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                            Container Gardening

Container gardening is an efficient way to grow a variety of plants as it uses containers rather than planting the garden in the ground.  Container gardening is great for small yards, patios, doorsteps, balconies and windowsills.  It is also perfect for indoors. The elderly and those with physical challenges can easily garden with containers.  Container gardening requires less time than a traditional in-ground garden and is perfect for the busy family.  There are many benefits to this type of gardening which make it versatile and fun.

In addition to the fact that container gardening does not require a large amount of space, there are many other benefits.  Container plants can be moved around rather easily by hand or with the use of a cart.  This is helpful in controlling the amount of light the plants receive and  allows for easy mobility in the event of bad weather.  Container gardening also reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases, eliminates the majority of weeds and gives you more control over the moisture content and temperature.

Containers can be anything from milk jugs with the tops cut-off, to terra cotta pots, to barrel, to ceramic pots and sandstone-style planters.  The important thing when choosing a container is to be sure there are several holes in the bottom for drainage and that it is big enough for the purpose.   Your potting can be made easier with the use of potting bench.  When placing your container, make sure it can drain properly by elevating it one to two inches off the ground.  This can be done by setting it on something, such as wooden slats, blocks or bricks.  The choice of containers is limited only by the creativity of the gardener.

The soil used in container gardening is important and should be fairly lightweight.  Unless your outdoor soil is sandy loam or sandy soil, you should probably buy a commercial potting soil, or make your own mix.  A typical mix would include one part peat moss, one part garden loam and one part coarse sand.  You should also include a slow release fertilizer, such as a 14-14-14.  After the initial planting, a water soluble fertilizer should be used every 2-3 weeks at the rate recommended by your fertilizer company.

Your container garden’s watering needs will vary based on the type of container selected and weather conditions.  Clay and other porous material pots dry-out quickly and may require more watering than a plastic or ceramic pot.  In hot or windy weather, you should check the soil daily to determine the need for moisture. 

Your choices of plants for container gardening is very broad.  Container gardening works great for many plants like herbs, flowers, vegetables and fruits.  Your planting can also benefit by the use of a Gardening Guide. Trellises or stakes can be placed in the pots for the plants that need such support.  Some examples of plants suited for a container are the following: beans, beets, carrots, leaf lettuces, greens, squash, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, all types of berries, annual and perennial flowers, bulbs, exotic foliage, ornamental grasses and herbs such as mint, basil, thyme, parsley, dill and rosemary.

Due to its many benefits and versatility, container gardening offers a chance for anyone to grow plants on their outdoor property and in their home or office environment.  The possibilities are endless with the use of container gardening.