Why Container Gardening May Be the Thing To Turn Your Thumb Green
by Ashley Knight
Spring is here! For many people planning a summer garden is one of the most exciting things about spring! Or perhaps you fear the seemingly daunting task of creating a garden? Would you like to reap the benefits of having a garden but have neither the time, space nor the attention to have a garden? I have got a great solution for you: a container garden!
Containing: The Solution
Here are some reasons why having a container garden might be right for you.
- You live in an apartment, city, or simply have no space – you can put your container on a porch, doorstep, roof, or balcony.
- You have never gardened before and want to start small.
- Ease – you can buy a seedling from your local garden center stick it in a pot and viola! You won’t even have to weed!
- When the season ends you can bring your herbs and some of the vegetable plants inside and keep the magic happening.
- You can talk to staff at your local garden center, look online or check out some great informational books to get you started easily!
Low-Cost Lots-of-Choice Containers
When choosing a container for your container garden you can get really creative and have a lot of fun! Look around your house, garage, attic or basement to see what you can find that could be used as a fun container. For instance old coffee cans with a hole nailed through the sides create an interesting look (think an old tire, shoe hanger, bath tub, vertical pallet). Gather different color, sizes and shaped pots from yard sales, thrift stores, or garden centers. Have fun with it! One thing to keep in mind is that plants that will grow larger will need a larger pot to grow. This is so that the plant roots have room to grow, if they are in a pot that is too small the plant will be malnourished and it will be harder to keep up with watering.
When it comes to soil for your container you can use top soil, potting soil, peat moss, etc… For growing vegetables I would recommend using 1/3 compost and 2/3 top soil or potting mix and mix well. The compost will provide nutrients for you vegetables and it is up to you weather you want to use top soil or potting mix, top soil will also have some nutrients where potting soil is sterile. You can buy compost, top soil and potting mix in bags. You can even buy soil that is organic which is a great way to ensure your seedlings will have a happy and safe home to grow! Grab a pot, pick up some seeds and soil and dig in!
Want to head further down the homesteading track? Skip on over to our Healthy Homesteader Course and take a look at what kind of sustainable, satisfying habits you could add to your life! From kitchen knives to herb usage, wild foraging to your medicine cabinet, we’ll pack your brain with all kinds of knowledge your mother never told you.
What is your favorite container gardening success? Share below!
Meet Ashley Knight
Ashley fell in love with healthy living and nutrition while struggling with infertility for 3 ½ years. With research and diet adjustments she finally got pregnant. Ashley has left her former career path and is fully committed to living a more sustainable life and hopes to inspire others. Read more about Ashley and her family’s adventures at http://knightsofthegreentable.com/ .