Container Gardening: The Easiest Way to Grow
Container gardening is the perfect solution for those interested in small space gardening, apartment gardening, urban gardening, or balcony gardening. You can grow almost anything in a container, making it an ideal way to grow your own food in limited space. Even with just a patio or balcony, you can cultivate a thriving garden. While growing edibles indoors is possible, this post will focus on outdoor container gardening.
There are endless options when choosing a container. You can use a simple 5-gallon bucket or opt for a more elaborate vertical gardening system. Container gardening also offers flexibility, allowing you to move containers to different areas to adjust sunlight exposure. Each container is its own microenvironment, enabling you to water and fertilize each plant according to its needs.
Get the most out of container gardening
One of my favorite things to grow in containers is peppers. They thrive in close quarters, and I have successfully grown two pepper plants in an 18 to 24-inch container. I also like to grow herbs like cilantro and parsley in the same pot. The peppers provide shade for the herbs, which in turn help keep the soil cooler and prevent weeds. Root vegetables like carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips also grow well in containers. Just choose a pot that is deeper than the vegetable you’re planting. Summer squash and zucchini are great for container gardening as they save space in your main garden.
Choosing the Right Container
The size and material of your container are crucial. For most vegetables, use containers at least 12 inches in diameter or the size of a 5-gallon bucket. Containers come in various materials, including plastic, terracotta, metal, ceramic, and fabric grow bags. Each material has its pros and cons:
Plastic Containers: Lightweight and durable, but ensure they are BPA-free and food-safe.
Terracotta Planters: Aesthetic but dry out quickly.
Fabric Grow Bags: Promote healthy root growth and are affordable.
Ceramic Planters: Attractive but can cause overwatering.
Saving on Soil
One of the most significant costs in container gardening is the soil. However, you can reduce expenses, especially when gardening in limited spaces, by making your own soil mix. This approach is perfect for those engaged in small space gardening.
To create a high-quality soil mix for your container garden, combine equal parts homemade compost, peat moss, and an inorganic amendment like perlite or vermiculite. This mixture provides a balanced environment for your plants, ensuring good drainage and nutrient retention. Here’s a closer look at the components:
Homemade Compost: Rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes, compost improves soil structure and fertility.
Peat Moss: Retains moisture and enhances soil aeration, crucial for container-grown plants.
Inorganic Amendments: Perlite and vermiculite help maintain soil moisture and aeration. Perlite is ideal for plants that prefer well-drained soil, while vermiculite is better for moisture-loving plants.
Creating your own soil mix is not only economical but also customizable to suit the needs of different plants. If you’re focusing on small space gardening, using a lightweight mix can make it easier to move containers around. For example, to make 6 cubic feet of soil, you might spend about $28 on the necessary components. In contrast, purchasing the same quantity of pre-made potting soil could cost around $45. By making your own mix, you save approximately $17, which is a 38% cost reduction. This homemade blend can also be used in raised beds, making it versatile for various container gardening applications.
In summary, by making your own soil mix, you not only save money but also provide your plants with a tailored growing medium that supports their health and productivity. Whether you're practicing container gardening or expanding your garden in a small space, these soil-saving tips will help you achieve a thriving garden.
“For 6 cubic feet of soil, I will spend about $28. The same quantity of bagged potting soil would be about $45, so making my own mix saves me $17 or 38%.”
Watering and Fertilizing
Proper soil drainage is important for any type of garden and containers are no different. Containers dry out faster than in-ground gardens, especially during hot summer months. Water your containers daily and sometimes twice a day in peak summer. Fertilize more frequently, about every 2-3 weeks, using an organic fertilizer like fish emulsion. Adding compost to your soil mix will help provide essential nutrients and beneficial microbes.
Grow vertically
Maximize your space by combining container gardening with vertical gardening. Use existing structures like railings and fences to support vining vegetables. You can also build trellises with materials like bamboo, metal posts, or wood. Vertical gardening systems like the GreenStalk allow you to grow a variety of plants in a compact space, making them perfect for small patios or balconies.
Get Creative with Containers
It’s always great to think outside of the box (or container) when trying to find the right vessel for your veggies. Upcycle old items like vintage wheelbarrows, wine barrels, or even cracked baby pools as planters. Ensure any reused containers are safe and free from harmful chemicals.
I hope some of the tips an ideas discussed in this post will give you some container garden inspiration. If you are new to gardening, have a small space, or looking for easy ways to expand your existing garden, then container gardening can be your bestfriend. Happy gardening!
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