Container gardening is the ideal solution for people who have limited to no outdoor space. Whether you have a small balcony, terrace, a patch of sun on the driveway, or just a window, you can add life to the space by keeping plants in containers.
Apart from the aesthetic value it adds to your spaces, a container garden can also serve a practical purpose. They can be used to produce a variety of vegetables and herbs. Mint, tomatoes, lettuce, basil, thyme are some of the many plants that can happily grow in pots.
Water preservation is also made possible with container gardening. If you are living with limited water supplies or just want to be more environmentally responsible, growing plants in pots is a good way to control water wastage.
Here are a few things you need to know before setting up a container garden.
Choosing the Right Size and Type of Containers
Most pots and planters are available in size of 10-24 inches diameter. The depth of the pot should suit the root system of the plant. A larger sized pot is better but you need to keep in mind the available space and the type of plant. Bedding plants can grow well in shallow pots, while larger pots are needed for small trees and shrubs.
Containers come in a variety of materials. Clay and terracotta are more natural and porous so allow better air flow. But they are easily breakable. Plastic containers are inexpensive and lightweight but need to be recycled regularly. Cast concrete offer better durability and design. Metal containers look great but can burn your plants in high temperatures as they conduct heat.
Whichever material you choose, containers should have adequate drainage holes in them to avoid water logging and eventual loss of plants.
Filling Up the Container
Choose quality soil for filling up your containers. A good multi-purpose compost for pots is ideal for most plants. For vegetables and herbs, you can go with organic compost specifically formulated for growing vegetables.
Planting
After filling about three quarters of your container with soil, add your plant. Once it is in place, add more soil on top of it to cover the roots.
When planting multiple species in the same container, choose plants that have the same soil and light requirements.
Once you’re done add a top layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring for Containers
Container gardens depend on you to look after them as they don’t have access to natural resources. So they require extra attention and care.
Container soil is more prone to drying out so checking for moisture and watering if needed is a daily requirement. Add fertilisers as frequently as needed to keep your plants well nourished. Keep removing dead leaves and wilted flowers regularly. Finally watch out for any pests like flies or mites.
Container gardening gives you a chance to pursue your love for plants even with less space. From creating a small kitchen garden to brightening up your patio, the opportunities are endless. Head to the Little Fields Farm today to get everything you need to start up your container garden.
