Container Gardening for Small Spaces

Some people live where having a big garden is no problem. There is plenty of space in their yard for rows of corn, beans and several pumpkin and melon plants. Unfortunately, that is not the case for everyone. Many people live in homes with very small yards or no yard at all. Some may think that having a garden is not an option, but that could not be farther from the truth.

Container gardening makes growing flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees possible on a balcony, a patio, or even a front porch. Container gardens are not only practical for small spaces; they also provide flexibility in the types of plants you can grow. If you would like to garden, but don't think you have enough room, you might be surprised at just how much gardening you can do in containers.

Benefits

A container garden is a moveable garden. It's easy to move plants indoors temporarily when frost is expected. Plants can also be easily rearranged for optimum sunlight during the day.

With container gardening, you can vary the types of soil by container for optimum growing conditions for specific plants. Some plants may require a more sandy soil, while others require rich soil high in nutrients. You can also take care of garden pests one plant at a time, as needed, instead of having to treat an entire plot.

Some plants that tend to spread and quickly get out of control, like mint, parsley and oregano will stay well under control in a container.

A pot of overflowing impatiens will brighten up a plain entry way. It can even be moved to be kept out of direct sunlight or periodically turned so that it doesn't grow lopsided. Hanging baskets can attract humming birds and butterflies and will add color to your yard or balcony.

Containers

There are so many possible containers to choose from when planning a container garden. First, you must consider whether the container will be appropriate for your plant. Some

Plants will require more space that others. Some plants will trail over the edge of a pot hiding it altogether. Some pots will need to be moved and others will be fine staying put as part of the landscape.

Each container has it's plusses and minuses, but every container will need to have good drainage holes and some kind of saucer to catch escaping dirt and water.

Terra cotta pots are generally easy to find and not too expensive. However, the clay will quickly wick away water from your soil, creating a need for more frequent watering. Also, larger terra cotta pots will be nearly impossible to move with out a plant dolly even before they are filled with dirt and plants.

Plastic pots are a nice option because of their lightness. Even the biggest pots can be moved easily. Plastic containers come in all different sizes, shapes and colors. There are even some that look just like terra cotta pots. However, plastic pots will not let the roots of your plant breath as much. They will hold water in longer and won't need as much watering, but could also become victims of over watering if care is not taken.

Stone pots are beautiful and will add a natural effect to your garden or landscaping. Once they are in place and filled with dirt, they will not be easily moved, so make sure you get them exactly where you want them before adding plants. Stone pots also have a tendency to break easily.

Wooden boxes and planters are a great choice for your container garden. Just make sure the wood is good quality, preferably cedar, with a stain or sealer that won't harm your plants. Wood boxes will insulate your plants better in the cold, so will be a good choice for perennials and other plants that will need to survive the winter outdoors.

Don't forget to consider eclectic containers like old wheel barrows, wire baskets, a worn out pair of cowboy boots, metal pails or basins. Creative containers will put your personal stamp on your container garden.

Tools

Make sure your garden tools are good quality and feel comfortable in your hand. You will need a watering can, and possibly a hose if you have a water spigot near your container garden. You will also need a trowel for transplanting and a small hand held cultivator for working the soil. A small set of pruning shears is also a must have for every container gardener.

Plants

When it comes to flowers, almost anything will do well in a container. Just make sure to read the seed packet or plant tag at your nursery so you know how big the plant will grow. If the plant is too big for it's container, it will not do well. Also consider what kind of light each plant will receive. Some do well in full sun, while others thrive out of direct sunlight.

Many garden magazines or books will show beautiful flower and plant combinations for containers, but your nursery may not carry everything the book described. Get to know your nursery owner. They will help you choose plants to best create the look you are going for. Your local nursery will carry plants that are meant to do well in your area. Trust their selection.

As for vegetables, some will do better in containers than others. Vegetable plants that grow vines like tomatoes, cucumbers, and green beans will need some kind of climbing trellis in the container, or you can simply put the container near a fence or wall. Even against a wall, vine vegetables will need some kind of support.

Here is a great list of vegetables for your container garden:

Tomatoes: Patio, Pixie, Tiny Tim, Saladette, Toy Boy, Spring Giant, Tumbling Tom, Small Fry

Peppers: Yolo Wonder, Keystone Resistant Giant, Canape, (Hot) Red Cherry, Jalapeno

Eggplant: Florida Market, Black Beauty, Long Tom

Squash: Dixie, Gold Neck, Early Prolific Straightneck, (Green) Zucco, Diplomat, Senator

Leaf Lettuce: Buttercrunch, Salad Bowl, Romaine, Dark Green Boston, Ruby, Bibb

Green Onions: Beltsville Bunching, Crysal Wax, Evergreen Bunching

Green Beans: Topcrop, Greencrop, Contender, (Pole) Blue Lake, Kentucky Wonder

Radishes: Cherry Belle, Scarlet Globe, (White) Icicle

Container gardening is a rewarding hobby. Gardening has many benefits and does not have to be limited by a small space.