• Tips and tricks for planting seasonally
• Suggestions for organic fertilisers
• Ideas for companion plants
• Harvesting tips
• What time of year to grow each vegetable or herb.

It is basically “Gardening 101” for urban gardeners who are

• short of time
• or short of space
• or new to gardening
• or wanting to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Here is a recent growing tips article called “Chilli Seeds are Hot this Summer”- its  about growing your own chillies. Or maybe you want to grow basil.

Hydroponics gardening is a technique of growing plants without soil. There are many different versions of hydroponics (eg AutoPot) so let’s have a look at some common factors and then compare them with GreenSmart self watering pots. Many of our commercial hothouse-grown vegetables and herbs are grown in hydroponics systems.

In hydroponics gardening, plants are grown in an inert growing medium. A perfectly balanced, pH adjusted nutrient solution is delivered to the plant roots in a highly soluble form. So plants are able to readily extract the nutrients for growth. In a soil based garden the plants need to spend energy searching out the right nutrients. With hydroponics gardening more plant energy is directed towards growing more leaves, fruit, flowers etc.

The inert growing medium is the material in which the roots are growing. There are many types: eg perlite, vermiculite, coconut fibre, gravel, sand. These do not provide any nutrition for the plants.

Advantages of hydroponics gardening

The nutrients are all dissolved in the water and it is quick and easy to adjust the pH to suit the growing requirements of the specific crop being grown.

No soil is needed. This is a huge benefit in places where there is no suitable soil.

Easy to harvest

As the system is all controlled there is no nutrient pollution of the surrounding environment.

Crop yields are high.

No weeding

Hydroponics gardening disadvantages

Any failure of the system results in rapid death of plants.

Nutrient pumping systems need close monitoring (blockages, power failure)

The gardener needs to be wary of pathogen attacks on the plants.

The high moisture environment results in higher humidity around the plants which is not ideal for some plants.

Most hydroponic gardening uses non-organic chemical fertilisers

Cost of the equipment is high

The gardener needs a reasonably good knowledge about growing plants.

Here is a website for hydroponics gardening  supplies www.hydroponics.co.nz

GreenSmart pots have a static reservoir of 12 litres of water under the false floor. The water is drawn up to the plant roots by wicking mechanisms. The water level is visible in a water sight glass. The plants are growing in 40 litres of potting mix. Ie the growing medium is potting mix. Organic fertilisers are mixed in with the potting mix and liquid fertiliser can also be added into the water.

Advantages of GreenSmart pots vs hydroponics gardening

Cross section of GreenSmart pot

The gardener does not need a lot of gardening skill

Plants do not need frequent checking

It is easy to create an organic garden.

The plastic is certified by USFDA as being suitable for food contact.

The pots can be shifted eg moved into sheltered position in winter.

The pots do not need daily checking for water.

Regular potting mix can be used as the growing medium.

The potting mix can be re-used for several years.

 Disadvantages of GreenSmart pots vs hydroponics

It takes time to adjust the pH of the potting mix.

Pots for plants

With pots for plants you can maximise the available growing space,create a thriving garden and avoid some of the  problems associated with other forms of gardening.

By using  the amazing GreenSmartTM pots for plants you can avoid problems associated with other types of pots.

Cross section of GreenSmart pot

These pots have a large 12 litre water reservoir underneath the roots of the plants. The water is ‘wicked’ up to the roots at a rate determined by the plants themselves. So what is wicking?

Wicking gardens are a wonderful and increasingly popular way to grow vegetables. They are self-contained raised beds with built-in reservoirs that supply water from the bottom up – changing how, and how much, you water your beds. Wicking works by capillary action. The same process that you observe when you partially dip a rolled up newspaper into a bucket of water – the water rises up the newspaper by osmosis. This creates a moisture gradient from the reservoir up to the soil around the plants.

Now back to GreenSmart pots for plants. These pots have 40 litres of potting mix sitting above the water reservoir and we start off by pushing potting mix into the eight built-in wicking tubes to make wicks. As the plants use water, the soil becomes drier and the roots automatically draw more water up through the wicks. Water is added into the water sight glass on one end of the pot when the water level gets low.

GreenSmart pots in black, cream and green

Advantages of GreenSmart pots for plants

• They are very water-efficient! Watering from the bottom up prevents evaporation of surface water (which occurs when you water beds from the top). This makes them a great system for using pots for plants in drought-prone areas or during watering restrictions.
• They are self-watering! Wicking pots are an especially great system for people who are not able to frequently check water levels. In the middle of summer, leafy crops like lettuces will only need watering every 7-10 days.
• Take the guess work out of watering.
• They are also very fertiliser-efficient. The fertiliser does not get washed away as happens with a regular garden during heavy rain.
• No evaporation means reduced salting of soil. If you are watering your soils from the top with hard water, you risk accumulating salts, because the water evaporates and leaves the minerals behind. Eventually your soil will struggle to support plant life.
• They provide easy drainage in the event of a large downpour as the pots have several seepage points just below the level of the false floor. It is impossible to flood the roots with too much water.
• Since they’re raised, the ground will warm up quicker in the spring. On a sunny day in winter the soil in a GreenSmart pot is several degrees warmer than the ground.
• You can easily attach cold frames to them.
• They are great for people with less mobility and strength as the pots can be raised up onto a bench (about a metre above the ground)
• The plant roots get more aeration because there is always a pocket of air between the water and the false floor.
• No moving parts.
• The pots are available in three colours: black, green and cream.

How about food safety when using pots for plants?

Some pots are made with recycled plastics. While this might make give us a warm feeling, it has got some risks as it is very difficult for the plastics manufacturer to verify that the plastics are safe.

GreenSmart pots do not contain any recycled plastics. All the plastic is certified by the USFDA (food and drug administration) as being suitable for food contact.

How big is a GreenSmart Pot?

There are two sizes available. The larger pot holds a 40 litre bag of potting mix and has a 12 litre water reservoir.

How about UV damage to pots for plants?

Some plastic pots will quickly become damaged by the harsh New Zealand sunlight and will disintegrate within a few years. GreenSmart pots contain a UV-retardant to reduce UV damage to the plastic.

 Larger scale wicking gardens

If you would like to know more about how to make your own large scale wicking garden then have a look at this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwh2BQ3BBmI

home grown basil for wedding anniversary gift

The pots are very simple to assemble as seen in this you tube link.

http://growgoodnz.co.nz/assemble-your-greensmart-pot/

If you are looking for a wedding anniversary gift for an enthusiastic foodie then check out these pots. They are perfect for busy people who are keen to be able to afford to eat great fresh herbs and vegetables. Maybe they don’t know much about gardening? No problem. GreenSmart pots make gardening incredibly easy for inexperienced gardeners because the plants are able to easily determine how much water they require. Also we supply regular gardening tips for gardeners to gain skills. The pots can even be shifted when they shift house. Maybe one of these pots will be the beginning of a life- long love of gardening.

Gift vouchers for a wedding anniversary gift

Let us know what you have in mind and we will do the rest. You will find gift vouchers on our website with multiple unit values of $20, $50 and $100. Let us know how many vouchers you would like to spend and we will make up your wedding anniversary gifts to the required value. Just give us the required delivery address. We will even send a card with the pots with your own greetings on it

GreenSmart pots are perfect gifts for older gardeners. We talk with a lot of older folks who have been keen gardeners in the past and love gardening. However, many find it more difficult to do the physical work of digging and bending down to ground level. GreenSmart pots can be raised up off the ground so the older gardener does not have to bend. No digging, no bending, no weeding and very little watering. How simple is that!!

Why not surprise your partner with a growing gift to celebrate your wedding anniversary?

These pots also appeal as great gifts for passionate environmentalists because:

• This style of gardening conserves water and fertilisers.
• The plastic is all approved by US Food and Drug Administration as being suitable for food contact. They do not contain any recycled plastic that has potential to contaminate your food.
• It is extremely easy for anyone to very quickly grow their own organic foods.
• The plastic is resistant to UV degradation.

These are great as a wedding anniversary gift for foodies too. Most food enthusiasts want to eat fresher and more nutritious vegetables and herbs. GreenSmart pots make a perfect gift for foodies because it is so simple to grow and harvest their own home-grown foods.

Growing gifts – give a couple of these pots already planted out with the recipient’s favourite herbs. It only takes three weeks to establish most herbs in GreenSmart pots. The recipient will be amazed to receive a herb garden that is close to being ready to harvest.

Other features and benefits

Cross section of GreenSmart pot

The pot has a water reservoir that harvests and holds 12 litres of water in the larger pot and 8 litres in the smaller pot.

The water level indicator gives a very simple visual check on the water level in the reservoir.

Insects cannot get into the water because of cross hatches on the water overflow points and a hinged lid on the water level indicator.

It is impossible to over water plants.

There is a cushion of air under between the potting mix and water reservoir – this provides aeration to the roots.

The pot has a very simple method for wicking water up out of the reservoir to the roots of the plants. Plants draw water at the rate they require water rather than when the gardener decide or remember to water their plants.

Plants grow faster than in a traditional garden.

GreenSmart pots can be used either inside or outside.

GrowGoodNZ  Ltd is a small owner-operated business that strives to give great customer service. Most orders are dispatched within two working days of placing your order. We are always on the lookout for ideas about how to improve our service so appreciate your comments and suggestions.

GreenSmart pots in black, cream and green

Herb garden Auckland. Coriander is a great choice for growing in GreenSmart planters. Do you love coriander or hate it? Most people love the pungent smell but there are a few who detest the smell and compare it to squashed bugs. The leaves are also known as Cilantro or Chinese Parsley. It is a staple of many Chinese and Mexican dishes – two of my favourite parts of the world. However it can be tricky to grow so here are some tips for growing them in Auckland. It has a habit of quickly bolting to seed if the roots get too dry or hot and is fussy about being transplanted too. It is worth checking out more NZ herb growing information at www.fragrantgarden.co.nz  It’s an on-line herb shop.

Growing Conditions

If you want to start the coriander in winter then position your GreenSmart^TM pot in a warm place around the house that does not get too much direct sun. Start by soaking seeds in water for 3 days in a warm spot like a hot water cupboard. Then plant at a depth of 6-10 mm with 10 cm between plants. It is worth planting 2 seeds per hole as often you will only get a 50% strike rate. It is a good idea to then plant a succession of seeds every 3 weeks to give continuity. If planting seedlings then choose the smallest but healthiest plants from your garden centre. Gently tease apart the roots without damaging them. Choose a place that gets good morning or late afternoon sun but out of the heat of the mid day sun. Avoid wetting the plants when watering. The plants will grow up to 30-60 cm in height. If planting in summer then choose an outdoors spot that won’t get too hot. ie catch early morning sun but avoid the midday and afternoon heat.

Fertiliser

Bury a layer of well rotted manure or a few handfuls of sheep pellets in the potting mix. Blood and bone is good too. Add nitrogen-rich liquid fertiliser directly into the water sight glass.

Pests and Diseases

Coriander has very few serious pests or diseases in your herb garden Auckland to worry about.

Harvesting

Allow for 60-75 days before picking. As long as you can prevent the plants bolting to seed you will be able to keep harvesting leaves for a couple of months. The stems, roots and seeds are all edible. Save the seeds by waiting for flowering then cut off the seed head and drying them in a paper bag for several weeks.

Parsley

parsley in GreenSmart Pot

Parsley is up near the top of my top ten herbs for a herb garden Auckland*.  Although parsley is often only seen as ‘plate fluff’ it deserves more appreciation. It is a low maintenance herb to grow and has all sorts of attributes. The bright colour looks great in the garden as well as on the plate. It is high in iron, calcium, vitamins A & C as well as some B’s.  The taste has a unique zestiness and it is a breath freshener too. There are two types: Curly Parsley and Flat Leafed Parsley or Italian Parsley. In milder parts of New Zealand, parsley is a biennial plant (grows for two years). Curly parsley has a more intense flavour than flat leafed variety. When planted from seed in year one it will form a low clump. In the second year it sends up a tall flowering spike. All the plant’s energy goes into the flowers and seeds. Suggestion: plant a GreenSmart pot near your kitchen solely for soft leafed herbs like parsley, chervil, chives, coriander, spring onions.

Growing Conditions Plant in semi shade or sun. Avoid full sun in hotter parts of the country. Parsley plants need room for development of the tap root. Parsley plants need room for development of the tap root. As parsley seeds are slow to germinate I recommend growing from small plants. If the plants you buy from the garden centre are too big there is a risk of them being root bound. Avoid planting in May to July. Parsley grows best in free draining, rich soil. They are low maintenance

Fertiliser Start the plants off with some general fertilisers like Yates Dynamic Lifter and blood & bone. Add some liquid seaweed to the water reservoir every few weeks. Parsley responds to regular dressings of nitrogen fertiliser.

Pests and Diseases Parsley is generally resistant to bugs and diseases. Watch out for slugs when plants are young.

Companions Parsley grows well with tomatoes and corn.

Harvesting Snip the outer leaves at about one cm above ground level. Do not cut out the central stalks. Cut back flower stems to prolong leaf growth.

In the Kitchen I like these recipes for tabbouleh and parsley & mint pesto

http://www.annabel-langbein.com/recipes/mint–parsley-pesto/238 http://www.nzwomansweekly.co.nz/food/entertaining/peta-mathias-tabouleh-recipe/

*Here’s Bill & Ruth’s list of our preference for top ten herbs.

1.  Basil
2.  Coriander
3.  Parsley
4.   Mint
5.   Dill
6.   Lemongrass
7.   Spring onion
8.   Rosemary
9.   Thyme
10.   Oregano

home grown basil in GreenSmart pot

Good luck with your herb garden Auckland  Good luck with your herb garden Auckland 

If you want to give  wonderful  mothers day gifts then have a look at these amazing GreenSmart pots. The GreenSmart pot is a self watering system developed during droughts in Melbourne as a means of conserving water and helping people who are short of time or space or skills.

They are a perfect gift for mothers of all ages and gardening skills.

growing lettuces for mothers day gifts

The pots are very simple to assemble as seen in this you tube link.

http://growgoodnz.co.nz/assemble-your-greensmart-pot/

If you are looking for  mothers day gifts for a younger mother then check out these pots. They are perfect for busy young mothers who are keen to be able to afford to eat great fresh herbs and vegetables. Maybe they don’t know much about gardening? No problem. GreenSmart pots make gardening incredibly easy for inexperienced gardeners because the plants are able to easily determine how much water they require. Also we supply regular gardening tips for gardeners to gain skills. The pots can even be shifted when they shift house. Maybe one of these pots will be the beginning of a life- long love of gardening.

Gift vouchers for mothers day gifts

Let us know what you have in mind and we will do the rest. You will find gift vouchers on our website with multiple unit values of $20, $50 and $100. Let us know how many vouchers you would like to spend and we will make up your mothers day gifts to the required value. Just give us the required delivery address. We will even send a card with the pots with your own greetings on it

GreenSmart pots are perfect gifts for older mothers. We talk with a lot of older folks who have been keen gardeners in the past and love gardening. However, many find it more difficult to do the physical work of digging and bending down to ground level. GreenSmart pots can be raised up off the ground so the older gardener does not have to bend. No digging, no bending, no weeding and very little watering. How simple is that!!

Why not surprise her with a surprise growing gift on Mother’s Day?

These pots also appeal as great gifts for passionate environmentalists because:

• This style of gardening conserves water and fertilisers.
• The plastic is all approved by US Food and Drug Administration as being suitable for food contact. They do not contain any recycled plastic that has potential to contaminate your food.
• It is extremely easy for anyone to very quickly grow their own organic foods.
• The plastic is resistant to UV degradation.

home grown basil for mothers day gifts

These are great as mothers day gifts for foodies too. Most food enthusiasts want to eat fresher and more nutritious vegetables and herbs. GreenSmart pots make a perfect gift for foodies because it is so simple to grow and harvest their own home-grown foods.

Growing gifts – give a couple of these pots already planted out with the recipient’s favourite herbs. It only takes three weeks to establish most herbs in GreenSmart pots. The recipient will be amazed to receive a herb garden that is close to being ready to harvest.

Other features and benefits

The pot has a water reservoir that harvests and holds 12 litres of water in the larger pot and 8 litres in the smaller pot.

The water level indicator gives a very simple visual check on the water level in the reservoir.

Insects cannot get into the water because of cross hatches on the water overflow points and a hinged lid on the water level indicator.

It is impossible to over water plants.

There is a cushion of air under between the potting mix and water reservoir – this provides aeration to the roots.

The pot has a very simple method for wicking water up out of the reservoir to the roots of the plants. Plants draw water at the rate they require water rather than when the gardener decide or remember to water their plants.

Plants grow faster than in a traditional garden.

GreenSmart pots can be used either inside or outside.

GrowGoodNZ  Ltd is a small owner-operated business that strives to give great customer service. Most orders are dispatched within two working days of placing your order. We are always on the lookout for ideas about how to improve our service so appreciate your comments and suggestions.