Container gardening is a quick and easy way to grow your favorite plants in small, portable containers. This allows you to easily transport them and also to create the garden of your choice anywhere, and in any space.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when container gardening:
How to Select Your Containers
– It’s important to plan the size and number of your containers. Decide this on the basis of the size of the plants and how big they would grow to, and the size of your gardening area.
– The design of the containers is up to you. They can be made out of almost anything such as terracotta, ceramic, metal or plastic. It is usually a good idea to use lighter-colored containers in hot climates and to place heavier pots on platforms with wheels for better mobility.
– You can place saucers under your containers allowing them to drain excess moisture and to optimize the water absorption by the plants.
– Remember to leave about 2 inches of space from the top of your container when filling them with soil to allow room for watering.
– You can also use pulleys for hanging plants as well as exotic pots.
How to Select Your Plants
It’s usually a good idea to use plants that are native to your area along with dwarf varieties that grow well in containers.
– When designing your garden try surrounding tall leafy plants with low flowering plants for a pleasing visual effect.
– For the areas having little sunlight, you can plant ferns and other plants that thrive in the shade.
– Ivy or bamboo can be grown on or near walls and can be used to create a natural partition between sections.
How to Grow Your Plants
– Regularly watering your plants and providing them with adequate nutrients and organic fertilizers to prevent any deficiencies will ensure your plants grow in a healthy manner.
– Watering your plants around sunrise and sunset and using mulch are great ways to prevent water loss.
– When watering it’s important to remember that the thinner the leaves, the more water the plant needs.
– It’s also important to regularly harvest and trim your plants. You can also collect their seeds to expand your garden, simultaneously saving on buying fresh seeds.