THE ESSENCE of gardening can be captured in containers where a small version of a full-size garden can be created. People with limited land space will find container-gardening most useful as it allows one to be able to grow a variety of short term crops as would be the norm in small to large gardens, under normal conditions.
Containers
A wide range of containers can be used; e.g. old tyres, large plastic bottles, ceramic bowls, clay and plastic pots, kerosene tins as well as 189-litres, or 45-gallon drums cut into two halves.
- Select containers that are suitable to the area in which they will be used.
- Punch holes in the bottom and sides.
- The bottom of tyres should be lined with board, having punched-out holes.
- Place a layer of gravel about 2.5 centimetres or one inch deep in the bottom of the container, to allow for adequate drainage.
- Place container in a position where the plants will receive adequate sunlight.
Soil
- Container-grown plants do best in a soil mix -1 part soil (preferably loam): 1 part sand: 1 part organic matter (broken down).
- Add also six tablespoons of NPK fertiliser (11:22:22/14:28:14) to each cubic foot of soil mix (1 tablespoon per gallon).
- Soil in container should be allowed to settle for a week or two before planting.
What to Plant
The following are ideally suited for container gardening:
Vegetables: eg callaloo, tomato, peppers, lettuce, cabbage, cucumber and squash
Pulses: eg pole beans, string beans and peas
Condiments: eg onion, scallion, garlic, thyme if they are adequately supported.
Planting and Growing:
- Sow seeds directly into the container and thin out as necessary or plant seedlings
- Plant suckers/plantlets directly into containers
- Planting distances can be reduced when planting in containers.
Watering:
Water plants regularly every two to three days to maintain adequate moisture, but avoid excessive watering as this will cause water-logging.
Fertilising
After plants are established and growing, apply additional fertiliser, side dress, and foliar spray as recommended.
Pest and Disease Control
- Inspect plants regularly for the presence of insects and diseases.
- Some insect pests feed on the leaves of plants while others eat the fruit.
- To control insect infestation, you may plant marigold flowers among the plants. The strong odour of these flowers repels insects.
- To control soft-bodied insects, you may make your own simple pesticide by mixing one tablespoon of powder or liquid soap to one gallon of water.
- Garlic and onions, properly blended, filtered and sprayed on plants will also act as a repellant to insects.
- Wood ash will control cutworms and slugs.
- Plant diseases may be more difficult to detect.
When in doubt concerning infestations or infections, call on your RADA extension officer for advice.
RADA Diaries was prepared by the Division of Technology, Training and Technical Information of the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and submitted by the Communications and Public Relations Unit of RADA. Further information can be had from RADA by calling 1-888-ASK-RADA or by logging on to www.rada.gov.jm.
