WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Soil
It is important to use the right soil so that your seedlings will thrive rather than soil dug up from a garden so that it contains the right nutrients. Any garden centre or supermarket will sell compost that will contain the right soil mix for your seeds.
I recommend a peat free compost like this one Miracle Grow - Premium All Purpose Compost - Peat Free Biodegradable Seed Cell Trays
Pots/Containers
If you use shop bought pots or containers, consider the environment and choose natural materials rather than plastic, such as terracotta or bamboo fibres.
Even better, you can use items that you already have at home that would otherwise go to landfill such as cans, plastic milk bottles or unused household objects such as an old sieve, teacups, whisky barrels or even kids welly boots that have become too small!
The options really are endless, depending on your imagination or budget. The important consideration is to make sure the pots you choose have drainage holes. This can be easily done with a drill.
Seeds
Choose high quality premium seeds that have a better rate of germination. All of our seeds are fresh, non-gmo seeds and are ideal for growing all year round and starting a container garden. Some of our favourite picks to start with that are quick and easy from sowing to harvest and can also be grown on a windowsill are: Cress, Lettuce, Basil, Coriander, Parsley, Mint, Thyme, Rosemary. Herbs are a great way to dip your toe in the water if you are a total beginner at growing your own from seeds as they can be sown in small pots inside on a window all year round and are fast to grow and easy to add as garnishes to your favourite dishes. Try our Chefs Herb Garden Seed Kit to get you started.
Water
Water is an essential component to get your seeds growing and your seedlings off to a healthy journey to harvest. However, plants can also drown if overwatered, so remember to check that your pots or containers have drainage holes and are not left to sit in stagnant water.
A popular and successful way to water your plants is bottom watering. This is when you fill the saucer/plate under the pots with water and the plant will take as much water as it requires through the drainage holes. After a few hours, get rid of any excess water that is still in the plate/saucer.
Don't forget a good watering can to keep your plants happy. This one is great for kids. It is made with recycled plastic, is safe, non-toxic and contains no BPA, PVC, phthalates or external coatings. Kids Eco Watering Can
Alternatively, this vintage galvanised steel metal watering can is a great alternative.
Shelter
Read the sow and grow instructions for your plant to find out how much sunlight your plant requires. Not all plants will thrive in the same sunlight conditions. Some plants require much more shade than others to avoid getting scorched and sunburnt! If you have space, a wooden greenhouse is a great option to keep plants happy and sheltered from wind, rain and pests.
SOW & GROW
Once you have decided which seeds you want to grow. Follow the instructions as each seed variety will require planting depending on the season. Also take note of the spacing between seeds, how much watering and sunlight they require, whether they need support such as a cane or trellis. If you start your seeds in cells or seed trays once the plant begins to grow it will need to be repotted into bigger pots.
Natural Bamboo Plant Canes Biodegradable Seed Cell Trays Natural Bamboo Trellis for pots
ADVANTAGES OF A CONTAINER GARDEN
Growing your own in pots or containers has many advantages for beginners. If things don't work out and the plant dies or gets a disease it will not spread and will be contained to throw away and start again. Growing in containers also allows for portability - handy for bringing your plants indoors for the cooler months or moving home.
Container gardening is also extremely kid friendly and a great activity for the whole family to enjoy. When children take part in the process they enjoy the magic of watching the plants grow, develop healthier eating habits and are more likely to try new foods, especially if they have been lovingly nurturing the plant from seed to harvest.
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