Container Gardening Ideas

Container gardening refers to growing flowers, herbs and vegetables in the pots and containers. With this type, it is not necessary to have a large garden area to practice the art of gardening. In fact, a small patio or a balcony can be decorated with attractive flowers and healthy vegetables. Container gardening can also be practiced as a part of indoor gardening. It is indeed a blessing for those staying in cities or crowded residential areas. Container gardening is also advantageous for people with a limited accessibility and those with a problematic soil. Many hobbyists prefer to place the container plants in the outdoor gardens as the fillers; the mobility of container plants allows a gardener to create a variety by rearranging the garden.

Container Gardening Ideas

Speaking about container gardening, the ideas are countless. Any type of pot or container that can hold soil can be used for the container gardening. While selecting the container, ensure that it doesn't have toxic painting. Wood containers treated with toxic chemicals should be avoided. The basic key is to expose the container plant to optimum light (varies as per plant type) and prevent soil waterlogging.

Selecting Container
Containers made of plastic, wood, concrete, iron and other metals can be used for the container gardening. An unused container, bucket, watering can, etc. can also make the best containers. Even work boots and old sneakers create attractive features in container gardening. Other than these household items, you can purchase unique containers like hanging baskets, planter boxes and flowerpots from any gardener shop.

Considering durability, thin plastic containers may deteriorate faster when exposed to sunlight. Glazed ceramic pots with several drainage holes are the best option. Whatever be the type of container, it should have a wide opening and drainage hole(s) at the bottom.

Potting Mixture
For an effective container gardening, potting soil plays a major role. Usually, garden soils are not recommended as they are heavy to hold by the containers. Rather, you can prepare potting soil by mixing sandy soil, farmyard compost and other organic fertilizers with the garden soil. Correct watering and good drainage are necessary to prevent waterlogging of the soil. A waterlogged soil leads to rotting of the roots and ultimately kills the container plants.

Choosing Plants
Similar to the containers, the plant options are variable. Some common container plants are houseplants and vibrant-colored flowers. Nowadays, gardeners are including citrus plants, strawberries and vegetables in container gardening. You can grow pepper, lettuce, squash, herbs and tomatoes in the containers. Herbs like basil, oregano and rosemary can grow effectively in the container gardening. Many hobbyists prefer to grow seasonal plants in the containers, as they can be pulled off easily, thus providing an opportunity for other plants.

As per the cultivar, you can bed the plants in the potting mixture. Plant care tips are more or less similar to the garden plants. You should have keen eyes to monitor pest and disease infestation in the container gardening. As per your plan, you can creatively design your container gardening. Flowering plants that spill over the container can be an eye-catching view. In the door entrance, you can place evergreen plants grown in the containers to add greenery to your house. Effective container gardening ideas also allow growing crops under the controlled environmental conditions, thus resulting in good yield.