The first thing to consider in setting up a container garden is to assess the mature size of the plant and to see if the container will be able to accommodate such size in the future.  Having this container sizing foresight will help avoid future problems in plant moving and displacing the plant growth.  The orientation of the stem growth will also matter for the diameter of the container.  Upright plants should have wider based containers for balance and sprawlers should have a space to drape over in deeper pots.

Garden soils do not work best for indoor planting.  A soil mixture with perlite, peat or vermiculite will help retain moisture at a longer length of time.  This mixture can also drain well without compacting as the season passes by. A more advanced form of a soil less potting mix can be had with a sphagnum peat moss mix available in the market.  This is lighter in weight and is highly preferred for easier moving of the pots outdoors.

There are plant species that easily survive on intense heat and dry soil, the conditions typical in container gardens.  Avoid future heartbreak by choosing ones that are willing to survive the container style.  Plants can also be switched out based on seasonal changes.  The fun part in indoor container gardening is the maintenance of bloom sequence based on the gardener’s whim. 

Be sensitive about sunlight exposure.  Much as the plants need sunlight to manufacture food and grow, container gardens tend to heat up at a much higher rate than those in the ground gardens.  It would be best to shield the container plants from too much sun in the high noon.  Placing them against walls that can reflect the sunlight can help give them the desired indirect light.  

Plants not regularly watered in indoor container gardens easily die as compared with those growing in a soil ground.  This is because the roots in containers do have access to subsurface water under the ground.  In the same context, soil nutrients should also be replenished, because the roots cannot spread out for additional food under the soil.  A good solution for this would be the application every 3-4 weeks of water soluble fertilizer or using one that is time released and is installed at the initial stage of planting. 

For container gardening ideas, search the internet, the library or a bookstore. The challenge is to come up with a pleasing container garden design. There are an unlimited variety of containers available for your container garden. These range in size from small house-plant pots to large boxes and planters. Equally variable are the materials from which they are made. These include wood, glass, clay, aluminum, bamboo, straw, plastic, fiberglass, terra cotta, tin, cast iron, zinc, copper, and brass, each with certain advantages and disadvantages. What you select will depend on availability, cost, background, and appeal not to mention the characteristics of the gardening pots.

Here are some container gardening ideas. In addition to traditional circular pots and tubs, there are modern and ultra-modern forms—square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, and octagonal. Also eligible are old iron kitchen pots, kettles, pails, jugs, casks, vases, crocks, jelly tubs, barrels and nail kegs, Japanese fish tubs, old sinks, bathtubs, bamboo soy tubs. There are novelty containers such as driftwood, wheelbarrows, donkey carts, spinning wheels and boxes attached to roadside mail receptacle. There are also bird cages, decorative well heads, animal figures, and Strawberry jars. Woven baskets may be used to conceal unattractive containers. Even tar paper pots, handled by garden centers and florists, are worthwhile if painted or covered to improve their appearance. Any of these can be used in your container gardening ideas.

Where to find your container supplies? Start with what you have. If you scout cellars or basements, attics, garages, and sheds, you will doubtless encounter something interesting. Old-fashioned pots and kettles, often sold in antique shops at country auctions or seen at old New England inns, have much appeal.

Other container garden ideas are to consider old cookie and bean jars, pickle and other types of crocks, wash tubs, coal pails, jardinières, and ceramic bowls. For drainage, spread a thick layer of large pebbles or broken pieces of pots or bricks at the bottom and then water plants with care. In large containers of this kind, drainage material should be several inches thick. Where rainfall is heavy, be sure to keep garden containers without drainage outlets on porches, under awnings or the broad eaves of houses. With pails and old galvanized wash tubs, holes can be easily punctured at the bottom.

Plants in containers without drainage openings remain moist longer. Some of these—crocks, jardinières and cookie jars—are heavy enough to be secure against wind in outside container gardening.

What constitutes the ideal container for your container garden ideas? A container must be attractive, even if it is not an object of art. It should be strong and durable and able to resist all kinds of weather. This is especially true of the large sizes, which usually remain outdoors all year around. In the North, alternate freezing and thawing is a problem in winter (and could cause cracking); in tropical climates, excessive heat, humidity, and moisture are to be considered (and could cause fading). And in semiarid areas, there is the effect of scorching sun to keep in mind, another cause of fading. All these things must be kept in mind when coming up with your container gardening design.

The ideal container must be large enough to hold a substantial amount of soil. It should have good drainage facilities through holes or other openings at the bottom or sides, though this is not absolutely necessary. It must not rust, at least in a single season, and it should have a wide enough base to rest firmly wherever placed. Besides, it ought to be heavy enough to withstand average winds. In severe storms, like hurricanes and tornadoes, movable containers can be shifted to temporary safety. All of these things should be factored in when you are coming up with your container gardening ideas.

Resistance to rot is another requirement. Wooden containers—except those made of rot-resistant redwood, Western cedar, and Southern red cypress—will need to be treated with a wood preservative. Except for permanent containers, the ability to move your container garden is another feature, and sometimes a safety precaution, of portable container gardening. Large boxes and planters can be fitted with wheels, and garden centers have redwood tubs that rest on platforms with wheels. A hole in the platform corresponds to the hole in the tub. Large containers without wheels can be pushed on iron or wooden rollers by two or more persons; however, if you live in an area prone to disastrous storms it is best to keep your containers small.

Smaller containers are ideal for growing herb container gardens. If you plan to plant an herb container garden be imaginative Here are some container garden ideas for herbs that go well together.

For an Italian selection try Sweet basil, Italian parsley, Oregano, Marjoram and Thyme.

For a lovely scented container use Lavender, Rose scented geranium, Lemon balm, Lemon thyme, and Pineapple sage.

For really great salads try Garlic chives, Rocket, Salad burnet, Parsley, Celery.

And to say “We love French Cooking!” use Tarragon, Chervil, Parsley, Chives and Sage.

Any of these will liven up your cooking and please your family.

So these are just a few container gardening ideas. Get out a pad of paper and make up a container garden design that will please the eye and maybe even the palate

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

The most commonly grown edible plant are herbs. The second most common edible plants grown in containers is vegetables. Most growers find growing fruit is difficult to do in containers, so fruits come in last.

Strawberries are one fruit that grows particularly well in many types of containers. Strawberries are generally quite hardy, and can even be grown in special grow bags that can be hung on a wall outdoors.

Dwarf fruit trees can often be grown in large pots. Many smaller dwarf citrus trees grow nicely in pots, and if kept well-pruned they can make beautiful indoor decorations. Many types of dwarf berry bushes will grow in containers, although they are usually very heavy and can’t be moved easily. Dwarf varieties of blueberries and raspberries have been successfully grown in containers.

Many varieties of herbs do well in containers. Parsley is perhaps the most popular herb for container growing. Basil, cilantro and chives are also extremely popular for growing in containers.

In fact, almost all herbs can be grown successfully in containers. The key is finding a large enough container. Some herbs can easily be grown in relatively small containers. Chives, parsley, and basil can all grow in smaller pots. An example of herb plants that need larger containers to grow would be the sage plant, and oregano.

Although tomatoes are technically classified as fruits, they are possibly the most popular garden grown plant. Container gardeners find tomatoes as their top vegetable choice when choosing what to plant. It’s probably due mostly to the fact that good tomatoes can be very difficult to find. The tomatoes in most grocery stores are picked green and artificially ripened so they survive shipping without bruising and last longer on the shelves.

A wide variety of tomato plants grow extremely well in container gardens, especially grape tomatoes, cheery tomatoes, and roma tomatoes.

You can start plants for container gardening indoors with seed germination techniques, then move them outside when ready. Starter plants can also be purchased from local shops, but you may receive greater fulfillment from starting your plants from seeds.

Do you wish to plant organic plants of vegetables and flowers but do not have the space for it? Are you marring your wishes just because you do not have a proper garden? Now, there is a solution for you. These days, people are opting for organic container gardening when they do not find a proper garden for themselves. Similarly, you can also plant organic vegetables and flowers using a suitable container. The best part of this container is that it is movable and go along with you in case you move.

For organic container gardening, first of all, you need a good size container. Now, this container could be any vessel able to hold soil in it. You can either use a natural container made of clay or opt for wooden container too. You can also use a plastic carton or an old wheelbarrow as a container for your new little organic garden. The only thing to look for in a container, for your organic container gardening, is that it should not get scattered when you water the plants in it. Moreover, your chosen container should be able to drain because some of your plants will not like being over-watered. However, you can easily make holes in any container to provide proper drainage.

Next thing that you need for an organic container gardening is living organic soil. In case of a real garden, you can begin with any soil and gradually add the organic soul but not with an organic container garden. Here, you will have to start with organic soil only. The organic soil that you choose should have the capacity to hold water without over-drenching the roots of the plants. Remember there is no subsoil in the container, so you have to be careful in choosing the organic soil when doing organic container gardening. You can add peat moss to the organic soil to help it hold water. Or you can even grow plants in the peat moss without adding soil.

Now, what to grow in your container garden depends upon the size of the container. Nevertheless, do not forget to choose just the organic seeds for your organic container gardening. This will ensure better and healthy crops. Additionally, you should only use the organic pesticides and fertilizers for your little garden. Using the organic gardening supplies will ensure that you only get organic products that taste so good.

Organic container gardening is fun, easy and satisfying if you cannot own a proper garden. It gives you all the benefits that you can have from your garden and it will indulge in proper gardening as well. The seven most essential elements required for a successful organic container garden are plants, sunlight, water, temperature, space, nutrients and patience.

Summary: An organic container garden is one of the best alternatives for a real garden. For all those who cannot indulge in real gardening, organic container gardening is a satisfying experience. All one needs is a good container and proper organic gardening supplies to grow and sustain the plants grown in the container.

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Container gardening offers several benefits as well. They require less effort and less care since weeding isn’t generally an issue in containers. Vegetables and plants are grown naturally, and usually don’t require pesticides or other harmful chemicals, especially if kept indoors.

Choosing Your Containers

Some of the different types of containers you can use for your first container garden include

•Wooden barrels

•Planter boxes

•Hanging baskets

•Flower pots of different sizes

Your container garden is limited only by your imagination, though, so don’t restrict yourself to only traditional pots. Experiment with old shoes, coffee pots, mail boxes, kid’s toys, or even tiny teacups. Your garden can be strictly utilitarian, or as whimsical as a fairy tale, but there are certain considerations when it comes to choosing containers.

The most important feature of a container is that it must be wide and open. Narrow containers can be difficult to fill and to plant. It is better to use wooden or ceramic containers which allow water to evaporate. Plastic containers can trap moisture and heat and damage your plants. Also, look for pots that have small holes for water drainage. Holes should be ½ inch across, and before planting line the pot base with gravel to avoid soil loss. If you’re using wooden pots then go for the rot-resistant woods like redwood and cedar.

Choosing Your Plants

Almost every vegetable can be grown in containers; however the size of the plant will depend on the size of the container you’ve chosen. Some good choices for containers include lettuce and cabbage, bell peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes. Fruits and vegetables that don’t do well in containers include corn, raspberries, and any of the vine species like pumpkin and cucumber. They simply require more space than your average container garden allows.

Most vegetables require lots of sun, but if you’re lacking in sunny windows or balconies, then leafy veggies like cabbage and lettuce that can tolerate shade are a good choice. Bell peppers and carrots require more sunlight and should get at least six to eight hours of full sun daily. Refer to flower and vegetable guides and your seed packet for sunlight requirements.

Tall plants like tomatoes and beans require a bit more space, and are perfect for larger balconies and kitchen gardens. Tomatoes do well as hanging plants in specially made baskets, and beans will require a support system for climbing.

If your space is really limited, though, you might try growing sprouts. They’re fast to grow, take up very little space, and make a wonderful addition to salads and sandwiches. They also require no tough soil preparation, so they’re perfect for new gardeners to experiment with.

Container gardening is a good choice in situations where a traditional garden isn’t possible. From apartment dwellers who simply don’t have the space, to the elderly who can no longer get out to work in the garden, many gardeners enjoy growing their vegetables indoors. With a little preparation and wise plant choices, you can build your own container garden, and enjoy fresh, organic vegetables all year long.

Your garden pots need to have good drainage. Your plants will also look great if the pot’s size is just suitable with the plant’s size. Pot’s size must also be according to the type of plant that you plan to put in it. Tall pots are good for the plants like shrubs whose roots need enough space to grow. Small pots for some of your plants must not be fragile since most of the time, you might want to place them outdoor, making the pots vulnerable to breakage.

Select a room with an abundance of natural light.  Container plants flourish the best with natural lighting.  If you can’t find a room with enough appropriate sunlight, special plant lights can be used instead. 

Not all fluorescent lights work well with indoor garden plants, you will need to use lights that are designed for planting such as the Hydrofarm Fluorescent Grow Light System .  These special lights contain a broad spectrum of near natural light that can not be found in standard light bulbs.    

Your plants may need some humidity, so room adjustments may be in need.  While some plants live better in higher levels of humidity, other plants thrive best in a lower humidity environment.  Extra equipment can be purchased to help with humidity factors.  Good news is that only certain varieties of exotic plants need these requirements.  

Be careful when it come to  choosing the plants you will like to grow.  Too many gardeners select  far to many plant varieties, and end up burnt out.  Make a plan to grow vegetables and fruit that you really enjoy, or grow those you find over priced or too low quality.  For example, tomatoes are a favorite for home gardeners, because their quality in stores is often very poor. With the right variables anyone can experience success with container gardening indoors.

The importance of proper watering cannot be stressed enough for your container garden plants. Container Gardens are exposed to wind and sun so they dry out quicker than plants in the ground. There are no exact rules about watering your container garden plants. You have to become acquainted with the needs of various garden plants. The best tip is to examine them daily and water the plant when the surface of the soil begins to look dry. Feeling the soil will also help you determine the moisture needs of your container garden. Or, take the easy way and invest in a water meter if you are not sure.

How much and when to water will depend on the kind of plant and soil, the type and size of container, and the amount of exposure to sun and wind. Climate and the weather also play their part. During hot spells most plants in your container garden need daily water, except those in small clay pots, which may require it twice. Some plants, like fuchsias and tuberous begonias, wilt when dry, but geraniums and succulents are not so sensitive to neglect. On the other hand, it is good to let soil dry out a little between watering. This prevents the soil from depleting its nutrients.

Since unglazed containers dry out quickest, watch them more closely. Wooden tubs, window boxes, and planters dry out more slowly; metal is the slowest of all. Groups of plants in large containers keep moist longer than single specimens. A good technique to avoid excess dryness is to have groupings of plants, arranged close together. This allows the container plants to shade one another to keep cool and stop moisture evaporation.

There are several methods of watering the plants. If you have many containers in your container garden, depend on the hose, allowing water to flow through slowly and gently. Water small pots with a watering can that has a long spout or buy one of the self watering containers now available. When plants are grouped closely in a container garden, set up a sprinkler or hose with a fine spray nearby, allowing it to run for a long while, until the soil is soaked. In many states where the climate is dry, an automatic sprinkler system is a must to keep your whole garden hydrated. Remember this tip with geraniums and petunias, avoid sprinklers which spot blossoms.

One thing is certain; you must not depend on rain to keep your container garden plants hydrated. Even heavy showers deposit a surprisingly small amount of moisture, and unless rains are frequent and lengthy, you must do your own watering. Remember those window boxes and other containers near houses or under trees can stay dry in spite of an all-day downpour.

Though it is essential to give enough water to your container garden, it is equally important not to over water and so cause root rot. Over-watering also prevents aeration of the soil, and will cause the plant to drown.

One good method is to set your container garden, if the containers are not too large, in a basin or pail of water for several hours, or until the surface of the soil feels moist (this is the theory behind self watering containers). Or immerse the pot in a tub or large barrel of water and leave it there until air is eliminated and the bubbling stops.

The best general rule is to soak soil thoroughly when you water and then allow it to go just a bit dry before you water your container garden again. Best of all, keep a small spiral notebook and paste the care of each plant into it so that you will always have the needs of each individual plant at your fingertips.

If you go away for long periods during the summer, give the container garden serious thought before making it a project. On the other hand, you can enjoy both holidays and plants if you are absent for only short periods. The best safeguard is to entrust your container garden to a responsible friend. Or if you are going away for a vacation at your second home, or one that you have rented, take the container garden with you as a little bit of home.

Several techniques can be practiced. One is to arrange smaller containers in boxes of peat moss, sawdust, or soil, which has been well soaked. Then there is the pot-in-pot method, whereby small pots are set in larger ones, with moist peat moss inserted between.

As mentioned above, in many of the garden centers self watering containers are offered for sale. These are ideal for your container garden when you are traveling or taking a vacation.

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Please be sure to subscribe to Naztazia’s channel! This is a how-to video on growing fruits and vegetables in containers and planters instead of a traditional in-ground garden. Also known as container gardens or container gardening. These types of gardens work great for those with limited space or have no yard. Grow your vegetables, fruits and herbs on your balcony, patio or driveway.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Growing peas in containers could not be easier. Peas themselves are rather simple to grow. They grow fast without demanding a lot of attention. You’ll want to place your container in full sunlight and keep the soil moist.

Large containers work best, particularly ones that allow good drainage. Potting soil and fertilizer will stimulate the best growth. You’ll only need enough potting soil to fill your container, minus 3 inches from the rim. You’ll only need to purchase fertilizer separate if the potting soil you choose does not already come with it. Too much fertilizer is a bad thing because nitrogen will build, harming plan production. An organic slow release fertilizer can be a great solution to illuminate nitrogen build up. Aside from the pea seeds, these are all the supplies you’ll need to get started!

You might be curious what kind of pea grows best in a container. Any will do, but Sugar Snap, Snow Pea, and English Peas are the most popular for this type of growing environment. Keep in mind that these plants are climbers. A trellis will help them grow. You can easily use sticks or branches as a trellis, or purchase one from the store if you prefer. Each kind of pea harvests at a different time, so check out the life cycle of whichever plan you decide on.

Growing peas in containers is not an exact science, which could be why so many of us can grow them, whether we consider ourselves a green thumb die hard or a recreational simple gardener! Don’t give up if your first attempt falls short of your expectations. Trial and error will yield results.

“Pea, Sugar Daddy 1 Pkt. (200 seeds)”

When you are ready to mix ingredients for your container garden, be sure the soil is damp and workable. To determine this, take a handful, squeeze it and allow it to drop. If water comes out, it is too wet; if it breaks apart, it is too dry. But if the lump of soil retains its shape or cracks just a little when it is dropped, it is in good condition to work into your gardening pots.

Be certain your garden containers are clean when you start. Soak used or new clay gardening pots overnight so they will not draw moisture from the soil after planting. This is a very important step when you are beginning your plants life. If the pot draws off the moisture the new plant will be deprived. Clean dirty clay pots with a stiff brush and hot, soapy water. Clean gardening pots will be much more attractive in your container garden.

Though redwood, cedar, and cypress gardening pots may be left natural, they may also be stained or painted. First clean the surfaces then apply one or two coats of stain or paint. Let dry completely before planting. Concrete, metal, plastic, fiberglass, and similar materials all need cleaning before planting your container garden.

Suiting plants to garden pots is very important in container garden design. Consider the shape of each container, its color, and texture in relation to the color of flowers and foliage, as well as the ultimate size of each plant in your container garden. Don’t choose material that is too small, and if you want a group of plants for a large container, select one tall specimen for the center to give height and scale. Don’t forget that you can plant vegetables in container gardens; try to incorporate them into your container garden design. And, for a tasty addition to your container garden plant herbs in garden containers or even hanging baskets, your recipes will become marvelous.

In low pots or bulb pans and in tubs, use low-growing plants like fancy-leaved caladiums, petunias, verbenas, Iantanas, ageratum and wax begonias. Hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils are also appropriate. In tall containers, plant specimens of geraniums, heliotropes, coleus, balsam, dwarf dahlias, fuchsias, and marguerites. Reserve the larger container pots and boxes for trees and shrubs or roses.

As a gardener, keep in mind the form of plants, particularly the evergreens which stand out boldly in winter. Rounded types, as clipped yews or globe arborvitae, look well in angular containers. Hollies or yews, sheared into squares or pyramids, look better in circular tubs. This contrast of the curving with the straight always gives interest to the garden and those guests that visit your container garden.

The first step in potting for a gardener is to place sufficient drainage material in the bottom of each garden container, allowing the water to pass through freely, but not so much as to interfere with the roots. An inch or two of flower pot pieces (rounded sides up), or chips of brick or flagstone, pebbles, gravel, small stones, or cinders can be used. The larger the container, the larger the pieces should be. Some gardeners spread a piece of coarse burlap and a layer of sand over large drainage pieces. A layer of Vermiculite or sphagnum moss over the drainage material is also fine to keep soil from clogging holes. If the holes clog the roots will drown in their gardening pot.

Above the drainage, spread a layer of soil, the amount depending on the size of the container and the root ball of the plant. Place the plant in position so that the surface of the soil will be an inch (more for big plants) below the rim of the container. This space is needed to hold water.

Fill soil in around the roots, firming gently with your fingers or a piece of wood so as to eliminate air pockets. Add more soil and firm, but do not make the soil too tight for fine feeding roots must be able to penetrate it with ease.

Finally, water your garden container plants well, let them drain. If water passes through the gardening pot very rapidly, press soil again to firm it; that means there are air pockets. If the soil holds water too long, loosen it a little.

Place the container garden in a sheltered spot out of sun and wind for the first week while they make new root growth and adjust to new conditions. This also helps to avoid shock. Once your plants have settled in, you ready to arrange your container garden according to your original container gardening design.

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.GardeningHerb.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com or contact her at mary@webmarketingreviews

Why start a container garden? Times have changed, most people nowadays have smaller yards, smaller families and have both partners working full time jobs. We don’t see the large yard gardens as much as we did years ago, when mom was home to take care of a large garden, then can and freeze the produce. Most people had large families and they had to stretch their income, which made growing their own food a necessity. Caring for the garden usually involved the whole family with all the watering, weeding and harvesting. Gardening in those days was a big chore.

Container gardening has changed all of that, and you can still maintain all the benefits of a larger garden. With smaller families to feed and less free time, container gardening is the perfect solution. Starting one is inexpensive and takes little time; it’s also an enjoyable and relaxing time. So why not give it a try? It really is as easy as one, two, three!

You can look at container gardening as downsizing. You don’t need a lot of room. Choose an area that you can place the number of containers you would like. Decide what you would like to grow. Maybe some fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, what ever you like. Depending on the size of your containers you can even plant more than one type of vegetable in the same container. Or, you may want to plant a vegetable in the center and then some small colorful flowers around the edges. That would certainly add some color and beauty to your garden.

There are many sites you can search online to learn about different plants and what they require. You can even order the plants and containers online. This way you can get ideas on how you want your garden to look. This also gives you the option of having a unique look to your garden, with all the choices you can find in different or unusual containers, not the smaller, cookie cutter selection that you find at most stores.

So once you have your plants, containers and soil, you are ready to go! Plant your garden and watch it grow! Enjoy your harvest, and the pride of growing it all yourself. You won’t have to worry about the maintenance, it’s easy.  No weeding, just a little watering and that’s it. Your family can enjoy fresh vegetables and beautiful floral bouquets from right at home.

Gardening has changed, and I’m sure once you try container gardening you will become hooked on it. It’s the new way to garden for the modern family. And like I said, it’s as easy as one, two three!

Before you start, know your pots and choose them based on their looks and the material they’re made of. Clay pots tend to dry out very quickly in higher, dry climates and plastic pots can break down fairly quickly in hot, sunny places. Some wood rots easily, and treated wood is not good for vegetable plantings. Good choices are wood such as cedar or redwood, or glazed pots. Whatever you choose, they do need to have good drainage so you don’t invite disease or allow the plants’ roots to rot.

Once you’ve decided on your pots, place them where they will go so you don’t have to move them when they’re full and heavy. Consider putting bigger pots on wheeled plant stands so you can move them around with ease.

Next it’s time to choose what you want to put in the pots. Whether you’re planting vegetables or flowers, consider what the plant will do as it grows. Some plants are viney and will grow down the side of the pot so obviously taller containers are better for these.

Deciding on which flowers to plant is where a lot of people become overwhelmed. Start by looking at the big pots the nursery already has planted. You can see they have more than one type of flower and might actually have quite a few. Also note the color combinations, the height of the plants and if any spill gracefully over the edge of the container. Pick tall for the middle, surround it with medium height, and finish the outside rim with some trailing plants and you’ve got a very pleasing pot!

While you’re at the nursery picking out plants, select a good potting soil mix to fill your pots. When planting, leave room at the top of the container so soil doesn’t spill out when you water.

Give special attention to your newly planted pots, especially if it’s very hot out. They’ll need extra water and maybe even some additional shade to recover from the shock of being replanted. Don’t forget to fertilize regularly.

There are many different reasons why people start a container garden such as physical, space, or time limitations. Deciding on the right pots and choosing some great flower combinations makes for some beautiful containers and a very rewarding experience.

Backyard gardening is on the rise.  Many homeowners who never before considered a garden are now taking up shovels, spades, and watering cans in order to reap the benefits that go hand in hand with growing and tending a garden.  Gardening is not only a way to create something beautiful for people and animals to enjoy, it is a practical way to provide the family with fresh and nutritionally superior produce.  Gardening also offers many health benefits that include increased strength and stamina, decreased stress, and improved flexibility.

Gardening without a Backyard

If you live in an apartment, condo, or other small space, though, you may believe that gardening is not an option for you.  How can gardening be accomplished when there is no backyard in which to plant?  Apartment dwellers can still enjoy the advantages that come with gardening because it can be done on a smaller scale.  Container gardening allows you to create beautiful landscapes in miniature that can be easily maintained next to a sunny window, on a balcony, or in a window box.

How to Choose Your Garden Planters

Choosing the right garden planters for your container garden depends on how much space you have available.  First, consider the size of the area where the garden planters will be located.  Then, decide which shape would work best — square, rectangle, or circle.  What material do you want to use — clay, metal, natural wood, or sturdy resin?  Be sure that the garden planters you select are safe for growing edible plants, if that is your goal. 

Planning Your Miniature Garden

After you have selected your garden planters, decide what you would like to grow in your new garden.  Containers can support a wide variety of plants, including flowers, vines, grasses, small shrubs, vegetables, and herbs.  Not all plants like to live in containers, though, so be sure to select varieties that are known to be suitable container plants.  Combining different plants in a container provides visual interest: choose plants of varying sizes, colors, and textures to give your container the feel of a “bouquet.”  Be sure to choose plants with the same or similar lighting and watering requirements to ensure that each plant is cared for properly.

Living in a small space doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the benefits of growing and tending a garden.  In fact, container gardening offers some additional benefits not usually found with traditional gardening.  Small scale gardening using garden planters costs less and requires less upkeep than larger outdoor gardens, so not only can you enjoy the health benefits of gardening, you can also enjoy the time and money you’ll save in the process.

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

You should do some research at your local nursery or on the internet to choose the plants you wish to grow to help you come up with some ideas. Try to use plants that complement each other and have the same basic needs for water, air and light.

A container garden idea that has taken off recently is the landscape container. Some people plant a simple evergreen tree in a container with good drainage to place at their front door. Or you could plant an assortment of flowers for a bright and beautiful vista. If you do plant flowers, add plants that spill over the sides of the container to add more visuals and interest. What ever container gardening idea you can come up with can be placed on a deck, patio, and balcony or by the front doors. Put them somewhere that your family and friends can enjoy.

You can grow vegetables in containers but choose wisely. Vegetables like squash and pole beans need lots of space, while tomatoes need a deep pot. When you grow your own vegetables you will have tasty produce not the bland stuff that is in the grocery store. Nothing tastes better than a tomato right off the vine. There are many chefs and good home cooks that grow their own for just this reason. Don’t forget to pot some herbs, they are pretty plants and add zest to your meals.

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 container gardening idea is to grow strawberries. With strawberries climate does not matter since you can bring the container inside. Fresh strawberries are amazingly sweet and delicious. Imagine how good a bowl of fresh strawberries will be, strawberries that you have just picked.

Remember that container gardens dry out more quickly than traditional gardens. Be diligent about watering your plants if you don’t want your container gardening ideas to wither and die. Container gardens must be fertilized too. Keep a small notebook handy so you can write down the needs of your plant so you will always know when to water or feed. Keep an eye out for pests. If you find a container that has an infestation, isolate it immediately and treat it with a natural pesticide. You don’t want harsh chemicals on fruits, vegetables or herbs. A good natural pesticide recipe is:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.

So, do some research, come up with your own unique container gardening ideas, gather your materials and get to work. The fruits of your labor will be amazing.

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Tomato container gardens are an alternative to a traditional tomato garden. Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables, well in this case fruits, of people around the world. They can be used in so many ways, in a salad or to make a sauce for pasta and a myriad of other ways in your culinary pursuits. Sadly in some places tomatoes are being priced at three dollars per pound or more. Fortunately, everyone can grow their own tomatoes, even people that live in apartments. The answer is to grow a tomato container garden. You can grow them on a patio or balcony or in a bright sunny room in your home.

The number one essential is sun. Tomatoes require a lot of light and will not thrive without out it. The materials you will need to gather for your tomato container garden are simple. You will need containers that are about five gallons in size. Only plant one tomato plant per pot. You will need soil, tomato seedlings and stakes or a wire cage to hold the plant upright. String, or products called twist-tie or sturdy-tie will be needed to tie the plant to the stakes or cages. You will need a plastic tray for drainage; good drainage is essential to the health of your tomato container garden. Last need on the list is fertilizer.

There are some species of tomatoes that will do better in your tomato container garden. The bush varieties of tomatoes work well in containers and are popular with container gardeners. Cherry tomatoes and Christmas Grape tomatoes work well also because of their size and many gardeners grow them when space is limited. Other varieties that will flourish in a tomato container garden are Celebrity, Early Girl, and Sweet 100′s. It really depends on which variety you want to grow and for what purposes. If you will be growing them mainly for salads the cherry varieties are the way to go.

As mentioned before, sunlight is a requirement in order to grow your tomato container garden. Scout out the area you are planning to use for your tomatoes. The spot for your tomato container garden must get at least four to six hours of sunlight. The more light the better since the sun promotes healthy, steady growth. The two most important elements for success in tomato container gardening is sunlight and water.

By growing your own tomato container garden you will know that there were no pesticides used on your plants. With all the controversy going on about pesticides knowing that yours is pesticide free is an advantage for you and your family. Here is a good natural pest deterrent:

In a jar, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup vegetable oil. Shake vigorously. In an empty spray bottle, combine 2 teaspoons of this mixture and 1 cup water. Use at ten-day intervals (or more often if needed) to rid plants of whiteflies, mites, aphids, scales, and other pests.

Other pluses to this type of garden is you no longer will be paying high prices for tomatoes, your containers won’t take up much space and one plant usually yields enough tomatoes to feed your family. The cost of a tomato container garden is minimal and the feeling of accomplishment is great. So why are you waiting to plant your tomatoes? It’s time to choose the variety of tomato you want to grow, pick up some containers and start your tomato container gardens today.

Happy Container Gardening!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.