Gardening in containers is a very efficient use of space. If you live in a condo or apartment and have a deck or patio you can grow flowers, herbs and even small amounts of veggies. After all, why should the suburbanites have all the fun?
But, you might be like me: I have a large backyard and could have a garden to die for – but I still grow tomatoes in containers because they’re easier to care for. I always start my garden with enthusiasm, but when it’s 98 degrees with 95% humidity outside, my energy for gardening just melts away. With containers it’s much easier to keep up and the weeding is simple.
And there is the classic flowerbox which is a very popular use of greenery and requires less work than bending over a garden plot. Flowerboxes add whimsical charm to any home and are quite popular on such programs as "Curb Appeal" on HGTV.
Container gardens are also great indoors – or so many think. Personally, I’m not too fond of this notion because lots of plants – the majority of plants – don’t much like being indoors. They are definitely nice, though, in the cold winter months when the world seems quite dreary.
It’s important not to be careless about your choice of plants when preparing your container gardens because if the plant you choose grows humongous you will either have to plant it outside or watch the poor thing die. Killing plants is definitely not cool!
What Kind Of Plants For Gardening In Containers?
The possibilities are endless! You can grow:
Herbs: these are especially great in the kitchen or sunroom …
Vegetables like tomatoes or peppers, which are great on a patio …
A huge variety of flowers will grow in containers, both annuals and perennials …
Many bushes and smaller-type trees will do well in gardening containers …
"Trailing" plants that drape down over the sides of the container can be spectacular …
Some classic plants – like roses – have been miniaturized to grow in small spaces …
There are even "specialty gardens" such as containers that contain only the ingredients for salads …
"I Bought A Beautiful Container – But Everything Died?"
Lots of folks receive beautiful containers or buy them at a nursery, bring them home – and everything dies!
Why? Why? Why?
Assuming there has been no neglect, it’s usually because there wasn’t enough room in the container. Nursery-bought arrangements are usually crowded with all kinds of plants and the container is filled to the brim with lush greenery.
Gorgeous – but impractical. For your plants to grow and thrive they need space. You will either need a larger container or several containers if you want your plants to remain lush and beautiful because their roots must have space for their roots. With enough space for their roots, the plants can grow beautifully. In fact. with care you will have enough plants for more containers or to share with friends and family.
Just be being aware of the needs of your plants – and if you have a black thumb, sticking to easy-to-grow plants – gardening in containers and flowerboxes is simple and extremely rewarding.
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