The Edible Container Garden
by Michael Guerra
Pub: 2000
I found this book very motivating and useful. It is
definitely a eco book with frequent references to Permaculture
and organic growing techniques. The following is a long
ramble containing my notes from the book.
Introduction
No space is to small for a pot garden.
If light is present we can grow something.
Bringing nature back into our space is very rewarding.
The steps are: 1. Survey. What do we eat?
What are we curious about?
What will our site allow?
2. Design. Water collection or source?
Light and plant match.
Wind or trellis structures.
Initial pot size and source.
3. Implementation.
compost and container building
material collection
openness to experimentation.
planting and practice.
1. Getting Started
It all begins will imagination.
Don't underestimate the potential of a small space.
Materials can be inexpensive and part of recycling.
Making mistakes is OK.
Think natural ecosystems and recycling materials.
Start simple.
Plan on paper first.
Increasing Space
Think of a outside garden as just another room.
Polytunnels create rooms
Landscaping can be edible.
Soil and Compost
It all starts with compost and soil
Building permanent beds.
Building compost and worm bins
Water
Matching plants and water needs
Rainwater catachment
Grey water (direct use on some perennials)
Containers
Just about anything can be used.
Match size to plant.
Clean containers at end of season (?? i never do this)
Materials (collection of local materials and recycling)
Paving and Paths (robust materials best, rock, tile, brick, etc.)
Low maintenance (perennials best, design site for plant)
2. Growing Spaces
Enjoyment is part of the gardening process, design it in.
Space extends both laterally and vertically.
Entry walks, roof tops, anyplace with light can be a garden.
mix plants that benefit each other.
think about root space along with light needs.
Consider a forest garden, chinese plants, etc.
Rotation (for raised beds without perennials)
Pots can be moved as seasons change.
Pruning (needed for perennials)
Working with walls
Small outside Garden spaces.
A plant can be found to fit any environment.
Fill every niche.
Weeds, fighting, eating, and living with.
Pests (think balance)
Companion plants, animals, bugs, soils.
Balconies, roofs, windowsills
3. Plant selection (lists)
vegetables (most veggies can be adapted)
Salad greens (another long list of possibles)
Fruit (often neglected fruit bushes, blueberries, etc.)
vines (sorry grapes don't like pots)
herbs (almost all herbs love pots)
edible flowers (another long list)
Appendix
container depths
companion plants
