Creating a garden on the patio

There is abundant hope for the “yardless” wherever they reside.

Several varieties of plants, vegetables and mini fruits can be cultivated in a variety of convenient and small patio or deck spaces at the front, back or sides of homes.

The colours, scents and appearance of patio gardens enhance the ambience of any dwelling.

Small scale gardening on the patio or other small space involves using containers such as plant pots, hanging baskets, grow boxes, window boxes, barrels, plant trellis and plant ladders. Rails may be used for runners and a variety of plants can exist vertically with very creative effects. Plants may also be cultivated between tiles and around stairs. For containers the type of soil, water and drainage are major considerations.

Focus should be placed on the type of garden you intend to cultivate; should it be vegetable, ornamental, fruit, herb or a mixture? Vegetables can include tomatoes, peppers and lettuce. Varieties of ornamentals, flowering and non-flowering for patio gardens include orchids, petunias, periwinkles, marigolds, azaleas and bromeliads. An abundance of culinary and medicinal herbs inclusive of chives, sage, rosemary and thyme are favourites for patios.

An adequate amount of water should be used for each plant according to its needs to avoid drying out or rotting. Containers should be portable with lightweight soil where possible. The containers should contain holes to facilitate proper drainage and an extra container should be used to collect extra water particularly when dealing with plants at high levels. This is essential to avoid root rot and fungus formation.

• Plants that require the same amount of light and heat should be place together. The amount of sunshine and heat should be monitored. Leafy vegetables such as cabbage and lettuce need some level of shade. Fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers need the most sun while plants such as anthuriums do not require direct sunshine.

• Plants should be arranged to create visual impact in terms of colour, shape, size and texture.

• Choose and apply the correct fertiliser, insecticide and fungicide when necessary.

• Avoid containers with narrow openings.

• Cheap plastic pots may deteriorate in UV sunlight and terracotta pots dry out rapidly.

Glazed ceramic pots are excellent choices but require several drainage holes.

• Wooden containers are susceptible to rot.

Avoid wood treated with creosote, penta or other toxic compounds since the vapours can damage the plants. One advantage of wooden containers is that they can be built to sizes and shapes that suit the location.

• The size and number of plants to be grown will determine the size of the container used and also the space on your patio where the pot will be placed.

Deep rooted vegetables require deep pots; if planted in pots that are too small the roots will be restricted and will dry out very quickly.

• Make sure your pot has adequate drainage.

Holes should be 1/2 inch across. Line the base of the pot with newspaper to prevent soil loss.

• In hot climates use light-coloured containers to lessen heat absorption and discourage uneven root growth.

• Set containers on bricks, blocks or wheels to allow free drainage.

• Line hanging baskets with sphagnum moss for water retention.

Keep baskets away from afternoon sun.

• If you choose clay pots, remember that clay is porous and water is lost from the sides of the container. Plants in clay pots should be monitored closely for loss of moisture.

• Seek advice on the best soil and soil mixtures.

If you live in rented residence you can still have a patio garden once you have the permission of the landlord.

You may even combine efforts with the owners to plant food and flowers. A patio garden is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty and scents of plants, as well as the sights and sounds of visiting insects and birds at any time of the day. Happy patio gardening! For further information contact the Eastern Horticultural Club at 357-5033, 764-9125 or 720-2698 or eaasternhorticultural@ hotmail.

com The Club meets on the first Saturday of every month (except public holidays) at 3 pm at Moreton Hall, Aramalaya Presbyterian Church, Cochrane Street, Tunapuna.