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container gardens

Container Gardening 101: The Basics

Building a beautiful potted garden

Container gardening is a great way for anyone to get started with gardening, and a way to build a separate specialized garden without a lot of backbreaking work.. It can be done indoors or outdoors and is a fantastic environment for beginners to learn the basics of gardening without taking on too much. Planting in pots offers the opportunity to grow a variety of plants and can be done on any budget.

Master Gardener Tip: Having the right tools is important. A potter’s tool set can be helpful.

One of the main benefits is that planting in pots and other containers allows you to grow plants in small spaces, such as on balconies, decks, patios and even indoors. This type of gardening is a great choice for those that don’t have a lot of yard space to work with, or those that live in a city apartment or condo. It’s also ideal for those who want to create a unique and beautiful garden in an area as small as a deck or patio. For those with busy schedules, or for those who are just starting out in gardening, it’s a low-commitment way to get started.

When selecting containers for container gardening, you should choose ones that have good drainage. This is important to ensure that your plants don’t get too much water, which can lead to root rot and other problems. Plastic, ceramic, and terra cotta pots are all good choices for container gardening. You should also make sure the containers you choose are the right size for the plants you plan to grow.

Master Gardener Tip: always put some gravel or stone in the bottom of your containers. About an inch or two is fine, and will help with drainage and keep soil from flowing out the hole.

Next, you’ll need to choose the right soil for your container garden. Make sure you choose a soil that is well-draining and specifically formulated for container gardening and the needs of confined roots and limited nutrients. You also want to make sure that the soil is free of any weeds or insects.

Once you have the containers and soil ready, it’s time to choose the plants you want to grow. When selecting plants for a container garden, it’s important to consider the amount of sunlight each plant needs. For example, some plants such as tomatoes and peppers need at least six hours of direct sunlight, while others such as lettuce and herbs can do with less. It’s also important to consider the climate you live in when selecting plants for your container garden. Some plants such as tomatoes and peppers need warm climates, while others such as lettuce and spinach can withstand colder temperatures. If you want a flower cutting garden, see our Flower Seed Guide.

It’s also important to make sure your plants have enough room to grow in the container. You certainly don’t want them competing for water and nutrients, and crowding them will encourage disease. Once your plants are in their containers and the soil is ready, you’ll need to water them regularly. You want to make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems, so make sure you’re not overdoing it. Finally, you’ll need to give your plants the right amount of nutrients. If you’re growing vegetables, you can use a fertilizer specifically formulated for vegetable gardens. For other plants, you can use a general-purpose fertilizer.

As you can see, gardening in containers and pots is a great way to get started with gardening or fill an empty space with some beauty. With the right containers, soil, plants, and care, you can create a beautiful garden in a small space. With a little bit of research and care, you’ll have an instant garden to admire and grow. Here are some additional links:

UC Davis Container Gardening

Kellog Container Gardening

container garden guide, gardening in containers, planting a potted garden