Container Gardening Has Unlimited Potential for Novice Gardeners

Container gardening - growing plants in pots instead of the ground - requires less time, space and energy than traditional gardening. Flowers, plants, small trees, and fruits and vegetables all grow well in containers. Plantings are simple to put together and though pruning is still necessary, the need to weed is significantly reduced. Because pulling out plants that don't work is an easy task, container gardening is relatively low risk. Unlike traditional gardening, a long-term design strategy is not necessary because containers can be one-season plantings, or moved around at will.

Containers don't have to be limited to traditional flower pots, they can be anything that holds soil and provides drainage: old tea kettles or pots, barrels, watering cans, or coffee cans with holes drilled in the bottom all make interesting pots. Triangular arrangements are particularly attractive. You can use three plants for a typical triangle or asymmetrical groups of pots of different sizes or shapes for a non-traditional look.

Container gardening is not difficult, but does have three rules of thumb to keep in mind:

Match the pot and plant. This is about more than just aesthetics. The container needs to be big enough for roots to expand, particularly for spreading plants such as begonias.

Use potting soil specially formulated for containers. Potting mix is designed to balance water retention. Also, ensure containers have holes on the bottom for adequate drainage and fertilize every 10 days to 2 weeks.

Watering is important. Check how much water the plant requires, some like hydrangea are particularly thirsty, while others like African violets or cacti prefer drier soil. Keep in mind that in hot and/or sunny weather, plants need additional water. Similarly, the type of pot changes how much water plants need (porous clay pots dry the soil out, non-porous plastic pots retain moisture).

In addition to its low maintenance benefits, container gardening has a range of uses and can be both inside and out. Containers can enhance a view or conceal one, draw the eye out to the yard or hide an ugly downspout. Potted plants bring the garden to the doorstep. Containers can become movable partitions to separate sections of the yard or build a wall as a privacy screen. Groups of plants and flowers create visual beauty in dank or blank spaces and can build a peaceful space to relax at the end of the day.

Fruits and vegetables can easily be grown in containers: tomatoes and herbs are a favorite of home gardeners. This opens the door to fresh produce to individuals with limited space as all that these plants require is a large enough pot, and adequate sunlight and water.

Containers offer a simple, non-threatening introduction to gardening and an expansion of gardening opportunities. Individuals do not need a lot of time or space to get started, just a few pots and their imagination.