What is container gardening? It’s simply gardening in containers instead of growing plants out of the ground, making it perfect for small spaces. This is the perfect solution for apartment residents, first-time gardeners, or someone who has not had the best track record with growing plants in the past. Container gardening is an easy way to grow some of your fruits and vegetables or display a lively home decoration.
The best plants for container gardening
You can plant almost anything in a container that can be grown in the ground. Here are six different plants that we recommend for container gardening:
- Annuals
- Perennials
- Shrubs
- Ornamental grasses
- Vegetables
- Herbs
Determining the plant you decide to pot heavily depends on your space and the amount of light it will receive. Some of the best container plants include lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, and blueberries. Click here to see the full list of plants, along with the proper pot sizes and the amount of soil needed. For herbs, we recommend growing basil, thyme, cilantro, and rosemary. Before you buy the seeds, check out your local library. Some libraries feature seed libraries where they offer free seeds for planting.
Start with your container
Whatever container you decide to use, make sure it has drainage holes on the bottom. The USDA Department of Agriculture says to “Avoid containers made of pressure treated wood or containers that previously stored chemicals.” If you are reusing a container for a new plant, make sure the pot is freshly cleaned. A hack that we love is looking at the thrift store before purchasing a planter or pot from a major retailer.
Soil and plant placement
When purchasing soil, look for “potting mix” or “potting soil” so you get the specified soil for container gardening. Veggies tend to require more sunlight than other container plants, so it is important to research the amount of light your plant needs. In addition to soil and light, you need to ensure your plants are watered properly. This heavily depends on the amount of sunlight your plant gets.
For example, some vegetables require more sunlight, making them best to plant during the summer months and either outside or near a window, depending on the type of veggie. Some plants, for example, mushrooms, do not need much sunlight and should be kept away from a window.
Maintenance
It is essential to keep your plants watered. This is why drip irrigation is so important; the holes at the bottom of the container will let the water drain so they will not drown. It is also crucial to check on the fertilization of your plants. Many potting mixes contain fertilizers already, so be careful not to over-fertilize your plants. Two ways to keep container plants well-fertilized are:
- Apply a light dose of a water-soluble fertilizer with every watering
- Include a slow-release dry fertilizer in the soil.
Now, you’re all set to start your garden! Start small with one or two plants and grow from there if you feel confident. This is the perfect way to grow your produce and herbs for less cost and less maintenance.
