Having your own garden doesn’t require a lot of space and resources. In fact, you can get started with gardening with just a few pieces of equipment and a small green space these days.
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One method of gardening with limited space is container planting. Container planting is a great way to grow various flowers, kitchen herbs, vegetables, and so much more. With a little planning and care, you can create a thriving container garden that’ll provide you with beauty and bounty all year long.
Continue reading to learn more about how you can succeed in doing container planting at home.
Succeeding With Container Planting 101
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Check out the following tips that’ll help you succeed in your container planting endeavor:
Choose The Right Containers
The right containers are crucial for successful container planting.
The following are some characteristics you should look out for. First, containers should have drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Next, pick containers that are the right size for the plants you want to grow. Small plants can be planted in 6-inch to 8-inch pots, while larger plants will need 10-inch to 12-inch pots or larger.
Here are some additional considerations when choosing containers:
Material: The material of the container will affect how quickly the soil dries out. Clay and terracotta pots are porous and will dry out quickly, while plastic and metal pots are non-porous and will retain moisture longer. You can add planter box liner to help you make your container sturdy.
Color: The color of the container can affect how quickly the soil dries out, as well. Darker-colored pots absorb more heat and will cause the soil to dry out more quickly. On the other hand, lighter-colored pots reflect more heat and will help to keep the soil cooler.
Shape: The shape of the container can affect how the plant grows too. Taller, narrower containers are good for plants with deep roots, while wider, shallower containers are good for plants with shallow roots.
Use A Good Quality Potting Mix
The potting mix is specifically designed for container plants and contains the nutrients and drainage necessary for healthy growth. Avoid using garden soil in containers, as it’s too heavy and can compact, restricting root growth.
When choosing a potting mix, look for one that’s specifically designed for container plants. It should be lightweight and well-draining, along with having a slow-release fertilizer.
Water Your Plants Regularly
It’s said that container plants dry out more quickly than plants in the ground, so it’s significant to water them regularly, especially during hot weather.
When watering your plants, check first the top layer of the soil to see if it’s dry before proceeding.
Various factors dictate how much water your plants require. They include the plant’s size and type, the current day’s weather, container size, and so on. Further, it’s important to check the soil regularly and water your plants only when necessary. Be careful not to overwater your plants, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilize Your Plants Regularly
Container plants need to be fertilized more often than plants in the ground, as the nutrients in the potting mix can be depleted quickly. Fertilize your plants twice a month during the growing season.
When choosing a fertilizer, look for one that’s specifically designed for container plants. It should be a balanced fertilizer that contains all of the essential nutrients that your plants need.
Deadhead Spent Flowers
Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from plants. This encourages the plant to make more flowers. To deadhead, simply pinch or cut off the old flowers at the base of the stem.
Deadheading will help to keep your plants looking their best and encourage them to make more flowers. It’s important to deadhead regularly, especially during the flowering season.
Protect Your Plants From Deadly Plant Diseases
Container plants are susceptible to the same pests as plants in the ground. Henceforth, you need to inspect your plants regularly and treat any problems immediately.
There are a number of things you can do to protect your plants from deadly diseases:
Inspect your plants regularly for any signs of pests or diseases;
If you do find any pests or diseases, treat them immediately;
Use organic pesticides and fungicides whenever possible;
Keep your plants healthy and well-fertilized;
Plant-resistant varieties of plants; and the like.
Choose The Right Plants For Your Containers
When choosing plants for your container garden, consider the amount of sunlight they’ll receive, the amount of water they need, and their mature size.
Some good plants for full sun containers include:
Petunias;
Marigolds;
Geraniums;
Impatiens;
Begonias;
Tomatoes;
Peppers;
Eggplants;
Herbs; and others.
Some good plants for partial shade containers include:
Hostas;
Ferns;
Begonia rex;
Impatiens;
Coleus;
Fuchsias;
Caladiums; and the like.
Some good plants for shade containers include:
Caladiums;
Impatiens;
Ferns;
Begonias;
Coleus;
Fuchsias;
Hostas; and so on.
Group Plants Together According To Their Sun And Water Needs
There are plants that need full sunlight, while others prefer partial shade or even full shade. Some plants require moisture, on the other hand, others can live in drier conditions.
When grouping plants together, consider their sun and water needs. Some good combinations include:
Petunias and marigolds for full sun;
Impatiens and begonias for partial shade;
Hostas and ferns for shade; and the like.
Use Plants Of Different Heights And Textures To Create Visual Interest
To make your container garden interesting to look at, you ought to experiment with various plant heights for variety.
Taller plants can be placed in the back of the container, while shorter plants can be placed in the front. You can also add trailing plants to cascade over the sides of the container.
When choosing plants for your container garden, consider their height and texture. Some good combinations include:
A tall tomato plant in the back of a container with shorter marigolds or petunias in the front;
A trailing ivy plant cascading over the sides of a container with a shorter hosta plant in the center; and the like.
Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment
There are no rules when it comes to container gardening. Have fun and try new things.
Experiment with different plants, colors, and textures to create a container garden that’s unique and reflects your personal style.
To Conclude
With a little care and attention, you can create a beautiful and thriving container garden that’ll provide you with beauty and bounty all year round. Bear in mind the points mentioned above to help you achieve success in container gardening. All the best.
