How To Plant A Container Garden

Even the smallest patio, deck, doorstep or balcony can be turned into a flourishing, colorful garden. A sunny windowsill can even be a great spot for a small container garden if there is no outdoor space available. Container gardens are the perfect solution for people who:

• are disabled and need something easily accessible

• live in an apartment with limited space

• want fresh herbs or vegetables for cooking
  

• are homeowners with limited land space

Containers can be made out of a variety of objects; you are limited only by your imagination.

Some ideas include planter boxes, hanging baskets, flower pots and even items found in the home. By following a few simple guidelines, you can have a successful container garden suited to your specific needs.

Guidelines

• Avoid containers with narrow openings, which can hinder plant growth.

• Cheap plastic containers can be ruined by UV rays and terrracotta pots can dry out quickly. Try using ceramic or glazed pots.

• Wood containers can rot easily, except for Redwood and cedar, and woods treated with certain chemicals can damage the plants. An advantage to wood containers is that they can be built to suit.

• Use large containers; small ones can restrict root development.

• Make sure containers have adequate drainage holes.

• If you live in a hot climate, use light-colored containers.

• Setting containers on bricks allows better drainage.

Soil

• Pick out a soil that drains well, but will still retain enough moisture to keep the roots well-moistened.

• If it's available, compost works well for container gardens.

• Soilless potting mixtures also work well.

• Make sure to leave about two inches at the top of the container.

Sun

• Container gardens need at least five hours of direct sunlight per day.

• Check the information on the plants you purchase to see their sunlight requirements.

Watering

• Most container gardens will require daily watering because the soil tends to dry out faster in smaller pots.

• Apply the water until you see it running out of the drainage holes.

What to Grow

A variety of plantlife can be grown in container gardens, including annuals, perennials, fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Annuals to try: alyssum, begonia, geraniums, impatiens, marigolds, petunias, zinnias

Vegetables: salad greens, cherry tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, carrots and onions all work well
in container gardens.

Fruits: Any berry, including strawberries and blueberries

Herbs: anise, basil, dill, fennel, tarragon and mint. Try placing small, quick-groing herbs around

your vegetables.