No green thumb? That's okay. Container gardening may be just for you! Basic instructions for a container garden.
Container Gardening is a great way for gardeners to grow vegetables when they have limited space or limited time. Rooftop gardening and “city farming” is popular. Most of us have houseplants in containers. In addition to the pleasing appearance, you get great benefits from increased oxygen and air filtering. Patios and porches are made much more pleasant with the addition of container gardens. A container garden may provide your family with all the fresh vegetables and herbs you want. These are the basics:
Choose your container
- Match the needs of the mature plant to container.
- Most plants need at least a 12-inch diameter pot.
Watering
- Check the soil. If it is dry to 1-2 inches below the surface, you need to water.
- Watering late in the day reduces plant stress.
- Water twice. Let the first soak in well. Wait a little while, and water again to get any dry pockets.
- Different plants have different needs. Check the instructions for the specific plant.
Soil
- All purpose potting mix is suitable for the majority of plants.
- For herbs in containers - especially Mediterranean-origin such as oregano, sage, rosemary, and thyme - mix one part sand to two parts potting mix, and then add small pebbles.
Sunlight
Plants need sunlight, but not in the same amounts. The great thing about containers is they can be moved around. Locate them to get the morning sun. If they appear stressed, move them to a location that gets more shade.
