GOING POTTY

It isn’t always a lack of space that makes gardeners turn to growing their edible plants in containers. There are myriad other good reasons for growing food crops in containers. Some include:

• High-rise living

• Poor backyard soil

• Limited sunlight in the garden

• Physical or health issues (eg bad back)

• Being time-poor

• Your chosen plant species has specific requirements

The benefits of container growing include:

• Being able to provide specific microclimates by moving containers around, as well as providing protection from hot summer sun, prevailing strong winds and frost in low-lying areas.

• Edibles can be very ornamental and you can even plant your herbs and vegetables mixed with flowering annuals for added colour.

• Ease of access for harvesting as having potted edibles near to where you cook makes it easy to harvest on the spot.

• Protection from possums, birds and insects by