlight is very important for all vegetables – fruiting and flowering vegetables require the most whilst leafy and root vegetables require less. Remember that the sun is lower in its path across the sky in Winter, resulting in an increased amount of shade, especially if your garden has trees or high structures around it. Therefore, position your Winter garden in the sunniest section of your property, as long as it is not exposed to high winds or frost. If your garden gets very little Winter sunlight, focus on growing leafy vegetables such as Lettuce, Spinach and Pak Choi, and root vegetables such as Onions and Parsnip.
Frost
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Frost has a critical impact on most plants, especially young ones that are fragile to temperature extremes. If you live in a climate with regular frost, ensure plants are established early so they can tolerate the temperature changes better. Some vegetables can tolerate a bit of frost and for some it even improves the taste, for example, Snow Pea and Parsnip.
 
 
Timing your planting
Getting your plants underway early before the cold weather sets in can help with increasing their robustness to cope with temperature extremes. However, beware of warmer season pests such as caterpillars and snails.
It is important to recognise the full growing period of your plants. Consider what the weather conditions are from planting the seed to expected harvest. Some of the leafy vegetables are ready for harvest in as little as 6 weeks, while some root vegetables can take 18 weeks to mature. Check the seed packet for further details.

Pests and diseases
There are fewer pests and diseases in the cooler part of the year, giving you much needed relief from constant pest control. However, continue to ensure good air circulation through adequate spacing to minimise growth of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, and avoid watering the leaves of the plants as trapped moisture will harbour diseases.
Maintenance
Another advantage of growing in Winter is that less watering is needed due to lower evaporation rate. You may only need to water your plants during longer dry spells. Feed your plants with organic matter such as manure, fish or seaweed solution every few weeks to encourage rapid growth and maximise your crop.
Once you have harvested your garden look to plant green manure crop which will improve the soil structure and nutrient levels prior to your Spring sowing. Dig them into the soil when mature to provide nitrogen and organic matter as they rot.

Times are different ATM. People are hoarding and shelves in supermarkets are empty and people are worried. Starting a garden at home is possible even if you don’t have much space. Even a relatively small plot of land can produce a variety of foods to help feed you and your family. If you are wondering whether to establish your own kitchen garden, here are some reasons why you should go ahead.
 
Provides Food Safety
By growing your own food, and knowing what you are inputting into the ecosystem on which it grows, you can feel secure knowing that you can feed yourself and your family with unadulterated, fresh food, even in times of shortage.
 
Uses Waste for Positive Functions
A garden is designed to minimize waste. In fact, it converts what is commonly thought of as waste into useful products, be that flowers to feed your creativity and wellbeing, fruit and veg which feeds your body or something which provides habitat for beneficial birds, insects and wildlife. So, the food scraps from your kitchen become compost, old jeans become mulch, and it may even be possible to recycle the greywater from your bathroom and laundry for use in the garden, if you set it up.
 

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Preserves Heirloom Species
Modern agricultural practices tend to use manufactured seeds. A food garden is a great opportunity to save your own seed thus preserving heirloom species – those that have been unadulterated by modern industrial processes and are part of the natural heritage of a location. There are now concerted efforts to preserve these species, and using them in your own garden enables you to play a part in that effort.

Adds Variety
In your own kitchen garden, you get to decide what goodies are available. You can plant a wide variety of different foods (depending on the space available and the local climatic conditions, of course) to make your diet broader. You can also plant different varieties of certain plants to ensure a year-round supply. You will no longer be limited by what the local shops have in stock.
 
 Gives You Fresh and Nutritious Food
Not only does growing your own food mean you can expand the variety of foods you eat, and know that they are unadulterated with chemicals, you also get to experience the taste of the produce at its freshest. Digging up a potato, plucking some broad beans, or snipping off some herbs, carrying them straight to the kitchen and incorporating them into a meal gives the most flavour, as the produce hasn’t had the time to deteriorate. The other substantial benefit of this short time from harvest to table is that food retains a greater proportion of its nutritional content, making the food from your garden better for you.

Attracts Wildlife
A kitchen garden, actually any garden attracts wildlife. The plants and trees provide habitats for birds, mammals and insects. A healthy soil also provides an environment for microorganisms to thrive, which in turn will help your plants to flourish. And if you have room for a pond, the diversity of the species attracted is increased again.

nserves Biodiversity
This diversity is another reason to establish a garden. By planting a wide variety of species and welcoming as diverse a range of wildlife as possible, you create an ecosystem rich in biodiversity. This helps, even if in a small way, to counter modern food production practices that are typically monocultures.
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Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
Your carbon footprint – the ecological damage via greenhouses that your way of life has on the planet – is reduced if you eat food from your garden. By avoiding supermarket produce, even just for some of your food, you reduce the carbon cost of transporting foodstuffs to shops and the energy and water used to package it.
 
Gives Self-Fulfillment
You have set up a garden, successfully grown vegetables that you have eaten straight from the land. You have done so while respecting the planet and making every effort to minimize the negative impacts of modern food production. That’s should give you a great sense of self- fulfillment and a satisfied smile on your face.​

​No greens for your smoothie? No problem! Do you have wilting herbs in the fridge? What a waste of money. Try a trendy kitchen garden, it’s easier than people think. There is nothing to it but to do it, the experts say.
While I would normally recommend a plan, those of you new to gardening and keen to start, immediately, if not sooner I think we can help by recommending you start small and follow a few simple steps, make the right choices for the garden and soon you will be harvesting. 

Normally I would be saying amend your soil, but this can be difficult. So, I am saying by starting small and putting in a few simple and fun interventions now the long-term plant for great soil and having organic produce will be achieved. You will still need to start from the ground up, but you need some confidence also. Hence, for your first year buy in a good mix either in bags as a potting mix or by the trailer load. 

​You can either “direct sow” seeds or plant “transplants”, which are already started before they get to their growth destination. Some seeds, like root vegetables, should always be directly sown in their final soil home. Other plants, such as tomatoes, thrive in a garden once they’ve been nurtured as a seedling and ready to transplant.
It is strongly suggested that at this stage you plant seedlings, a few of your favourite eating types. I mean why would you grow something you will not eat?  Maybe think about planting a few herbs, which are more easily grown but will always be there for you to use in the kitchen either cooked or cold in salads or garnish. How about rosemary, oregano, chives, spring onions and do not forget, mint. Most of these herbs will grown well in containers and can be moved around as companion plants. 
As mentioned before there's no point growing stuff you and your family don't like. So, ask them what they like to eat and you will encourage help and support from them and extra hands in the garden also. ​

​As well as simply thinking about what you like eating, here are some other points to consider:

• Work out a list of the types of vegetables you tend to buy then see how they fit in.
• You can choose crops by when to plant them or follow some suggested plant combinations.

 
For spring planting are cool weather crops, such as lettuce, kale, swiss chard and spinach. When harvesting leafy greens, pick the outer leaves, never cut off more than one-third of the foliage because once you cut it off, that’s the end of the plant. Did you know that if you leave the stalk of a cabbage in the ground after you take the head, small cabbages will grow again along the stork? This also applies to broccoli so you can continue to crop. Head size gets smaller but just as nice and eventually you need to pull out the whole plant so you discourage disease from forming in your beds.
However, plant choice is a predominately important factor in successful gardening. Start with easier plants first and get some experience behind you before you try more challenging plants.

​Plants are basic; they need sun, water and food (fertiliser).
 
Plant conditions vary based on the type of plant you are planting. Each plant or seed packet will be labelled with its sun needs, water needs & planting guidelines.
 
To determine just how much water a plant needs, or if its deficient or being overwatered, try “finger test”. Put your finger in the soil. If it is wet up to the second knuckle, no need to water.  Overwatering is a big mistake, causing you plants roots to rot, as mentioned before and it will wash away nutrients and rot the roots.
 
 
Feed your plants and they’ll feed you, is an old sating but very true. Apply a fertilizer, if your wanting organic produce suggestions are:
Pelletised manure
Liquid fish-based fertiliser
Blood & Bone – side note this needs to be mixed with the soil to become effective.
A seaweed compound – side note this is not a fertiliser but acts to strengthen the cell walls of your plants and is good gear. 

​Watch your plants grow do not tug at them, it disturbs the roots and stops them growing. Watch their grown and smile at your own growth. You have learnt a new skill and if you have made a mistake somewhere along the road learn from it, be thankful you had it now at the early part of your gardening journey and do not give up.
 
Write it down as a future reference in a gardening journal, because you will forget.

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