So what if your backyard is simply a 40-inch planter? For renters or homeowners with little (or no) yard space, container gardens provide way to grow fresh food and spend some time outside. Here are a few methods on how to get started.
Methods for Planting a Container Garden
While you can just head to the local box store and purchase plastic or wooden containers suitable for gardening, you can also get creative with things you have around the house. As long as there are actually holes on the bottom for drainage, anything from kiddie pools and old tires to buckets and dresser drawers can hold a mini-farm.
2. Locate the sun
Try to place your container in a spot that gets a minimum of six hours of sun daily. Leafy greens can usually grow (slowly) with only four hours of sun every day, however the more sunlight the better. Sliding a plastic platform with rolling casters under your container allows you to relocate it to a sunnier spot throughout the season.3. Learn how hardy you happen to be
The USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map shows you which plants thrive in which regions of the country. Find your zone here.
4. Determine what you’re hungry for
Plant what you love to eat. Wild about fresh salsa? Go for peppers and cilantro. Crazy for cocktails? Plant mint and lemon balm. Eat tons of salad? Greens and lettuce grow well in shallow containers, making them perfect for window boxes. Plus, because the leaves grow back once you pick them, you’ll be able to “harvest” throughout the season.
5. Kick up your flavor
Herbs may be costly to buy, and quite often you don’t need the whole package. However if you grow a bucket of basil or a pot of rosemary you can just snip a couple of sprigs whenever you need them.
6. Mind your moisture
Over-watering can kill plants as fast as under-watering. Discover how much water each kind of plant requires and monitor closely to help keep the soil perfect for growing.
Trying to find a townhouse which has a patio ideal for containers? Or a condo which has a balcony in need of hanging baskets? Start by calling Nick & Cindy Davis at 813-300-7116 or simply click here and let us get started working for you.
