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I have a dear old friend, Thomas, who raises organic vegetables in timber barrels. Several decades ago, well-used barrels were frequently discarded from the larger vineyards and distilleries or sold to gardening enthusiasts for a modest sum. Nowadays, the use of wooden barrels is greatly diminished as inexpensive alcoholic beverages are increasingly stored in stainless steel kegs. Consequently, the few wooden barrels currently available have become sought after items. They’re typically sold by outdoor design centers and antique dealers for upmarket prices. My friend recalls two men offering several thousand dollars for his collection of barrels. It was Easter Sunday and they were offering cash, he explains. They had their truck with them...

Growing in containers provides a great deal of flexibility and solves problems that might otherwise limit the creativity and enjoyment of organic gardening. Containers provide the essential platform in garden locations without soil such as patios, paved courtyards, and roof areas. They may offer the only means of gardening for individuals living in flats or apartments with limited space. Many urban dwellers have enriched their lives by growing collections of herbs in pots and containers on a windowsill. Most importantly, containers can sustain a range of plants that will struggle or fail in local soil and conditions. For example, in climates where the winter would normally kill a lime or tangelo, these can be grown successfully in containers,...

A collection of pots, plant boxes, small barrels, and other portable containers will provide a degree of control and versatility that is not often possible when herbs are planted directly to the garden. Most herbs are reasonably adaptable to a range of soil and climatic conditions. However, like any species there is usually a preferred range that will promote healthy, vigorous growth along with increased flavour, nutrient profiles, and therapeutic potencies. For example, basil flourishes in rich, moist soils with a slight acidity, whereas oregano, thyme, and sage all prefer soils which are lean, with a neutral or alkaline pH. In each instance, organic growers must exploit the preferred range to reduce the risk of their plants developing the...

Many fruit trees or vines can be successfully raised in containers. Within the average suburban allocation, container planting enables a wider diversity of species to be trialled, particularly when there is an appreciation of the various micro-climates and other growing conditions. In most regions it is important to make use of sunny, but reasonably sheltered spaces around walls, pathways, trees, and other decorative features. With the exception of very large specimens, container growing has the advantage of portability. Containers can be moved to accommodate seasonal shifts and to avoid the impact of storms and predatory insect attack. Water supply and drainage can be closely monitored and problems are often easily fixed, before any serious...