Sow seeds and save money 

The federal budget just dropped, but for many Australians, the supermarket checkout total still delivers the real shock. As prices rise and home-spending tightens, growing your own food at home has a fresh appeal. Organic gardening offers a way to save some money, practice a resilient skill, and just maybe discover a relaxing way to unwind.  

Many people want to purchase fresh food at the supermarket that is not chemically treated or genetically modified, but the organic label in grocery stores often comes with a hefty price tag. That’s where the backyard garden comes in.  

Home gardeners benefit from knowing where their food has come from with the added bonus of cutting down on plastic packaging and food waste. While sowing those first seeds can feel intimidating, a successful vegie patch often begins with a single pot on the windowsill with some easy herbs.  

Give it a go yourself—here’s where to start. 

Herbs 

You’ve probably been here: you buy a whole bunch of herbs from the local supermarket for a recipe, only to end up wasting half the packet. Growing your own herbs is an easy solution to the waste, and can shave off a few dollars on the weekly grocery shop. There are plenty of effective pots and containers to grow them in, just use good-quality potting mix! You can even make your own soil mix for seedlings.

Begin with the herbs you enjoy cooking with such as oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Whether you wish to plant indoors or outdoors, simply choose a spot with plenty of sunlight, so your soil will not stay too wet in winter, or after watering. Other kitchen staples like chives, mint and parsley are all more tolerant of extra dampness and a bit less sun, so plant accordingly!  

When you grow herbs, you not only have fresh ingredients for any meal, but you get to add some greenery to your indoor space. 

Tomatoes and other vegies 

Once you’ve begun planting herbs, you may start thinking about growing vegies. An easy one to start with is tomatoes. Enrich your soil before planting by adding organic matter like compost to boost fertility and nutrients. From a sunny kitchen windowsill to a garden bed outdoors, tomatoes thrive in the warm sun. These five tips from Phil Dudman will help you begin your tomato planting journey.  

If you’re sick of soggy supermarket lettuce, the leafy green is easy and rewarding to grow, thriving all year round. They grow in pots and can sit in the shady part of any garden.  

Garden beds 

The next step you can take to provide even more fresh food is a raised garden bed. You can start small, with purpose-built garden beds made especially for balconies, or building your own in a small courtyard with reused bricks. Check here for a more in-depth guide on creating a garden bed that suits your space. 

You can choose from a variety of containers, pots, and garden beds depending on where you’re planting. As with herbs and any edible plant you need sunshine (ideally six hours at least!), and easy access to water, whether you’re out on your balcony with a watering can or have installed a wicking bed. 

Don’t stop at vegies 

As you grow more confident, you may soon graduate to fruit trees. The world—and the garden—is your oyster. In times of uncertainty, there is something deeply reassuring about tending to a plant each day: watching your seedlings sprout, tomatoes ripen, and fruits flower. As you embark on your journey, remember to try growing whatever you wish and have fun; you may just catch the gardening bug.  

Every issue of ABC Organic Gardener is filled with growing ideas and practical solutions — you can get a copy delivered to your door by subscribing here.

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Tomatoes