#Edible garden planner free#

You can use a pH kit to determine the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of your soil. Alternatively, you may wish to plant drought-tolerant plants, such as local Australian natives. Fast-draining soils can be improved by digging in plenty of organic matter such as compost and manure.

A drainage rate of faster than 15 cm (six inches) per hour is excessive, and is a common characteristic of sandy soils.

You should be able to grow most edible crops well.

A rate of 2.5 to 15 cm (one to six inches) per hour indicates good drainage.

Alternatively, you may wish to plant plants that are suited to a waterlogged environment. This is a common feature of clay soils, and can be improved by adding and digging in gypsum and compost.

If the rate of drainage is less than 2.5 cm (one inch) per hour, then you have poorly draining soil.

Fill them with water and let it drain away, then refill it and time how long it takes to drain.

#Edible garden planner free#

To determine if your soil is free draining, dig a few small holes about 60 cm deep in different positions around your garden.

neutral pH to slightly acidic (pH 6 to 7).

free-draining, but still able to retain moisture and nutrients.

The ideal soil for growing edible crops is: Make sure the walking surface will not become slippery. There should be a garden tap nearby so you can water plants easily. The area selected for your edible garden should be flat and receive reasonable amounts of sunlight and some shelter from the wind.

raised garden beds, which can be purpose-built to suit your needs.

large pots, barrels, large terracotta pipes and recycled containers.

plastic and terracotta pots – if these are on castors they can be moved around easily.

old bathtubs or laundry tubs with holes for drainage.

old wheelbarrows – these are great because they can be moved about.

There is a variety of containers that can be adapted for growing plants. If you don’t need a raised garden bed for easy access, you can plant directly into the ground. Courtyards, balconies, porches and very small gardens are all suitable sites.

what infrastructure you might like to include – a shed, cupboard or potting bench can be useful for storing materials and potting up plants.Īn edible garden can be started in a small area.what you hope to achieve in the garden – you might need space for group activities or meal preparation.who the garden is for and how they will access it – consider how much room may be required for wheelchair access and whether you will need to construct raised beds.the nature of your soil – well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter is ideal.the best place – a sunny position with easy access to water will work well, but many edible plants will also grow well in partial shade.how much space you have – remember, an edible garden can be as small as one plant in a pot.

When planning your edible garden, some of the key considerations include: appreciation of food growing – provides an understanding of foods and their origin.fresh food – provides you and your family with a healthy source of inexpensive fresh food.relaxation – helps you relax and reduce stress levels.exercise – physical activity improves your endurance, strength, mobility and flexibility.Working in the garden provides benefits that include:

Research shows that gardening is a healthy activity. Your garden can start small with a few pots and containers, or even just a window box with a few herbs. With some planning and thought, you can create an interesting, productive and pleasant space that can be used as an edible garden.Īn edible garden is a garden that contains flowers, herbs, seeds, berries and plants that you can eat. People with disabilities, older people and children can find it especially rewarding to spend time in the garden tending plants and growing their own food. Gardening has many health and therapeutic benefits, and can be enjoyed by everyone.