Container
Gardening
by: Jill Dow
Container gardening is a wonderful idea whether
you have a garden bed or not. It's perfect for apartments or small
areas, but can also really enhance your patio. Here are some tips on
gardening in containers.
Every Garden can benefit from the addition of
container gardens. They add interst and variety, plus are easily moved
around. If you live in an apartment or have a small area to work with
this may be the only solution for you.
Your Container
Your container can be pretty much anything and is only
limited to your imagination. Just make sure there is adequate drainage
for your plants. I love old buckets, discarded kitchen pots and baskets
for a rustic feel. For a formal garden choose a more traditional
container. Regardless of your choice of container, make sure it's not to
big or too small for your planting.
Your Soil
Do not use garden soil for your container plants.
Garden soil is too heavy, dries out too quickly and will not provide the
needed nutrients your container plants need. You can find good potting
soil at your local garden center or you can mix your own.
To mix your own make sure you include soil, peat, sand and a slow
release fertilizer.
Maintenance
You'll need to pay close attention to your container
grown plants -- much more than plants in your garden beds. The soil will
dry out more quickly so frequent watering it a must. You'll also need to
fertilize more frequently. Water in the morning or evening whenever the
soil is almost dry and water thoroughly until water comes out the bottom
drainage holes.
One thing I really love about container gardening is
mobility. If a particular grouping doesn''t work you can simply move
your pots and change your garden design.
Have fun, experiment and be creative!
For more information about gardening see
www.agardenwalk.com