Container Gardening - Equipment

Here's my list of things to acquire for the balcony garden. If you have the time and interest, try sourcing items second-hand from a thrift store or on Craigslist. I scored these great whisky barrel planters for $40. Especially with containers, you can get really creative... rain boots, kiddie pools, old bathtubs ... the sky's the limit.

• Containers.
  Be sure to add drainage holes if there aren't any; plants don't like to be sitting in water for too long. If you don't want to drill holes, the next best thing is to add a layer of lil' rocks to the bottom of your pot.
  Keep in mind that different materials hold water differently: plastic, ceramic and tin holds water for longer; terracotta and wood less.
  Consider the plant when thinking about pot size. Better to go big than too small.


• Potting mix.
  I had to do a little searching before I found organic potting mix; $5 for 15L bag at Grassroots, also sold in bulk. Though it has peat moss in it, which I heard is sourced in an environmentally-destructive way. Boo.
  Don't use garden soil; you'll need a sterile mix.
  


• Fertilizer.
  I'm hoping my worm composter will provide all the fertilizer I need. Plus I have a little sample bag of organic fish compost from a nice man at the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair, so I figure I'm good to go. But in case you're looking, check out the organic fertilizers at Grassroots, all under the Urban Harvest brand.


• Pruning scissors.
  Much more kind to the plant than twisting, pulling, etc.


• Gardening gloves.


• Trowel.
  


• Watering can.
  Not essential, but makes it easier to sprinkle your plants with water and avoid flooding them with a sudden, hard downpour.


• Resources.
  Books, internet sites (like this one!), people.


• A PLAN!
  Lots can be said for trial-and-error, but you'll probably have more success from the start if you're armed with a little knowledge and some ideas of where to put your plants, considering sun/temperature.

And, if you're starting from seed, you'll also need:

• Seeds.
  Seed exchanges are great - I think YouGrowGirl.com has a forum for this. Otherwise, you can buy from a garden store, or order directly from a specialized seed seller. Some popular organic seed sellers from Ontario: Urban Harvest, The Cottage Gardener, and Greta's.
  


• Seed starting mix.
  Where's the organic seed starting mix in Toronto at? Since I couldn't find any, I'll try potting mix. A lady at Grassroots suggested this, since she had some success with it. Plus I like the idea of buying less things, and using what you already have.


• Cells or small containers (if starting indoors).
  You could buy seed cells, or use containers you have on-hand. I cut up some empty tetrapak cartons and plastic bottles, added some holes in the bottom, and placed them on styrofoam take-out trays.


• Very sunny spot, or a fluorescent light (if starting indoors).
  If you don't have a south-facing window or balcony, get a fluorescent light from a thrift shop.