– What’s Growing On –

 

Container Gardening

By Rebecca Dawson

First of all, what is container gardening? Container gardening is growing plants, like herbs, vegetables and flowers, in pots or planters rather than directly into the ground!  This type of gardening can be great for people who may not have access to in-ground growing spaces.  It can be great for people in apartments and also great for college students as well!

How to start

 

  1. You need to select your containers – make sure that they have drainage holes!  This will help to prevent root rot.  When growing bigger plants, you want to use bigger containers, but you can use more shallow pots for herbs!
  2. Choose your soil – You will want to get a more lightweight potting mix, make sure that you don’t use garden soil as it is too heavy!
  3. Next, you will begin to plant – fill the container with soil but leave 1-2 inches at the top.  Then place your seeds!
  4. Next, you will water – make sure to water frequently since containers can dry out quickly.
  5. You may also want to invest in some fertilizing – organic fertilizer can boost growth!

1 - choose container

You need to select your containers – make sure that they have drainage holes!  This will help to prevent root rot.  When growing bigger plants, you want to use bigger containers, but you can use more shallow pots for herbs!

2 - choose soil

Choose your soil – You will want to get a more lightweight potting mix, make sure that you don’t use garden soil as it is too heavy!

3 - plant

Next, you will begin to plant – fill the container with soil but leave 1-2 inches at the top.  Then place your seeds!

4 - water

Next, you will water – make sure to water frequently since containers can dry out quickly.

5 - fertilize

You may also want to invest in some fertilizing – organic fertilizer can boost growth!

What plants would be good for container gardening? There are short season, half season, and long season crops that can be great for container gardening!

Short season 

  • Lettuce 
  • Argula 
  • Cilantro

Half Season 

  • Basil
  • Bush Beans 
  • Chard 
  • Cucumber
  • Kale 
  • Summer Squash

Long Season 

  • Eggplant
  • Peppers
  • Tomatoes