Why containers?
The perfect solution for gardeners who don’t have much space. Containers gardens work inside and outside. The limit to your container garden is your creativity.
Container Ideas
Old pots, trash can, bathtubs, barrels, cans, milk jugs, cement blocks, bowls, plastic buckets, old boots, and any store bought plant container. Just make sure the plant fits the container.
Soil
The soil or dirt from your garden will not work very well in a container garden. It tends to compact and will not allow for proper drainage or leave any room for roots to grow. You can purchase a pre-made “soil-less potting mix” which will work really well. You can also make your own, which can be cheaper. All of the ingredients are available anywhere you buy garden supplies.
- Sphagnum Peat Moss – base material>$10
- Perlite – helps loosen soil +/-$8
- Vermiculite – retains moisture +/-$6
- Bone Meal – fertilizer >$10
- Dried Kelp – fertilizer +/-$30
- Dolomitic Limestone – raises soil pH and provides calcium and magnesium $10
- Blood Meal – promotes root growth >$10
Try one of these soil recipes:
Basic Soil-less Potting Mix
- 4-6 parts Sphagnum Peat Moss
- 1 part Perlite
- 1 part Vermiculite
Basic Mix with Compost
- 2 parts Compost
- 2-4 parts Sphagnum Peat Moss
- 1 part Perlite
- 1 part Vermiculite
Basic Mix with the Addition of Nutrients
Add ½ cup each per every 8 gallons of mix:
- ½ cup Bone Meal
- ½ cup Dolomitic Limestone
- ½ cup Blood Meal or Soybean Meal or Dried Kelp Powder (Nitrogen)
Water
- Plants in containers need to be watered more often than plants in beds.
- However, overwatering is the most common reason container plants die.
- Stick your finger a couple of inches into the container, if it’s dry then it’s time to water again.
- Try to water in the morning to help your plants make it through the day.
Drainage
- Containers will always need some help with drainage.
- Drilling holes in the bottom of the container or filling the bottom with a couple of inches of rock will help drainage greatly.
Fertilizer
- Watering your container garden will wash away the nutrients from the potting soil.
- Your plants cannot extend their roots looking for more nutrients, so you must provide them.
- Adding compost to the top of the container or “top dressing” is a good way to help feed your plant.
- Store bought organic plant fertilizers also work.
Resources
- sources
No related posts.
