Container Gardening

No matter how small-spaced a patio or porch, it can always be made to display a nice array of vegetables or flowers planted in containers. Few containers that are normally used for such kind of gardening are the planter boxes, wooden barrels, hanging baskets and large flowerpots. It’s only the imagination aspect that can truly restrict the container gardener. If this is the case with you or if you are interested in container gardening, then read on ad this article is for you.

Organic Container Gardening Ideas & Tips

Do not use containers with a narrow opening / mouth for the purpose of container gardening.
Do not use cheap plastic pots as they depreciate due to the UV sunlight.
If you plan to use the terracotta pots, then keep in mind that they dry out rapidly. Glazed ceramic pots are best choice for container gardening but need various drainage holes.
The problem with wooden containers is that there is a possibility of their rotting. But Redwood and Cedar are relatively rot-resistant and can be employed without staining or painting. However, a benefit of using wooden containers is that they can be constructed to sizes and shapes as per requirement.
When using clay pots, remember that they are porous and so water will get lost from the sides.

What You Should Know About Vegetable Gardening in Containers

Growing Mixture

Ensure that your planting medium drains fast, yet holds back adequate moisture to keep the roots of the plant uniformly moist. Compost generally makes the best potting soil. Incase compost is unavailable, then try getting a fine potting mixture or make one out of equal portions of sand, loamy garden soil and peat moss.

Sunlight

Remember that the container garden you have created will require about five hours of sunlight every day. A number of plants can do with even more. Normally, the leafy vegetables like cabbage and lettuce tolerate the maximum shade, whereas root crops like beets and carrots require more sunlight. Fruiting vegetables like tomatoes need the most sun.

Fertilizer

As potting mixes dry out water fast, the fertilizer may get swept out of the container when you water the plant. As such, light mixes need recurrent fertilizing compared to the than heavier mixes. It's a nice measure to use a dilute liquid fertilizer with every alternate watering.

Watering

Keep in mind that the plants in your container garden will lose water faster when placed in an exposed location. Also certain plants will require to be watered on a daily basis and more so during the hot and dry weather.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Home & Living'