Container Gardening: The Easiest Way to Grow
Container gardening is a fantastic way to grow plants, whether you're new to gardening or working with a small space like an urban lot or apartment balcony.
It’s also a great option for experienced gardeners, offering flexibility and control. Each container acts as a microenvironment, allowing you to tailor watering, fertilizing, and even sun exposure to suit your plants' needs. Plus, containers are portable, so you can easily adapt to changing sunlight or weather conditions.
From vegetables and herbs to fruits and flowers, you can grow almost anything in a container — even create mobile pollinator gardens!
Keep reading for tips on choosing the right pots, saving on soil costs, and maximizing your container gardening success.
Choosing the Right Container
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. The size and material of your container is important. 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.
What can you grow?
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 can grow well in containers. Just choose a pot that is deeper than the vegetable you’re planting.
Growing summer squash and zucchini in containers is also a great way to save space.
Saving on Soil
One of the most significant costs in container gardening is the soil. However, you can reduce expenses by making your own soil mix.
To create a high-quality soil mix for your container garden, combine equal parts homemade compost, peat moss (or coco coir), 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.
By making your own mix, you can save up to 40%.
“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 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 old baby pools as planters. Ensure any reused containers are safe and free from harmful chemicals.
I hope some of the tips and 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, container gardening can be your BFF.
Ready to grow a garden you’ll love? Discover how to choose plants you’ll enjoy, make the most of your space, and create a garden that fits your needs and goals.