From VOA Learning English, this is the Health and Lifestyle Report.
Research shows that growing fruits, vegetables and other plants can make us happier and reduce stress.Working with soil and plants can be fun.Besides, when we work in the garden, we can get sunshine, fresh air and exercise outdoors.
Most importantly - the garden provides us with healthy fruits and vegetables to feed our families.This can increase our sense of independence.Every time we had a bite of a sweet tomato or a fresh mung bean, we could happily say, "I planted it!"
Yes, that’s right.But not everyone has the space, time or money to build a big garden.
Well, you can use containers to grow vegetables in small Spaces.Container gardening is an easy way to grow vegetables when you lack space.Even on a balcony or roof, you can still grow in containers.
If you don’t have the money to buy containers, look for them at home or nearby.You can start your garden with anything.Do you have a bucket, basket, bag, or box?You can use all the containers.
Study your location.
Before you start, decide on a place.How much sunlight does it get?Can you get to the roof safely?Can I avoid the wind?Can you water plants easily?These are all important.
Choose the right plants.
In your container, you can control the amount of soil and water, but not the sunlight.So find out which plants will grow in your light.
Gardeners’ website says most vegetables need at least six hours of sunshine or full sun every day.Some plants, however, can grow in partial shade.That means about three to six hours of direct sunlight.
Here’s a rule of thumb: If you eat the fruit or root of a plant, it needs full sun.This includes tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, potatoes or carrots.
If you eat leaves, they can grow in partial sunlight.This includes broccoli, cauliflower, beans, beets, kale and salads.Some herbs, such as mint, coriander and thyme, grow well under partial sunlight.
https://www.agfabric.com/collections/shade-cloth-2