Container gardening, or also known as pot gardening, is a way of growing plants and other vegetables in containers instead of planting them directly in the ground. Container gardening usually requires small, enclosed spaces, and it uses portable objects such as pots and boxes to be the home of the plants or flowers. That is why if you live in an apartment or a house with a small garden space, then container gardening is the perfect solution for you to keep your garden abundant. You can grow foods to support a healthy diet and support help reduce costs on diets such as a 50% raw food diet and others.
Container gardening is a method that is also used in places where the climate or soil is not fitted for the plant or crop that you want to grow. In some cases, container gardening is done for ornamental purposes.
Knowing the Right Garden Container
The size of the containers you will use will depend on the kind of plants you want to grow. Keep in mind that in container gardening, the first home that you will choose for your plants will be their only home throughout their lifetime.
That is why if you are planning to grow and take care of fruit-bearing plants, then we suggest that you would grow them in a container that has a large space to give your plants room to grow.
Types of Garden Containers
Ceramic Glazed Containers
This type of content tends to absorb moisture a little better because it is has a ceramic glaze coating. Ceramic glazed containers tend to be a bit more expensive, but they are pretty and useful in container gardening.
Terra Cotta Containers
This type of container will add beauty to your garden, but they are more expensive than the ceramic glaze containers. Aside from that, it is more breakable and tends to be heavier to move. It also heats up and bakes quickly when exposed under the sun for too long; that is why they might require a little bit more watering.
Cement
This type of container is a little bit expensive, but they are very durable. They can also be very heavy, especially if you add dirt to them.
Plastic
This is the lightest and cheapest option in the market. The only downside of this is that they can be disposable and easy to break.
Keep in mind that whatever type of container you choose, one of the most important things is the drainage holes. Because if it doesn’t have proper drainage, the soil will become waterlogged, and your precious plants may die. That is why your container should have enough water holes where excess water can drain out.
Types of Plants You Can Grow in a Container Garden
These plants are perfect for growing in window boxes, and they are an excellent option for people living in the city or an apartment with minimal outdoor space:
- Nasturtiums
- Pansies
- Geranium
- Sage
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Mint/Lemon Balm
- Hanging cherry tomatoes
- Everbearing Strawberries
- Bush/Hanging Cucumbers
On the other hand, if you have a slightly bigger space or a patio garden that receives full and partial sun every day, here are some plants that you can add to your container garden that will thrive really well:
- Basil
- Oregano
- Cilantro
- Tarragon
- Thyme
- Nasturtiums
- Pansies
- Marigold
- Everbearing Strawberries
- Radishes
- Scallions
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Pole beans
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Cherry tomatoes
- Lettuce