Chillies
With the cold weather having arrived, planting your seedlings is not ideal in the lower temperatures, however, if you are still feeling a little “green thumb”, then you can opt to create a hanging garden to grow some herbs and veggies. A hanging garden can be placed under shelter, however still needs sunlight in order to flourish.
It is always rewarding for any gardener to reap the benefits of his hard work, so why not reap a few of the benefits yourself, by growing fruit, veggies and herbs in your hanging baskets.
Many gardeners opt to purchase the plants of the produce they are wanting to grow, instead of growing them from seeds. This is more convenient and a faster way of seeing the results.
Horticulturist, William Brown of Granny Mouse Country House & Spa provides 5 type of produce you can grow in a hanging garden using hanging baskets.
Firstly, to prepare the baskets, fill with a handful of sphagnum moss at the bottom and around the sides, ensuring excess water is drained. Then, place a layer of potting soil on top of the moss and continue until halfway. Then add seedlings. You may need to layer some of the produce again.
- Spring Onions: Can literally be planted all year round in South Africa’s subtropical climate. They have a very shallow root system and can be planted in small pots.
- Chillies: These fruit need sunshine and warmth, and can be grown indoors near a windowsill that receives direct sunlight. Soil should be kept moist but not wet.
- Lettuce: To plant lettuce, remove the seedlings fromm the nursery pots and lay down on soil ensuring the lettuce leaf can protrude out of the side of the basket. Add moss, soil and lettuce seedlings in layers until you have filled the basket. Top with soil and pat down gently. Water thoroughly when first planted and then water regularly.
- Cherry Tomatoes. These are the easiest to grow, but need sunlight. Layer the basket with moss and soil and then dig a hole to fit the tomato seedling in. Water.
- Herbs: Can include Coriander, Basil, Mint, Thyme, Sage and more. Fill half the basket with potting soil and then plant the herbs around the outside of the basket.
Happy planting!