this post was submitted on 29 Jul 2023
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Spewing that I’m not in great physical condition now and can’t really garden. Seed libraries are around if anyone wants to try it.
Also I’m not sure of the heavy metal in the soil (the tested map sites on either side vary) so I’d have to do raised beds which don’t move house well. And if I went outside the furry baby would either be crying inside or follow me out and take the chance to abscond. Melbcat’s a fully indoor kitty now.
I know that leafy veg have shallow roots and require less light so maybe that’s a go, window box inside. Maybe more cat grass. Paris Market carrots are also very short and round for containers, I think root veg also need less light than fruiting plants. But I have to fork out more for either self watering pots or watering spikes for bottles because I’m not going to remember.
It all adds up at Bunnings 💸 But I’m just trying to think of something constructive but not overwhelming while I feel like shit
For affordable soil testing for heavy metal contaminants, Macquarie Uni does a very cheap test of soil samples you send in. You can also send household dust for analysis. Details here https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-science-and-engineering/departments-and-schools/school-of-natural-sciences/our-research/impact-case-studies/vegesafe-and-dustsafe#:~:text=VegeSafe%20is%20a%20community%20science,our%20soil%20metal%20testing%20program.
Thanks, I thought about doing it.
Another issue is though is edible plants vs visiting cat poops
hugs
How about some pots outside next to front or back door, would they get enough light? Wouldn’t have to go far to look after them, if you had to carry watering can? Snow peas or sugar snap peas are surprisingly productive and make use of vertical space. Or a pot of strawberries would be delightful for the warmer months, but have to protect from birds or possums.
I was going to do a vertical garden, unfortunately it would require going outside (clingy Houdini cat) and a nosy Karen neighbour would make a massive stink
You can get soil samples tested for free in Victoria with the Gardensafe program. You just need to pay for the postage to them.