When one thinks of gardening, they generally start to picture an expansive yard with towering trees and beds of overflowing flowers as they meander down a stone path. Or maybe it’s just me. Whatever image it is that you just pictured in your own mind likely had a common theme of expansive space for growing. This idealized image has led many to let go of their gardening dreams. But this is not necessary! Gardening is for everybody, everywhere! Whether you have a small balcony or patio or are limited to your indoor space, everybody can grow a container garden full of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. By utilizing the right supplies and selecting the best varieties, you can enjoy the comforts of nature within your compact and indoor spaces.
While container gardening does pose its own challenges, they are not without sustainable solutions. The number one issue that arises with growing a container garden is that small containers are quick to dry out. This is because soil can only hold so much water. With a smaller soil reservoir than traditional in-ground growing, keeping a watchful eye is vital to the success of your garden. To reduce the stress of keeping up with the constant watering needs, consider utilizing larger containers. The larger the soil capacity, the larger the growth opportunities and access to water your plants will have. If you have a small gardening footprint, consider utilizing containers with more depth or vertical capacities. This will not only allow the roots to spread downwards but will allow you to utilize opportunities to hang containers against walls and fences, or to suspend containers like hanging baskets and stackable planters. In addition to considering your container size, the soil quality can also be improved. Adding amendments like compost, coco coir, peat, Retain water retention crystals, and many other amendments allows the soil to hold onto more water without impeding the plant's ability to thrive. I recommend pairing soil amendments including coco coir, perlite, and Retain together such as can be found in the Minute Soil+ Water Retention Soil Mix.
Once you have selected your growing containers, consider your plant choices. There is a great misconception that you can only grow a handful of plants compared to traditional gardening. Reject this notion at all costs! Any plant that can be grown in the ground can also be grown in containers with the right considerations. Match your plants with containers that allow for proper root development. When growing vegetables in containers, larger capacities with a depth of 12 inches minimum are best. Annual herbs can often be grown in smaller pots, stackable planters, or in hanging baskets. Consider using larger pots for perennials, especially if you plan to overwinter them outdoors. And don’t forget the flowers! Flowers can be utilized throughout the container garden by interplanting them with your vegetables, herbs, or on their own. When growing vegetables, it is vital to also include an array of floral blooms to attract pollinators to your patio and balcony spaces. One of my favorite ways to integrate flowers throughout my container growing space is to use hanging baskets and hanging planter boxes.
When it comes to watering container gardens, consider how you will meet the needs of your plants. Outdoor spaces like patios and courtyards can often be serviced with outdoor hoses. But this task can quickly become more complicated when growing on a balcony or indoors. Consider utilizing a watering can or connecting a hose to an interior sink. Some people find it helpful to connect a drip system that can pull from a water reservoir that can be filled throughout the week for a reliable and timed watering schedule. When watering by hand, make sure each container has been thoroughly hydrated, and the excess is able to drain away. In container gardens, the application of fertilizer or plant food is often forgotten. In-ground gardens are able to hold on to nutrients more efficiently than containers are, as container gardens are more susceptible to nutrients being washed out with each water application. Regularly integrate a granular fertilizer into the top portion of the soil or mix a water-soluble fertilizer for quick delivery and uptake.
Whether you are turning your entire patio space into a container garden or renovating part of your home into a cozy nature corner, you can enjoy the convenience and flexibility that containers allow. There is no need to sacrifice the joy and benefits of gardening just because your space is limited. Vegetables, herbs, and flowers can all fit into your growing space and thrive with compatible containers, quality soil, regular watering, and a watchful eye to enjoy their beauty. Perhaps the greatest benefit container gardens offer is accessibility to freshly harvested food. From urban cities to the quiet countryside, containers can allow greater access for those young and old to enjoy their harvest within a few steps of their home.
About the Author:
Ashleigh Smith is the Managing Editor at True Leaf Market with a bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. True Leaf Market is a nationally certified organic, non-GMO seed and horticultural company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The True Leaf Market staff specializes in supplying a large selection of conventional, heirloom, and organic seeds to home gardeners everywhere. Learn more about our seeds, supplies, and other growing ideas: www.trueleafmarket.com.
All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.
By: Natalie Carmolli for Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs
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