There are numerous types of gardening, one that has become an all time favorite is container gardening. Container gardening has replaced the big backyard garden of yesterday. With so many people living in urban areas and with limited space to enjoy flowers, plants, vegetables and herbs; container gardening has become the garden of choice for many individuals. By using containers you can create an awesome garden setting on your balcony, patio, deck, gazebo, front steps; or if you have ample space around a tree, mailbox, light post, wall, fence or any other area that could use some color, some contrast; just a little beautifying. Whatever your desired result for a home garden; flowers, plants, herbs or vegetables, there is a garden container for every situation, for every setting. The important thing is to have fun picking out and planting your container garden, and finally seeing the results and the changes that it makes in that area of your outdoor décor.
Types of Garden Containers
There are so many types of garden containers, one to fit most any application. Flower boxes can be used in most any area, even on balcony and on deck railings with hooks that are specially made for that purpose. Flower boxes also look great on a tabletop or sitting on the floor or you can elevate your flower box by using blocks or bricks. Or, if you have steps that need a little dressing up, flower boxes of different lengths can be tiered on three steps. Flower boxes are also a great addition under any window where you have ample space. There are all types of window box holders; it just depends on the look you desire.
Hanging garden containers are another great source for your flowers or plants, and there are many vegetables and herbs that will also grow great in a hanging garden container. Hanging containers can be used when your space is limited to a ceiling or overhang. Screw in hooks can be applied in most ceilings to hang your plants, and by adding a piece of chain of different lengths your plants can be hung at different levels which will give your container garden that special look. Additionally, there are all types of brackets that can be used to hang your plants almost anywhere; on a fence, outside a door, outside or inside your gazebo. Or, try a plant pole made especially for your hanging plants when you have an area with plenty of space to add this type of application. Plant poles made for hanging plants come in a single hanger or multiple hangers on one pole.
Besides the flower box or hanging garden containers, there are all types of pots and planters in all sizes and shapes. Pots have the most diversity because they come in so many shapes and sizes; and they can be used in all sorts of applications. For instance, for a really creative look, you can make a wonderful container garden around a tree by adding all types of pots in all sizes and shapes that hold a variety of plants and flowers.. Pots and planters can be used on table tops, on steps, on the floor. Make arrangements of multiple containers of varying sizes on a flat surface for a look that is all pulled together. Single containers look great here, there and everywhere…wherever you have room to sit a pot, on a window sill, in another container, or on plant stands made especially for that purpose.
Fun Items for Garden Containers
Garden containers can take on so many faces. Why not use things that already have around the home that may have been previously discarded, an old wheel barrow, a wash tub, watering can, old kettle or coffee pot, crocks, jugs, an old boot, or a milk pail. Even china or porcelain items that have chips or stains make great garden containers. Baskets also make beautiful container gardens by placing your flowers and plants in plastic containers and then arranging inside your basket. Use an old chair that the seat is beyond repair, or a discarded tire. Use your imagination; look around your home for items that you are thinking of trashing, look for estate sales or garage sales in your area, visit a charity thrift shop or junk store, you might come up with something very unique and ingenious.
Garden Container Materials
Garden containers come in many materials such as clay, pottery, glass, wood, plastic, stone…the list is endless. One of my favorite garden container materials is metalware. Metalware consists of several material types, copper, brass, tin, cast iron, bronze, aluminum, brushed steel and forged iron.
Soil Use
When potting your plants, flowers, vegetables or herbs; be sure to use a good soil made for your purpose. Soil comes in varying size bags and different types of mixtures especially made for the type of planting that you are doing. Some soils even contain fertilizer so you won’t have to add any additional fertilizer to your plants for several weeks. Be sure that you have proper drainage in your garden container before potting your plants; proper aeration is important so your plants don’t get root rot. Many containers come with holes, others may not. If your container does not have holes, it is necessary to either drill some drainage holes or your place your plants in a plastic container before sitting it inside your pot for display.
Make sure that the container you are using has ample space for the plant to grow, don’t over crowd the roots. Only fill your garden container 4/5 full which will leave space for watering.
Watering your Container Garden
Most plants will only need watering weekly, but if they are exposed to direct sunlight or if you are using unglazed containers such as clay containers which dry out much faster, you may need to water more frequently.
