Container Gardening 101

Container gardens are an economical and healthy hobby that can be adapted to any living space. This gardening method is simple enough for the greenest of gardeners and perfect for any size space. These gardens can grow on a front porch, a patio, balcony, windowsill — just about anywhere! In five easy steps and on a small budget, you can start growing your own produce.

1. Location

You don’t need much space to plant a garden. A patio, balcony, even a windowsill is enough space to plant your garden. Just make sure there is some sunlight exposure during the day.

2. Select Your Containers

Deep Clay Container

Shallow Clay Container

 3. Get Dirty

Potting mix is better than soil because it’s sterile. It is also lightweight and holds moisture well. Buy potting mix from your local nursery or hardware store. Or, you can create your own organic potting mix. The link below provides six different types of recipes to choose from:

http://www.hobbyfarms.com/crops-and-gardening/5-potting-soil-recipes.aspx

4. Pick & Plant Your Crop

Certain plants don’t grow well together while others make great companions fighting off natural pests and disease. Here are some tips on mixing your flora.

While you can have these plants in the same area, avoid planting them together in the same container:

Bad Crop Combinations

These plants make good companions and can share the same garden container:

Good Crop Combinations

5. Care for Your Crops

    1. Most fruits and vegetables grow best in full sunlight with sun exposure for at least six hours a day. Leafy greens, however, prefer more shade.
    2. Because of restriction of nutrients available, container plants need to be fertilized more often than open field gardens. Plan on applying a soluble fertilizer every other week.
    3. It’s best to water plants every day in the morning. Don’t let the soil completely dry out and avoid watering the leaves. Be careful not to overwater because that will slowly kill your garden. Aqua spikes are useful tools in getting that right amount of water to your plant’s root system.

With these quick and easy steps you are well on your way to growing your own produce! Do you already have a container garden? Share your pictures and growing tips with us.