Can you beat the flavor of fresh vegetables from your personal garden? The taste of a recently picked tomato is sheer heaven and digging your own new, red potatoes is so rewarding. You say you don't have room for a vegetable garden? That doesn't need to be an issue, you can grow a great vegetable garden in containers!
You can grow more than flowers in a container, although that is the first thing people think of when you suggest container gardening. But have you ever tried putting a few vegetables in with the flowers? Imagine of the wonderful dinner you can have by growing vegetables in your planters. Cherry tomatoes are a great addition to potted flowers. The cheerful red fruit looks gorgeous surrounded by the blooms. Put a few red potato starts in a big planter with a few flowers, the foliage of potato plants is very attractive and you will also have a few tiny white blossoms as well.
You can mix your flowers in with the vegetables, or you can dedicate a few just to fruits and vegetables. Strawberries often yield more fruit when planted in a container because they don’t have much room to spread. By sending out runners, strawberries put out a lot of energy sprouting new plants. Once the strawberries run out of space to send out shoots, they put all their energy into making fruit. Fresh strawberries whenever you want them, what could be better?
It doesn't take much to grow a container garden, but a few ideas are valuable.
No matter what type of container you choose, it needs to drain properly. Many pots have holes predrilled for drainage, however if your pot doesn't have drain holes you can either add a layer of gravel or drain holes for drainage. Deep containers can get by with a layer of styrofoam at the bottom. This will help with drainage and reduce the amount of soil you use. You will be able move the container easier because of the lighter weight. Just remember to add adequate soil for the plants to have a good root system.
Do not use garden soil. Traditional garden soil is heavy and is not best for container plants. Potting soil is distinctively made with organic and natural material for the best drainage in planters. You can mix store bought potting soil with organic material such as peat moss and compost for a great planter soil mixture. Mixing a time release fertilizer into the soil is a good idea. It will feed for about three months and help you grow better produce.
When you are transplanting new plants, dig the hole about twice as large as the plant's root ball. Then back fill the hole with some loose soil, this will give the tender roots soft soil to anchor in. Before you place the plant in the hole, knead the roots to break them up slightly. The plant roots start growing in a pattern while they are in the pony pack, you will need to break that pattern so they can spread their roots and thrive in your container.
Give your plants a nourishing start by using a root starting fertilizer as you are planting. Mix the root starter with water as directed and pour some in each hole as you plant. By giving your plants a shot of root starter you can help avert transplant shock.
Take the scissors to your new plant. Not a simple task, but it needs to be done. No one wants to cut their lovely new plant. You want the plant to develop a strong root system, so it needs to focus on that. This is difficult if the plant is trying to maintain full blooms or large amounts of foliage as well. Generally you need to trim the plant back by two thirds. You will be happier with the end result if you cut your plant when you plant it.
Be certain you put plants with like requirements together. In other words, don't put a drought tolerant plant with one that has high water needs. If you take some time to design your container you will be more satisfied with the results.
Containers are a great way to have fresh produce all season long. What a wonderful thing you will provide for your family, healthy produce and a terrific, family activity. Try container gardening, you will relish the benefits!
Author Resource:
Piper is a self-employed journalist who loves working out, good food and the great outdoors. She loves to work in the garden with her small tiller . She enjoys nature, reading and cooking. Check out her site, www.smallgardentiller.org to discover all about finding the best small tiller so you can have a gorgeous yard too!
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