Container Gardening

Table of Contents

• Container gardening background
  • What is container gardening?
  • When did it surface?
  • Who are the people targetted by urban gardening?
    • Residents of urban areas
    • Health-conscious individuals
    • Environmentalists
    • Plantsmen
    • Curious / creative / innovative
    • Economical / business-minded individuals
• Container gardening methods
  • How do I start a container garden?
  • What do you need in container gardening?
    • Soil / potting mix
    • Fertilizer
    • Water
    • Sunlight
    • Container
    • Plants
• Container gardening tips
  • Do’s
  • Don’ts
• Container gardening promotions
  • Small-scale business startup

Container Gardening Background

What is container gardening?

Container gardening is another method of gardening that’s perfect for urban living. It is the practice of growing different plants (vegetables, shrubs, fruits, and/or flowers) exclusively in small, enclosed, and usually portable containers instead of the traditional method of planting on the ground. It may take the form of a pot, box, tub, basket, tin, barrel, or hanging basket. It can be found on the ground, above your head, and/or on your rooftop. It is a great way to maximize space, increase productivity, and lessen period and/or amount of work.

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When did it surface?

The idea for container gardening actually began in Babylonia 604 B.C., where the “hanging gardens” could be found. As society started to live in cities, people wanted to mimic the natural growth pattern of plants close to their homes. Over time, such desire then spread all over the world.

Today, the interest in container gardening has grown massively. A few key points which spurred this popularity include: urban development, issues on food security, and lack of land for farming. Furthermore, technology has also played a great role in making container gardening easier and available to anyone.

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Who are the people targetted by urban gardening?

Residents of urban areas

Container gardens have come a long way and traveled the globe. Although it can be done by anyone from everywhere, container gardening is the best method of gardening for people living in urban areas, where having an actual garden is impossible. It saves a lot of space and can easily be arranged to fit your liking.

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Health-conscious individuals

Planting in itself, even in containers is a healthy activity. Aside from the fact that it allows you to take a relaxing break from your everyday stressors, it also gives you full control when it comes to deciding on specific factors that contribute to your plant’s growth i.e. pesticides, fertilizers, etc. It gives you more knowledge about where your food comes from and more confidence in the food that you allow to enter your systems.

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Environmentalists

If you care about the Earth, then this is perfect for you. Container gardening has many plus factors for the planet. First, it can reduce air pollution and help “green” the city. Through planting your own vegetables, you can actually help in the reduction of carbon emissions brought about by fossil fuel consumption necessary to transport, package, and sell food that you see in the market. Second, it can prevent the irresponsible disposal of discarded containers and as well as reduce the volume of garbage. Old scraps lying around your house can actually be used as containers for your plants, depending on your creativity. Third, organic garbage such as kitchen scraps may be processed into compost, which could be incorporated as a fertilizer. Overall, container gardening can not only help you feel good for yourself but for the planet as well.

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Plantsmen

If you have a keen interest in plants and gardening, the more container gardening is for you. No need to keep researching and watching videos about plants online because now, you can finally plant yourself and experience gardening firsthand. Through this site, you can learn more about urban gardening, find the best farming methods, and discover tips for planting.

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Curious / creative / innovative

Container gardening gives you so much freedom when it comes to planting. Moreover, it can also help you unleash your creativity when it comes to choosing the type of container gardening method that you want to recreate at home, designing containers for your plants, making your own version of potting soils, and more. It also allows you to discover innovative strategies to make the most out of your time, space, and resources.

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Economical / business-minded individuals

Not only can the “farm-to-table” method secure your food supply, but it can also help you reduce the amount of money that you spend on buying food from the market.

Moreover, you can even up your gardening game by creating a small-scale business out of the extra plants you have from your DIY garden at home.

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Container gardening methods

How do I start a container garden?

Container gardening doesn’t stem far from the traditional gardening method on the ground. It isn’t hard either. But, before you get started, it’ll be best for you to condition yourself, gather as much patience as you can, and embrace all the right drives, to achieve prime results.

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What do you need in container gardening?

Soil / potting mix

A common mistake in container gardening starts with the soil. Many people assume that they can use ordinary soil from the ground for their plants. This is wrong. Instead, it is best to use a specialized potting mix for whatever you’re trying to plant. Make sure to research first on the best soil mixture for your plant, since it varies.

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Fertilizer

A good gardener know the importance of a good fertilizer. These are substances used to supply nutrients essential for your plant’s growth, and increase their productivity. Fertilizers may either be organic, or inorganic. Moreover, knowing which fertilizer best fits the needs of your plants can help you maximize your garden’s growth.

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Water

Just like humans, plants need water. Water plays a vital role in transporting important nutrients through the plant. Without enough water, the plants droop. Moreover, overwatering your plants can also cause them to drown. Thus, a drainage system must be observed.

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Sunlight

Plants need sunlight to create their own food necessary for them to grow, reproduce, and survive. Most garden vegetables require full sun (6-8 hours direct sunlight daily). On the other hand, plants that grow in partial sun / shade need 3-4 hours of direct sun light. Lastly, plants that thrive in shade need only 2 hours of sunlight. It is important to know the amount of sunlight that your plants need in order to avoid killing it.

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Container

Containers used for container gardening need not be expensive nor new. In fact, it would be best for you to make use of old scraps found in your home. Not only can you make use of your inner creativity, but you can also save the earth! Just make sure that your containers will have enough home for your plant.

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Plants

Almost any vegetable that will grow in any typical garden will also do as well when grown in containers. Some of the easiest vegetables to grow in such are nightshades like tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Aside from these, you can also plant various herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, lemon balm, and parsley, perfect for flavoring. Of course, you can also plant flowers. Few of these that thrive in containers are Daffodils, Dahlias, Daisies, and Lavenders.

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Container gardening tips

Do’s

• Select a container that will give your plants enough room to grow
• Make sure to put drainage holes in your pot
• Position your plant in an area that will give it enough sunlight, depending on its needs
• Water your plant daily
• Research about your plant’s needs
• Check on your plant from time to time

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Don’ts

• Use soil directly from the garden
• Overwater your plant
• Put your plant in a dark area nor expose it to too much sun
• Overcrowd your plants
• Use the wrong soil
• Mix plants that have different needs
• Forget to check on your plant daily

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Container gardening promotions

Small-scale business startup

After mastering all the different planting methods there are for container gardening, you may think “Now, what next?” Well, take your love for gardening up a notch by venturing on your garden’s marketability. Starting a container garden is really promising, especially when it comes to turning your love for plants to cash. All you need will be your passion for plants, strong drive for business, warmth for customers, and of course a license– depending on your place’s requirements.

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