Why start a container garden? Times have changed, most people nowadays have smaller yards, smaller families and have both partners working full time jobs. We don’t see the large yard gardens as much as we did years ago, when mom was home to take care of a large garden, then can, beans, carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes were there for the taking.
With the onset of container gardening, we have become spoiled for choice when it comes to containers and potting soil. We can open the trunk of our mother’s well-built shed to fill her fancy pots and boxes with anything she wants.
So what can you do with container gardening? Simply put, container gardening is dreamed up flowers, herbs, vegetables and containers. Using containers of various shapes, sizes and material, you can achieve a variety of effects. Container gardening is the choice of many fine, accomplished gardeners who don’t have the space for the aspects of gardening. We have come to expect containers to solve all of those nagging problems and provide us with a place to enjoy our great garden, porch or balcony.
Not only can containers do well inside, but outside as well. There is an overwhelming feeling of well being when you grow something in a container and can use it at any time of the year.
Containers are practical, money saving and can be put almost anywhere. Use about one half or one third of the size container you would to plant a regular herb garden. The thing I find exciting about container gardening is the almost equal success you will have both indoors and out.
What to grow inside
Many fine dining salads can be grown in smaller containers of various shapes and sizes. Enjoy experimenting with different containers — you won’t be sorry!
And do not forget the benefits of aromatic plants and Lavender. Both of these will find a permanent home in your culinary iceberg.
Requirements for container gardening on the interior:
— The plant or vegetable must not have been offered as a gift or purchased in a retail store.
— The container and those inside it must be pest proof and sturdy. Make sure that they will hold the weight of full grown plants, their fruit and soil without breaking down.
— The size of each container must be at least 3 gallons.
— You may now grow vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, peas and eggplant.
— If you can, grow strawberries using runners. This will take up less space than regular strawberry plants.
— If you can grow berry bushes, please do! They are so delicious.
— Cucumbers are easy to grow and their cookingfruit will come in handy most of the year.
— There are many herbs that are not only very tasty, but quite decorative as well. Consider the different options you may have.
— Brick or perhaps terracotta pots are choices you might consider. They are weather resistant and large enough to grow large plants.
— Plastic containers can be used for the smaller containers like radishes and carrots.
— The most successful containers are those that are glazed on the inside. They are more likely to hold the weight of full grown plants.
— One of the best ways to water is with a watering can that has some small holes for excess water to drip out. Using this method will keep your plants compact and healthy.
— Have fun and prepare to find some new friends who will be growing on different containers.
Containers can be placed almost anywhere inside the home. Perhaps you will place a pot in thepenter’s den. Container gardens are Everywhere!
