Using containers for growing plants is practical as well as decorative. If any of the following situations apply, then container gardening may be for you:
--limited outdoor space—small backyard, or backyard taken up by other structures (formal landscaping, patio, swimming pool, or other structure)
--urban environment—garden is situated on a patio or balcony (some apartment buildings have rooftop areas that are suitable for container gardening as well)
--desire for decorative or culinary plants within reach of the back door or outdoor living area (flowers for decoration, or herbs within easy reach of the kitchen)
Types of Containers
Almost anything goes when it comes to choosing containers to use. Plastic, ceramic, terracotta, stone or wood containers all work well. It is important to check that there is good drainage, however, in whatever container you choose to use. Many people choose to recycle any number of household or even industrial objects as creative alternatives for container gardening. I have seen tires, barrels, antique wheelbarrows—even a re-purposed toilet--used. Others may want to add an artistic touch by painting or adding mosaics to their containers—make sure that any potentially toxic material is not in contact with the soil, and that proper fixatives or varnishes are used so that the containers are weather-resistant (unless you are happy with a rustic weathered look). Metal containers placed in direct sunlight may become too hot; containers with insufficient drainage will risk literally drowning the roots when heavy rainfall or over-watering occurs.
Drainage
Many containers come with drainage holes. If you are recycling a container, or using one that does not feature drainage holes, you can pierce your own—if possible—or else add material to the bottom of the container before adding the planting medium. Placing a few inches of gravel, stones, or broken terracotta pots will ensure that excess water is kept away from direct contact with roots. It is essential to make sure there is some sort of drainage system in place if you want to ensure success with your container gardening venture.
Medium
It is best not to transfer soil straight from the garden for use in container planting. Purchase a mix from a gardening supply store—often a mixture including a fair amount of peat moss or bark will be suggested, since this will resist compacting and provide proper drainage. Make sure you do not pack the soil or medium right to the top of the container, or else watering will be a messy job.
Light
Make sure to rotate the container so that the plants grow at the same rate and do not all start craning in one direction, as is often the case with houseplants permanently faced at a certain angle from the window.
Watering
Keep a close eye on container gardens to make sure the soil or potting mixture does not dry out—don’t use your eyes only, but use an inexpensive moisture reader that you can stick quite far down into the pot, to see what the moisture level is like closer to the roots. If pressed for time, simply stick a finger a few inches down into the soil or potting mixture—you may be surprised at how the surface appearance may be deceiving. Conversely, make sure that you do not over-water and increase the chances of water logging and drowning the roots.
--limited outdoor space—small backyard, or backyard taken up by other structures (formal landscaping, patio, swimming pool, or other structure)
--urban environment—garden is situated on a patio or balcony (some apartment buildings have rooftop areas that are suitable for container gardening as well)
--desire for decorative or culinary plants within reach of the back door or outdoor living area (flowers for decoration, or herbs within easy reach of the kitchen)
Types of Containers
Almost anything goes when it comes to choosing containers to use. Plastic, ceramic, terracotta, stone or wood containers all work well. It is important to check that there is good drainage, however, in whatever container you choose to use. Many people choose to recycle any number of household or even industrial objects as creative alternatives for container gardening. I have seen tires, barrels, antique wheelbarrows—even a re-purposed toilet--used. Others may want to add an artistic touch by painting or adding mosaics to their containers—make sure that any potentially toxic material is not in contact with the soil, and that proper fixatives or varnishes are used so that the containers are weather-resistant (unless you are happy with a rustic weathered look). Metal containers placed in direct sunlight may become too hot; containers with insufficient drainage will risk literally drowning the roots when heavy rainfall or over-watering occurs.
Drainage
Many containers come with drainage holes. If you are recycling a container, or using one that does not feature drainage holes, you can pierce your own—if possible—or else add material to the bottom of the container before adding the planting medium. Placing a few inches of gravel, stones, or broken terracotta pots will ensure that excess water is kept away from direct contact with roots. It is essential to make sure there is some sort of drainage system in place if you want to ensure success with your container gardening venture.
Medium
It is best not to transfer soil straight from the garden for use in container planting. Purchase a mix from a gardening supply store—often a mixture including a fair amount of peat moss or bark will be suggested, since this will resist compacting and provide proper drainage. Make sure you do not pack the soil or medium right to the top of the container, or else watering will be a messy job.
Light
Make sure to rotate the container so that the plants grow at the same rate and do not all start craning in one direction, as is often the case with houseplants permanently faced at a certain angle from the window.
Watering
Keep a close eye on container gardens to make sure the soil or potting mixture does not dry out—don’t use your eyes only, but use an inexpensive moisture reader that you can stick quite far down into the pot, to see what the moisture level is like closer to the roots. If pressed for time, simply stick a finger a few inches down into the soil or potting mixture—you may be surprised at how the surface appearance may be deceiving. Conversely, make sure that you do not over-water and increase the chances of water logging and drowning the roots.
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