The beautiful thing about container gardens is that you can grow plants in anything you have available. I once saw a colorful display of flowers planted in an old VW bug that had been left in out in a yard. It was spectacular! Just a few unconventional container ideas include a hollow stump, watering trough, an old tire and wheelbarrow. You are only limited by your imagination! Growing flowers in containers has many advantages.
First, you do not need a yard. Many people grow container gardens on patios, balconies or windowsills. Second, you can move them around to take advantage of the sun and rotate them to avoid lopsided growth. Third, you can grow plants that would otherwise not be suited to your soil by controlling the pH of your potting mixture. Forth, your plants are easier to reach, and finally you change the display anytime you want and take everything with you when you move!
Follow these tips to create outstanding container gardens wherever you are:
- Choose a container that is large enough for the root ball of your plant with some room to grow.
- Make sure the container has adequate drainage. Place some pebbles or potshards over the drain hole to help drainage and keep the potting medium inside the pot.
- Choose a good quality sterile potting medium. A potting mixture of peat, perlite or vermiculite is also a good option. It has the advantage of being very lightweight too.
- Plant your plants in the container so that they sit at the depth they were at in the original pot. Fill the container to 1 inch from the top to allow room for water. You might want to do this at or near where the pot will be located. It may get very heavy.
- Mulch the surface to conserve moisture and improve the appearance.
- Containers may need water daily during dry spell. Use low water pressure directed at the soil, the leaves of your plant might deflect water if you water from the above. This is also true of rain; check frequently to make sure your plants are not drying out.
- Frequent watering will wash nutrients out of the soil so you will need to fertilize every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Protect your plants in the winter by not letting them dry out and bring them indoors or place in a greenhouse to prevent them from freezing
Good luck and happy container gardening!