A Guide To Container Garden Ideas

By Ann Lewis


Many gardeners have given up on the idea of gardening because they lack space, time or lots of experience. But if growing plants is an interest of yours container (vessel) gardening could be your answer. Vessel gardens will allow you to enjoy "playing in the dirt" without investing a lot of time or money. You can get very creative in this area using decorative flowers or grasses, herbs and vegetables. You can plant a vessel garden with any plant that would grow outside. The trick is to come up with some creative container garden ideas.

When it comes to limited outdoor space, including a small yard, or balcony and a shared courtyard, container gardening will serve you right. This gardening option offers the ability of growing a variety of fruits and almost all types of vegetable. This only requires the right conditions, including enough space for an appropriate size of container and the right level of sun exposure.

I find container gardening extremely efficient on space. With the system, every ounce of your soil will count as there is no wastage of any growing space underfoot during plant caring and harvesting. As a container gardener, I am also able to chase the sun where necessary by simply lifting the container and moving it throughout the day. There is also an incredible amount of shade vegetables with the ability to tolerate and thrive in dappled sunlight and partial shade.

Secondly, using a good quality garden potting compost should be used as this will contain all the nutrients your plants will need. They may be in the vessel for some time, so a regular feed with fertilizer will also boost the nutrients. Slow release pellets are very useful for vessel gardening.

In my gardening experience, I have found numerous edibles lending themselves to this form of gardening. The list is endless, but following are some few to have you started: Tomatoes, Water melons and Winter squash- their vine naturally and happily grow vertically, only needing your supports, Pole beans and peas, Salad greens, Asian greens, kitchen herbs and strawberries- they thrive in a recycled pallet and Hanging planters.

But don't just stick to vegetables and herbs; why not add fruit trees too? Instead of using an evergreen tree, pot a fruit tree instead. There are many dwarf varieties available that work best in pots since with pots there is less soil therefore less nutrients to draw from. If you live in a year round warm climate citrus trees are perfect.

In other regions, stick to pear, apple and cherry trees. Another good vessel gardening idea is to grow strawberries. With strawberries climate does not matter since you can bring the vessel inside. Fresh strawberries are amazingly sweet and delicious. Imagine how good a bowl of fresh strawberries will be, strawberries that you have just picked.

Lastly, be strategic. After making up your mind to growing your vegetables, fruits or herbs and choosing the gardening technique, the most vital decision is selecting the right plants. Numerous plants need a minimum of six hours per day of direct sunlight. But others prefer partial shade especially in the peak of summer. All in all, examine your space, make the wise choice and you are ready to go.




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