Indira Naidoo on the common problem that might be ruining your garden - and fixing it

So … you’ve been reading my garden columns and I’ve convinced you that if a former news anchor can grow a garden on a balcony, how hard can it be?

The key to your small-space urban gardening success has a lot to do with the types of pots or planters you select.

Plastic pots are comparatively cheap and lightweight but can overheat your plants in the sun.

Terracotta looks rustic but as it is porous you’ll need to water your plants more often.

Fibreglass is light and stylish but can be expensive.  And concrete is heavy and not easy to relocate.

Fortunately, as our urban lifestyles have evolved, so have planter designs.

The ones I recommend have self-watering or wicking systems that solve the biggest headache for time-poor gardeners – remembering to water your plants! They also improve relationships with apartment neighbours below who understandably might not appreciate water cascading onto their balcony.

My top pick is the Glowpear. This award-winning unit comes in several sizes and is on-trend with its stylish, contemporary, portable design. It is incredibly light – just nine kilograms empty and 45 when filled with soil.

It can hang over a balustrade, sit on a kitchen bench or be mounted on a wall. The planters are made from a BPA-free and food-safe resin that can take a battering and not show it.

The self-watering technology is its real genius though.

It allows you to set-and-forget. You just need to keep the reservoir topped up and your plants draw up water as they need. Consistent water supply will make your plants stronger and more robust and you’ll save water at the same time.

The Edible Balcony garden team has installed Glowpear planters in the courtyards and balconies of several clients with huge success. A client overlooking Bondi Beach has recently harvested tomatoes, spinach and even ginger.

One of the most common questions I get asked as I traverse the country hosting garden workshops is, “what do I do about possums?”

If you’re being terrorised by possums and other pests the Vegepod planter was designed for you.

The Vegepod is a raised garden bed that has a hinged protective cover made from a polyethylene mesh. It turns your Vegepod planter into a greenhouse protecting your plants from pests and harmful UV rays. The cover also helps manage temperature by allowing water and air to flow through. Combined with the efficient self-watering system, plants can be left untended for weeks. I know what you’re thinking … music to my ears.

You can purchase copies of Indira Naidoo’s garden cookbooks The Edible Balcony and The Edible City at www.dymocks.com.au. 

Indira is a guest presenter on Gardening Australia, which airs Saturdays 6.30pm on ABC1 or on iView.