The ins and outs of container gardening
You can start a container garden in a number of different places such as a patio, deck, balcony or even a doorstep. These places should provide enough space for a productive display. You can also use a sunny window sill to grow a number of herbs. There are many people that love to garden that can benefit from container gardening. These people include: the elderly that may have limited mobility, people with disabilities that have a need for easy accessibility, and people that just don't have the outdoor space. The lack of space is the main reason many people that love to garden try container gardening. Gardening lovers that live in a condominium/apartment or homeowners with little or no space find that having a container garden is a great way to garden. People that love to garden but just don't have the time to start and maintain a large garden may also benefit from container gardening. A few well-placed pots on a deck or patio can be easily maintained in a short amount time.
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Container gardening can save money and time. There is less space needed for a container garden which results in less cost. The initial set-up cost may be a little more, but after purchasing the appropriate containers, materials and plants, costs are minimal. Container gardening is less time consuming than traditional gardens. Minimal time is needed for a container garden because of the amount of space that requires care.
Most plants that are grown in the soil can be successfully grown in a container as long as there is ample space provided for them to develop roots. Lettuce, peppers, radishes and herbs are crops with a shallow-root and need a container at least six inches in diameter with an eight-inch soil depth. Tomatoes, squash, pole beans, cucumbers and deep-rooted perennials are best grown in bushel baskets, half barrels, wooden tubs or large pressed paper containers.
There are many different containers to choose from in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. All containers should have a proper number of holes in the bottom so that there is adequate drainage. Containers that do not drain quickly after each watering should have additional holes drilled in the bottom. Place containers one or two inches off the floor by placing them on blocks of wood. This should be done because placing a container on a solid surface, such as a cement or patio floor, reduces drainage.
Container gardening requires a lightweight soil. Soil straight from the garden is usually too heavy to be used in a container. Clay soil cannot be used because it holds too much moisture when wet and results in too little air for roots. Clay soil also pulls away from the sides of the pot when it is dry. Packaged potting soil is generally lightweight and porous enough to support plants and provide plant roots with the air and water they require. Packaged potting soil is available at local garden centers.
Do not use more than the recommended amount of any fertilizer in container plants. This may cause fertilizer burn and kill the plant. Container plants do not have the buffer of large volumes of soil and humus to protect them from over-fertilizing like traditional garden plants do. It is best to fertilize container plants using the recommended rate of a water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks.
You may need to water a container garden frequently because the volume of soil is relatively small and containers can dry out very quickly, especially if they are placed in full sunlight. Feel the soil to see if the plant needs water. If the soil is dry, apply water until it runs out the drainage holes.
