Urban Organics - Growing Veggies Naturally

Organic growing is something that we often aspire to, if only it weren’t so difficult.

Preparation is key: Plants grown in the right place, given enough space, and planted in healthy soil are far less likely to suffer from pests and diseases. Not sure of a plant’s growing requirements? When planting, check the labels or ask one of the Kings Plant Barn in-store experts.

Healthy soil: To many people soil is basically dirt. The static inert remains of worn away mountains. However, this is somewhat off the mark. Soil is actually a stunningly complex and vibrant ecosystem; the interface between life and death, the earth and the sky. It's full of minerals, the rotted down remains of life (humus), roots, fungi, billions of bacteria (a single teaspoon can contain more than a billion bacteria and yards of fungal strands), worms and insects. And just as the beneficial microbes in your gut help keep you healthy, those in the soil help your plants, providing nutrients and some protection from pest and diseases.

Clay soils: A large amount of Ponsonby and Grey Lynn is on clay soil. Clay soils are often maligned. However, if you improve them they can be great to grow in.

Top tips to improve clay soils: Aerate the soil (fork it). Mix in compost, sheep pellets, and Gypsum before planting to improve structure and add fertility. Feed plants and stimulate beneficial microbial activity by using natural fertilisers such as Nature’s Organic Fertiliser, Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, and/or Worm Farm compost and liquid tea.

Other tips:
• Grow companion plants - companion plants can be used to attract beneficial predators, repel pests, and act as a sacrificial crops. To start try: alyssum, chives, borage (the leaves are great as a cucumber substitute in gin and tonics), marigolds, and nasturtiums.

• Rotate your crops - growing the same plants in the same spot increases the risk of diseases. This is particularly important when growing tomatoes and potatoes.

• Water deeply and regularly. Where possible avoid wetting the foliage of tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers and pumpkins when you water.

What's in season? Plant in full sun: tomatoes, basil, chillies, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, courgettes and spinach. Veggies for part shade: rocket, parsley, coriander, lettuce and kale.

For more information ask an in-store expert and to find you nearest KINGS PLANT BARN store go to www.kings.co.nz