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Container gardening is the ideal answer for gardeners with no space to garden. Custom Search Container gardening is an answer for those residents of apartments, mobile homes and condominiums who often say “I don't have any room to grow anything”. By utilizing containers, both large and small, it is possible to grow almost anything that you can grow directly in soil, even potatoes. Patio's, balconies, steps, and window sills are good locations as long as there is sufficient sunlight (about 5 hours worth), the only limit being the size and the weight of your containers. Indoors or outdoors, winter or summer, the variety of plants you will be able to grow in containers ranges from
herbs
to tomatoes is amazing.
Containers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials and in fact, can be just about any thing that will hold soil and can be used for container gardening. We have all seen old shoes and sneakers pressed into service as flower pots with admirable results. Materials can be wood, plastic, terracotta, clay or metal. All containers do need drainage, so it is good advice to add one inch of coarse gravel on the bottom and have drain holes ideally through the bottom or 1/2 inch from the bottom. Drainage is severely hampered by placing the pot directly on a hard surface such as concrete. Raise it up with an inch or two of wood blocking to insure proper water flow.The size of the container will be determined by the plant selected. Common sense is the rule here; provide enough growing room for the plants and that what you cannot see, the roots. Generally speaking the larger the container, the better, but is there enough support under the plant to support the weight? Will you have to move the plant if you bring them in for the winter or, if you are a renter and want to take your plants with you? The ideal planting medium should be fairly lightweight and drain well, but retain moisture to keep the roots moist. Soiless mixtures, which are available at your garden center are ideal and have the added bonus of being free from soil borne diseases, weed seeds and nematoids.
Fertilizing and WateringRegular fertilization in container gardening is necessary since soiless mixes have little inherent nutrients. Water soluble fertilizers are recommended. Follow the directions for the fertilizer chosen, but do not exceed the recommended rate, because over fertilizing may burn and kill your plants.Time release nutrient are also effective. Watering is also crucial in container gardening since the containers have such small volume. They will dry out quickly, especially if they sit in the hot sun or in the wind all day. Learn to check the plants daily and water as needed. Use a watering can or a hose with a sprayer attachment, but avoid getting water on the plants leaves as this can encourage diseases. If your hose has been sitting in the hot sun, let the water cool down a little, hot water may stunt the growth of your plants. Water until the water starts to run out of the drain holes. Investigate the use of drip irrigation for your container garden. It will pay you off in many ways. Be sure the drain holes are clear to prevent the soil mixture from becoming water logged and rotting the plant. Too much water can be as bad as too little.
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