When you hear gardening, the first thing in mind is space, and not everyone is blessed with space. It’s a luxury some residences have and is rare for most urban dwellers. But for people without much of it, there’s a workaround. The allure in home gardening is in its function and aesthetics. As people switch to more organic living, homeowners seek out sustainability by growing their produce. Thankfully, container gardening is an excellent way to grow some herbs and vegetables at home. It’s time to gather the best garden tool sets for gardeners and start your container garden with these essential tips.
4 Best Container Gardening Tips
Container gardening, also known as pot gardening, is an excellent way to start a garden when you have limited space. And if you like moving things around the house, container gardens can easily be relocated, which can help if you need them exposed to more sunlight. So to start your gardening journey, here are some tips for you.
1. Plan Your Garden by Looking at Examples
Planning the look for your garden is an exciting endeavor. You can look for inspiration on the internet or talk to other enthusiasts by joining a group. You can also have a chat with your local garden store owner to get some ideas for your container garden.
Here are some ideas to consider:
- Succulent vertical garden – Gather some of your favorite and colorful succulents and hang them vertically on your wall.
- Recycled plastic bottle planter – Position some greens on the wall by attaching plastic bottles on wood vertically. This will give your wall a nice, artistic look.
- Vertical leaning garden – Try achieving a minimalist herb garden using a tiered model. You can plant at least five herbs without consuming too much space. You can easily do this by using the best garden tool sets for gardeners.
- Wheelbarrow garden – If you have a wheelbarrow and a little space to spare, create an aesthetic piece for your garden that’s easy to move and nice to look at.
- Watering “can plants” – There’s something attractive about rustic-themed gardens, and recycling old watering cans are an excellent way to add this look to your garden.
The list goes on and on, and with your creative input, the sky’s the limit!
2. Choose the Plants for Your Container Garden
Now that you have a plan down, it’s time to decide on the plants. The good thing is, vegetables can thrive on containers. But that’s not the only option. Here are some other plants for containers:
- Geraniums – There’s always room for color in our homes. They look beautiful in pots on your porch, especially in dark red and white variants. They can also be excellent indoor plants during the winter.
- Hydrangeas – These easy-to-grow flowers have a dwarf variety that can thrive in pots. It can be kept in a lightly shaded spot by the window or on a balcony.
- Herbs – Herbs like basil, mint, chives, and parsley can easily thrive in containers. As a beginner, it’s even advisable to start with herbs since they’re relatively low maintenance and is suitable for daily use.
- Fruits – Fruits like apples, cherries, and blueberries can grow in containers. They have vivid leaf colors and blooms that will look good in your home.
- Vegetables – Cucumber, green onion, carrot, and broccoli are just a few vegetables that can grow in containers.
Whether you’re looking for aesthetics or plants for sustainable living, choosing the plants will be crucial for the next step.
3. Choose the Right Containers
The most important aspect of container gardening is, you guessed it—the containers. Here are some things to think about when choosing containers:
- Size – Large containers hold more soil and retain more moisture. You should consider the depth of your plant’s root when choosing a container size. And if you prefer mixed planting, you can go for a large tub.
- Drainage – It is crucial to ensure your containers have proper drainage for your plants.
- Material – There are many container materials to choose from. Clay containers look attractive, but they are fragile. Cast concrete is not moveable but durable. Plastic containers are light and inexpensive, but you’ll need to change them regularly.
TIP: Consider all aspects when choosing your containers.
4. Start Preparing Your Container
After planning a design, choosing your plants and containers, you can finally prepare your container for planting. Here are a few reminders to note:
- Containers have to be cleaned thoroughly before use. You can use biodegradable, organic dish soap to clean the containers.
- Potting soil is specifically designed for potted containers. Choose ground that’s made for containers, so you don’t risk soil that’s too dense.
- If your area experiences severe frost, you can line it with a plastic liner to protect your plants from damage.
Conclusion
Container gardening is the urban homeowner’s best bet to jumpstart the sustainable lifestyle. Growing greens in your home make home-cooked meals more memorable.
