Container Gardening

Gardening is not all about having a plot and fertile soil. If you have a passion for watching plants developing at their own pace and nurturing them, you will definitely enjoy container gardening. With this hobby, you don't have to worry about living in a crowded city or not having a spare land for growing plants. All you need is some pots, potting mixture, seeds and plantlets of various species. These container gardening supplies are easily available in all garden centers and nurseries.

What is Container Gardening?

Any type of gardening that involves use of pots, urns or other containers comes under container gardening. The versatility of usable container is numerous, you can use anything, starting from a porcelain bowl to old tires and shoes. Container gardening has evolved a lot; it is more than just growing plants in pots and containers. You can create a spectacular garden in containers with the help of decorative pots, creative garden supplies and a little effort from your side.

Container Gardening Tips

Growing plants in pots is not limited to indoor or landless gardening. Placing planters define the landscaping patterns and add interest to the plain garden layout. Indeed, keeping potted plants in a flower garden create a unique design. Also, they are easy to move from one place to another, as per your requirements. Gardening in containers is fun and exciting, with which you can portray your creativity and imagination. Following are some container gardening ideas, which will guide you in making a speculative garden of your own.

Ideas
Container gardening ideas are endless; you can make it as simple as growing flowers in regular pots or use your imagination to create a unique effect. Like for instance; plant low-maintenance succulents and xerophytic plants to create a rusty touch in your garden. Another easy container gardening idea is take a large pot with a wide mouth and plant vibrant colored seasonal flowers.

Supplies
Supplies required for container gardening include pots (preferably wide glazed ceramic pots) of 15-20 quarts size having drainage holes, potting soil and plants. Preparing potting media as per the requirements of the plants is a basic step. You can skip this hassle by opting for ready-made potting mixture, sold in nurseries. Based on the chosen plants, you can select potting media having correct ingredients.

Selecting Plants
Choosing appropriate plants is the secret behind maintaining healthy container plants. Even a small porch can be filled with potted plants and flowers. Types of annual plants suited for container gardening are begonia, lobelia, periwinkle, impatiens, marigolds, snapdragon and zinnia. It is not restricted to flowers and vegetables. In fact, you can grow fruits, shrubs and bushes in pots.

Selecting Vegetables
Whether you say container gardening for vegetables or vegetable gardening in containers, it remains one and same thing that is growing vegetables and culinary herbs in pots. Vegetables that perform well in containers are peppers, squash, tomatoes and lettuce; while in herb section, you can select basil, sage, thyme and oregano. All leafy vegetables grow best in pots, even if they receive light for fewer hours.

Growing Plants
While adding growing media, ensure that the top soil is 2 inches lower than the rim of the pots. Do not forget to place a draining tray below the pots. Then, make holes in the soil according to the size of the root ball. Place plants in the holes and cover roots with potting mixture. Slightly press soil and water thoroughly. Water plants when the top soil gets dry and supplement them with compost on a regular basis. It is best to add a layer of mulch above the top soil. Mulching will help conserve moisture and control weed growth.

The best part with container gardening is of easy weed control and pest control. Regularly inspect for pest and disease infestations. At the first sight of diseases, remove the affected parts and destroy them. If possible, isolate the pots having diseased plants until they retain normal growth. Even though you do not have a green thumb, you can surely maintain healthy plants and fruits in containers.

Once you are well acquainted with the basics of container gardening, experiment planting orchids and exotic plants. Nothing can be as relaxing as seeing green vegetables growing, vivid colored flower buds blooming and fruiting ripening along with formation of seeds. With these ideas, you won't get a chance to give excuses for not having a green environment. So, do not miss this fun hobby of creating a beautiful garden that involves playing with containers and plants.