So you want to start a garden, but you don’t have copious amounts of yard to make one? Well, all hope is not lost. You can find great success in gardening by using containers! I’ve been gardening a little over a year and a half now, and no one would ever know that my bountiful garden started from five 12 inch containers that I bought from Lowes.
If I had a dollar for everytime someone asked me for help starting a garden, I would probably only have about $40, but I’ll take it! And believe it or not, that's all you need to start your very own container garden. All you need are Not bad, right? Ready to get started? Here’s a few things you should know to be on your way!
Pick a plant, any plant!
If you’re going back and forth between which plants you should grow, dont. The good news is, there’s not a single plant that cannot be grown in a container! It’s all about creating the perfect growing environment and it can be done for all of our desired plant babies.
Start small, go big.
Knowing the perfect size container is key. When looking for a container, it’ll always be listed by the diameter of the pot opening. Besides when planting fruit trees/plants, a 12 inch pot is a great place to start. Based on square foot gardening, most plants will thrive in a 12 inch pot. When plants start growing, thinning and transplanting to bigger pots become your friend. And on a positive note, you’ll always have a variety of pots to use.
Do it yourself.
Another great thing about containers is that there’s no specific type that you should use. With the right diameter and depth, you can literally use anything!...a box, a trash can, storage bin, you name it. Plus, who doesn’t like a good diy?
Holy Moly!
So yea, you can use any container, but make sure they have, or you create drainage holes! This is a 100% must and if you skip this part, your plant will surely die. No plant likes soggy, wet feet (roots). Drainage holes allow excess water to drain out of the soil so as to not cause root rot or other overwatering symptoms.
Keep it moving!
One thing I really loved about container gardening was that nothing was ever permanent. Growing in containers gave me the ability to pick up and move everything as many times as my indecisive mind wanted. And rearranging my pots on plant stands and shelves, really spoke to my pinterest loving heart. Later, I “upgraded” my container pots to raised garden beds (which are basically big, aesthetically pleasing containers).
A little extra love.
I wouldn’t be a great internet bestie without being totally honest with you. Growing in containers is going to require a little extra love. Plants need a little more than just sun, water, and soil. You are going to have to keep up with creating the ideal growing conditions.
That's it. That's all. Now, just pick a spot, and get to gardening! Hope this helps you get started. As always, I’m cheering you on from the sidelines!