Ep 2 - Growing in Containers and Small Spaces with Costa

🪴 Episode 2: Growing in Containers and Small Spaces with Costa Georgiadis

Small space gardening is booming — and in this epsiode, your host Paul West is joined by none other than Costa Georgiadis, Grow It Local's national patron and Australia’s favourite gardening guru. In this episode, Costa shares practical, inspiring ways to grow lush, productive gardens in balconies, courtyards, rooftops, and tiny backyards using containers, clever design, and a whole lot of creativity.

From choosing the right pots and soil to working with microclimates and seasonal light shifts, this episode is a must-listen for renters, small-space dwellers, and anyone looking to make the most of limited growing space.

 

 

🧭 In This Episode

• What defines a “small space garden” — it’s more than balconies!

• Why containers are a small-space gardener’s best friend

• How to assess your site using “nature goggles” and microclimates

• Container ideas: teapots, buckets, crates, drums, and more

• Using containers to create and adapt microclimates

• How to garden vertically when you can’t dig or drill

• Matching plants to your aspect (hot, shady, windy, dry)

• Soil health in pots: wicking beds, worm farms, and composting hacks

• Growing food without ground: lettuce trees, silverbeet beasts, and balcony salad bars

• How to maximise productivity without compromising on beauty

 

 

💡 Top Tips from Costa

• “Every pot is a microclimate — and every microclimate is an opportunity.”

• “If you can’t dig, grow up. Think in 3D.”

• “Observe before you plant. Your garden talks — you just have to listen.”

• “Small spaces aren’t a limitation — they’re an invitation to innovate.”

• “Don’t underestimate a humble plastic pail. It could feed a household.”

 

 

🛠️ Small-Space Gardening Essentials

Element

Costa’s Advice

Containers

Use anything: teapots, polystyrene boxes, barrels, plastic pots, even wheelbarrows. Just ensure drainage and depth.

Vertical Space

Stack, trellis, hang, or raise your containers to build layers and expand growing space.

Mobility

Move your containers seasonally to chase light or protect from heat. Think of it as plant Pilates!

Soil Health

Use high-quality potting mix, feed with compost, worm castings, and top up regularly. Avoid garden soil in pots.

Watering

Use saucers to retain water. Consider wicking pots or water-storing media for wind-exposed balconies.

Plant Choice

Favour dwarf, compact, heat-tolerant, or trailing varieties. Match plant to microclimate.

 

 

🌿 Favourite Small-Space Plants

• Silverbeet – tough, leafy, and shade-tolerant

• Lettuce trees – lettuces that naturalise and keep going

• Sunflower shoots – microgreens that grow fast in low light

• Dwarf tomatoes, bush beans, herbs, chillies

• Trailing plants for privacy, light diffusion, or visual softness

 

 

🧑‍🌾 Small-Space Composting Tips

• Use 20L food-grade pails to build layered worm towers

• Drill holes to allow drainage and airflow

• Stack them in tucked-away corners or sunny spots

• Compost scraps right where you grow — no big bins required

"You don’t need space — you need systems. And a few good pails."

 

 

🗣️ Listener Q&A Highlights

• What can I grow with no direct sun? → Try leafy greens, silverbeet, and microgreens like sunflower shoots.

• Is air pollution a problem in urban gardens? → Not usually in Australia, but check local data for hotspots.

• How do I stop mozzies breeding in my saucers? → Empty and refill regularly. Keep water moving and tidy.

• Any edible plant tips for school kids in cities like Delhi? → Leafy greens and container growing are a great start — and safer than growing in poor ground soil.

 

 

📚 Resources & Mentions

• 20L buckets from restaurants (hello, upcycled ghee pails!)

• Veggie Pods – self-watering container systems

• Reflective surfaces & shade cloths for climate control

• Landcare groups and local nurseries – great sources for plant selection and community advice

• Observation and nature goggles – the best tool you already have

 

 

Inspired to grow in your own space?

• 🪴 Start with just one pot — even a plastic bucket will do!

• 🌱 Subscribe to the podcast for more grow-anywhere inspiration

• 📬 Join our newsletter for seasonal growing tips and DIY ideas

• 📸 Share your small space garden with us @growitlocal

 

 

 Thanks to our Sponsors

This episode was made possible by our Local Government Partners from around Australia, as well as our friends at Cyclone Tools, Pope and Backyard Farmer