Container garden
Container gardening is the practice of growing plants exclusively in containers instead of planting them in the ground. Pots, traditionally made of terracotta but now more commonly plastic, and windowboxes have been the most commonly seen. Small pots are commonly called flowerpots. In some cases, this method of growing is used for ornamental purposes. This method is also useful in areas where the soil or climate is unsuitable for the plant or crop in question. Using a container is also generally necessary for houseplants. Limited growing space can also make this option appealing to the gardener.
Many types of plants are suitable for the container, including decorative flowers, herbs, cacti, vegetables, and small trees. There are many advantages to growing plants in containers, namely:
- Less risk of soil-borne disease
- Virtually eliminate weed problems
- Mobile plants gives more control over moisture, sunlight & temperature
Containers range from simple plastic pots, teacups to complex automatic-watering irrigation systems. This flexibility in design is another reason container gardening is popular with growers. They can be found on porches, front steps, and in urban locations, on rooftops.
Contents |
[edit] Container Gardening
Even the smallest patio or porch can boast a crop of vegetables or a garden of flowers in containers. Planter boxes, wooden barrels, hanging baskets and large flowerpots are just some of the containers that can be used. The container gardener is limited only by his imagination. Consider the following guidelines when choosing your container.
- Avoid containers with narrow openings.
- Cheap plastic pots may deteriorate in UV sunlight and terracotta pots dry out rapidly. Glazed ceramic pots are excellent choices but require several drainage holes.
- Wooden containers are susceptible to rot. Redwood and cedar are relatively rot resistant and can be used without staining or painting. Avoid wood treated with creosote, penta or other toxic compounds since the vapors can damage the plants. One advantage of wooden containers is that they can be built to sizes and shapes that suit the location.
- Use containers between 15 and 120 quarts capacity. Small pots restrict the root area and dry out very quickly. The size and number of plants to be grown will determine the size of the container used. Deep rooted vegetables require deep pots.
- Make sure your pot has adequate drainage. Holes should be 1/2 inch across. Line the base of the pot with newspaper to prevent soil loss.
- In hot climates use light-colored containers to lessen heat absorption and discourage uneven root growth.
- Set containers on bricks or blocks to allow free drainage.
- Line hanging baskets with sphagnum moss for water retention. Keep baskets away from afternoon sun.
- If you choose clay pots, remember that clay is porous and water is lost from the sides of the container. Plants in clay pots should be monitored closely for loss of moisture.
[edit] Growing Mixture
Make sure your planting medium drains rapidly but retains enough moisture to keep the roots evenly moist. Your compost will make an excellent potting soil. Check the requirements of the plants you grow to determine whether you will need to add sand. If compost is not available, purchase a good quality potting mixture or make your own from equal parts of sand, loamy garden soil, and peat moss. Commercial potting mixes are usually slightly acidic, so you may want to add a little lime.
Most container gardeners have found that a "soilless" potting mix works best. In addition to draining quickly, "soilless" mixes are lightweight and free from soil- borne diseases and weed seeds. These mixes can be purchased from garden centers.
When you add your soil to your container, leave a 2 inch space between the top of the soil and the top of the container. You will be able to add 1/2 inch or so of mulch later.
[edit] Sunlight
- How to select containers
- How to choose a good potting mix or make your own.
- How to plant and care for your container gardens.
- How to create beautiful hanging baskets and windowboxes.
- Which plants are best for containers.
- And more!
Your container garden will need at least five hours of direct sunlight each day, and many plants will benefit from even more. As a general rule, leafy vegetables such as cabbage and lettuce can tolerate the most shade, while root crops such as beets and carrots will need more sun. Fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers need the most sun. The amount of sunlight needed by flowers varies depending on the varieties grown. Check the flower guides for sunlight requirements.
[edit] Fertilizer
Since potting mixes drain water rapidly, fertilizer will be washed out of the container as you water. Lighter mixes will require more frequent fertilizing than heavier mixes. It's a good idea to use a dilute liquid fertilizer with every other watering. Liquid fish emulsion or liquid seaweed are great plant boosters, but remember that you need to provide your plants with a variety of nutrients. Check the labels on the products in you garden center to be sure that they contain a complete, balanced solution that includes trace elements.
[edit] Watering
In an exposed location, container plants loose moisture quickly. Some plants will need to be watered daily, especially during hot, dry weather.
Sub-Irrigated Planters (SIP) are a form of container gardening.
[edit] Repotting
Repotting is the action of placing an already potted plant into a larger or smaller pot. A pot that fits a plant's root system better is normally used. Plants are usually repotted according to the size of their root system. Most plants need to be repotted every few years, because they become "pot-bound" or "root-bound."
[edit] Organic Container Gardening
What is Organic Container Gardening?
Organic gardening is done outdoors, whereas organic container gardening can be done both outdoors as well as indoors. Growing organic plants in pots is the best solution for having home grown vegetables or herbs in a manner that is environment-friendly and flexible.
What is required for organic container gardening?
A container or pot is the first thing required. Ideally a natural container made of clay, terracotta, ceramic, wood or even strong cardboard that will retain water but not soak and disintegrate would make the best holders for your organic plants. Avoid using plastic and containers made of resources that are not bio-degradable.
Old cowboy boots, tires and even watering cans make great containers for an organic garden. Only ensure that the container is large and deep enough to hold your plants and let the roots to develop and grow for its survival.
Make sure to drill holes in the bottom of the planters or containers to allow for water drainage. Water logging of the soil around the plant can rot the roots if the excess water is not allowed to drain out.
The right kind of soil for container gardening would be straight peat moss or you could add some composted manure to it – about 20% of it should be just about right. Peat moss retains water and helps keep the plant well hydrated. Adding homemade compost using your own kitchen leftovers and refuse etc. Would be the best nutrition your organic plants can get to thrive in. Just make sure you do not use garden variety soil as the mix turns very hard with frequent watering.
Need plants or seeds that grow in soil.
Fertilizers needed for organic gardens should also be organic. These could include coffee grounds and tea dregs to allow microorganisms to grow in artificial soils before adding them to the soil in your containers. Fish emulsion with its high nitrogen count is considered by far the best organic fertilizer. The nitrogen content in the soil that gets flushed out during watering can be replaced best by using fish emulsion.
Pest control carried out in an environmentally friendly way would help to keep the nuisance off from your organic garden plants. The best way is to use a jet of water-spray at the kitchen sink.
There are many flowers and vegetables that can be grown comfortably by organic container gardening. A few examples are cherry tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, greens, carrots, onions and herbs.
[edit] Container Gardening Watering Tips
Tips for Container Gardening Watering
You could call yourself a success at container gardening if you are able to not only establish a container garden in or around your home, but also manage to keep it healthy and flourishing without putting in much effort. We will discuss here some tips to keep your container gardens fresh and green.
Plants need the presence of water round the year to keep them strong and healthy to survive any kind of weather. And you don’t need to have to worry about sending your neighbor round to water your plants when you are traveling or away for a few days because you are afraid your plants may dry or wither away in the absence of regular water supply.
An important issue for container gardening is successful watering. Many people have tried and tested various ideas and ways to tide the problem. Timer-controlled water systems and attempts to keep the soil moist by lining the container using plastic sheeting are some of the measures taken by some people. Mixing loose water storing granules in the compost also helps to some extent. But the most effective tip for container gardening is oasis creation and maintenance.
Oasis Creation
Create a source for water at the root level by placing two layers of capillary matting inside the container. Between the two layers of matting, lay on a level of water storing granules available in the market. Ensure that the granules are the kind that naturally breaks down within the soil. The capillary matting lets roots penetrate to the water level to absorb water and is effective right till the end of the season. Remember, the capillary shields or matting should be non-toxic and free of sodium salts and made from polymer fibers. The water storing granules between the capillary shields get swollen with the liquid feed when you water your plant and keep giving the plant its nutrition even when you are not around to water your plant daily.
Adding a mulch of tiny pebbles at the base of the plant and over the soil will also prevent water from evaporating as quickly as it does normally. Keeping your plant in a cool dark place will also help to avoid dryness and withering.
With these container garden watering tips, now you can rest assured of coming back from your vacation and seeing your container plants looking fresh, happy, and maybe even blooming in spite of you not being around to water them every day.
[edit] Container Vegetable Gardening
Why Container Vegetable Gardening?
Container gardening can be done inside or outside your home and you can enjoy your plants in the limited area of an urban apartment. If you have more space around your home to create an outdoor garden, you can grow your plants in containers and have the flexibility of moving the containers inside your home in case of bad weather. You can always buy vegetables in the supermarket but you can get the creative experience of growing vegetables in containers in your own home and enjoy other benefits at the same time.
Cost benefit: Gardening was never as inexpensive as container gardening. You can utilize anything from plastic containers, to planters to re-usable cans and containers that are pollution free. And, you get to produce your own home-grown vegetables and herbs instead of going out to the grocery store to purchase them, spending valuable gas and at nearly double the money.
Environment friendly: The vegetables and herbs you grow in your own home are as fresh as they can get and you don’t need to get them delivered to you by trucks. Therefore, you are contributing to saving the environment by reducing the use of gas used in transportation by the delivery trucks and also the use of plastic bags, which you would have been needed to carry your groceries back home.
Organic Vegetable Container Gardening
Container gardened vegetable plants do not have the disadvantage of getting affected by soil-borne diseases or bad conditions of the soil. This raises the possibility of growing organic vegetables, herbs and fruits like lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, broccoli and tomatoes. You know and feel more confident of having grown your own organic vegetables.
Adaptability: It does not require people of a certain age to take pleasure in container gardening. You can be innovative in ideas for selecting the type and color of containers and use themes to beautify your kitchen, porch or balcony. All the members of a family can contribute in creating a harmonious looking garden that will not only contribute to the …. Looks but also look stylish to visitors to your home.
Mix and Match options: You have a wide variety of vegetables to choose from. You can also opt for growing a vegetable and herb, fruit or flower plant in the same container. The colors will complement each other in looks and you get to save on precious space. You no longer have to worry about space and having to start cultivating a garden when you have the option of creating your own organic vegetable container garden either within or around your home.
[edit] Flower Container Gardening
Getting Started with Flower Container Gardening
Container gardening is a very convenient form of creating a garden within or around your home. It is a fun hobby and brings out the creativity in you, giving you immense satisfaction.
Designing your own container garden in the space available to you is an art in itself. Looking for suitable containers the right space with the maximum amount of sunlight to grow your plants requires more than just theory. There are some dos and don’ts that need to be considered before you decide to design and create a container flower garden.
Before you begin, look for a place to start your container flower garden. It could be in the balcony, patio or a large window with a ledge. Depending on where you will place them, you can decide on the number of containers you wish to keep and their sizes.
Look for different sizes and shapes when you buy flower pots and containers. If you have already decided on what kind of flower plants you are planning to grow ensure that the containers are not too small to hold the plants. Likewise, if you have a large deck or balcony where you are going to place your flower containers, keep the pots large enough so they don’t get lost.
Before you buy the flowering plant, keep it in mind that the plant should not be wider than the pot or container and should not be the kind that grows too tall in proportion to the height of the container. Keep it simple and either have just one single tall-standing flower plant per pot or one tall plant in the center along with one trailing plant and a filler. Do not use too many trailing plants in a beautiful pot or it will hide the pot when it grows and starts covering it.
Arrangement of the pots at the gardening site should be done aesthetically so the plants do not look crowded together. Set up the pots in such a way that there is a balanced look. Smaller pots clustered around a large container give a sense of balance. Also keep the flower colors in mind when arranging the containers for that aesthetic look.
Have fun in creating the perfect harmony right within your house with container flower gardening. A mix of small trees, perennials, bushes and shrubs, herbs and vegetables around your flower plants will add the extra bit of interest in your garden.
