by Mareen Olhoft
Are you someone who loves to garden? Do you ever wish you could have freshly grown vegetables in the winter? Or flowers that bloom throughout the year? If you answered yes, then container gardening may be for you. This article will provide you with some helpful tips for starting your own container garden and also some useful resources for more information. The following list will help you get your garden started. So let's go!
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Web sites Referred to while writing this article:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/general/container.html#L8
There are many things to consider when starting a container garden and one of them is where to put it. When choosing the perfect spot consider size and the balance of the room. A large plant in a small room can be overbearing and a small plant in a large room can seem inadequate. So spend some time in the room or area you plan to place a container garden to get a feel for what seems to be the perfect size garden.
A container garden can serve many purposes. Beauty and fresh vegtables are two, but they can also serve as a barrier to neighbors or to block out noisey traffic from a busy street. So while you are deciding where to put your container garden, also decide the purpose or purposes it will serve.
After you have chosen the perfect spot and purpose(s), let your decorating ideas flow. One way to try out different styles and looks is to sketch out on paper what the container garden will look like in the chosen area. Using color for your sketches makes the sketch more realistic. Your imagination is your limit, so enjoy yourself and have fun with creating your container garden.
| 2.Containers, Containers, Containers |  |
Wooden, clay or plastic pots are often used for container gardening but have you ever thought of using an old kettle or a basket. Most any type of container can be used for your garden, but there are a few things to watch for when choosing your container.
Make sure the container has good drainage. The bottom of the container should allow for good drainage. If it doesn't have good drainage you can create holes in the bottom of the container. This will allow for excess water to run out.
Weight of the finished container garden is something to consider. If the container you are going to use is large, you may want to consider putting it on a carrier or a dolly. This will make moving the plant easier for you. If you choose to use a small container, you may want to weight the container down with something so it will not tip over as easily. Just keep in mind how diffcult or easily your container garden can be moved about.
If the container you choose is of high personal value, you should think about its breakability. If the container could be easily broken if tipped over, you may want to choose a different one. Ask yourself this question when choosing the container, would I be upset if this container were to break?
Whatever type of container you choose it should be clean before you start. A container that was previouly used with or for storing toxic items should be cleaned before planting your garden. A simple brush and bleach solution will clean your container sufficently. If you are unsure of the toxic chemical or item that was previously in it you may want to consider not using the container at all. Even brand new containers should be cleaned before planting.
The growing medium that you choose should be a lightweight mixture. One that allows for good drainage, but also has sufficient organic matter in it to retain moisture also. Soiless mixtures are often to lightweight for container growing and don't offer much support to the growing roots. Consult your local greenhouse or nursery on choosing a good growing medium.
4. The PlantsThe plants you use should be chosen according to the location of your container garden. Be aware of how much light is offered and what direction the light is coming from. Your local greenhouse or nursery can help you find the plants that will best compliment your location and type of container. |
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Now that you have picked the perfect spot, chosen you container, growing medium and selected your plants, let's put it all together.
Fill your container with growing medium to within an 1/2 to 1 inch from the top of the container. The growing medium may be slightly moist. If you are starting plants from seeds, plant them according to the package. If you are using seedlings, transplant them into the growing medium. Soak the growing medium after you have planted the seeds or seedlings. Place a label on the outside of the container. This will help you to identify the plant's name and the date you planted it.
Now sit back and watch your container garden grow!