It's the Perfect Time to Try Container Gardening

Containers are used to grow plants in a small but sunny space.

Why a Container Garden?

Container gardens not only alleviate space concerns, they are also often easier for gardeners with limited mobility to access, are a good alternative to planting in poor soil, virtually eliminate weeds, are a convenient way to protect your plants from wildlife, and can require less resources and labor than traditional gardens. Additionally, you can create the perfect conditions for your garden by being able to move it around.

What to Plant

The most practical things to grow in a container garden are vegetables, fruits, and herbs that you and your family can eat. Potatoes, chard, lettuce, Asian greens, strawberries, cucumbers, chili and bell peppers, eggplants, summer squash and pole beans are all commonly grown in container gardens, with salad cress and tomatoes often considered the easiest things to grow and able to flourish in something as simple as a yogurt tub. Common herbs in container gardens include basil, coriander, mint, thyme, parsley, rosemary, lemongrass and dill. Just about anything that doesn't have a large, spreading root system can grow in a container. Melons, pumpkins, and squash are typically not ideal in this situation.

Selecting a Container

Generally, bigger containers are better as they can store more water. However, smaller containers can still work if your space or resources are limited. You will probably want to move your garden at least occasionally, so choose something you can lift or otherwise move. You can buy traditional gardening containers such as glazed ceramic or terracotta pots, but you can also re-purpose things you might already have around your house or that you could cheaply thrift or take off of someone's hands for free. Successful gardens have been made in barrels, buckets, laundry baskets, bathtubs, or in wooden and cement containers. You can also put a practical container inside of a more attractive one to match the aesthetic of your home. Avoid metals and dark colored plastics as they can get hot enough to heat up the soil and kill plant roots. Your container will need at least one large hole or several small holes at the bottom to allow for drainage; otherwise the soil will become too soggy and your plants won't thrive.

Whichever container you choose, make sure there is adequate space for the plants' roots, otherwise their growth will be stunted. Also keep in mind that larger containers can retain more moisture and need to be watered less often. Below are the minimum soil depths for some commonly grown vegetables and herbs, as well as some ideas for good and bad companions in the same container, according to Gardener's Supply Company. 

Selecting a Location

Most vegetables need about six hours of sunlight per day, and herbs and salad greens can tolerate getting a bit less. Check a potential location every 30 minutes throughout the day to make sure it receives sufficient sunlight. You could even put your containers on a movable cart so they can be given more sun throughout the day or season. Also consider how much protection from wind your plants will require and use the sides of buildings or other structures to prevent them being battered by the wind and place larger plants so that they shield smaller, more delicate ones. This is of particular concern with plants that need to be trellised. Lastly, ensure that your plants are out of reach from animals such as deer or rabbits.

Caring for your Garden

In the summer, you will need to water your container at least once, possibly twice, a day. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. When the top inch of soil is dry to the touch it is time to water again. Add mulch around the plant to help it retain water. You can also put your container inside of another, larger container and fill the space between the two with moss or newspaper. If you wet this material at each watering, it will help the soil hold moisture. You will need to add some sort of trellis to support climbing plants.

Many local nurseries are still open and preparing for spring planting. Check out one of the options below to get the seeds, seedlings, soil, and other materials needed to get your garden going!