My tips will get you a blooming indoor garden including your own potato tower – follow my method to save money on seeds
A BLOOMING lovely indoor garden could be within your grasp this summer with tips from a garden pro.
He said his easy-to-follow plant method will save you money on seeds.
But that's not all because he also demonstrates how to build your own potato tower.
Produce fresh from your indoor garden just became a possibility.
If you are new to growing fruit and vegetables from your garden shed, then potting expert Sam Jenkinson, from garden-building retailer Tiger can help.
His easy-to-follow hacks are ideal for beginners and veterans alike.
USE GROW BAGS
You don't need a huge vegetable patch to grow produce. Instead, use grow bags, said Sam.
Many plants can be grown from grow bags inside your garden shed instead of being planted outside.
Sam said there were ingenious ways of using a grow bag.
"You can create a potato tower in a bag that can be grown vertically which is great if you have limited space," he wrote.
It's even better come harvest time. You barely have to get your hands dirty because you just empty the bag and separate the veggies.
But grow bags still need attention so don't get too relaxed.
The soil needs to be kept moist and keep it in the sunlight as much as possible.
PLANT ROTATION
If you have lots of plants jostling for space in a tiny area, then it can be difficult to achieve balanced exposure to light for all veggies.
Therefore, regularly rotating your plants for some sun soaking is essential for growth and health.
"Rotating your plants helps their ability to photosynthesis effectively, which will result in tastier fruit and vegetables." wrote Sam.
This gives them all an equal shot at growth and thriving.
KEEP FOOD SCRAPS
So much goodness can be found in vegetable and fruit scraps.
The bits you can't use could go into a compost heap, that will save you money in the long term.
But stem butts and seeds from many common fruits and vegetables can be turned into a fresh new plant.
Foods such as garlic, celery, peppers, tomatoes, and strawberries can all be grown from scraps.
All you have to do is put them in a pot, fill them with soil, and water, and place them in a sunny position.
GROW HERBS
Even for the most inept of gardeners, herbs are an easy win.
The satisfaction derived from home-grown produce will generate a feeling of well-being.
"Herbs need a lot of natural light, so placing them alongside your window in your potting shed is perfect for helping them grow," said Sam.
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space, and repel pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packs of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like Amazon's Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter, $35 to make more use of a small space.
- Use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, from Amazon to keep away bugs that eat your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce the use of pesticides and keep pests away from your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa's Weeder - The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles, $45, from Amazon is a helpful tool you can use without having to bend over.
"When watering them, do so with room temperature water instead of cold tap water as this will shock them," wrote Sam.
VERTICAL GARDENING
Gardening in small spaces represents challenges, but these can be overcome with creative thinking.
Floor space might be limited, but don't forget wall space, which is often under-utilized.
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"You can grow herbs in hanging baskets, use tiered shelves that hold multiple plants, or install a vertical fabric growing system," said Sam.
"This will allow you to grow more fruit and veg without sacrificing floor space," he added.