What should I do to get started with container gardening?
Select Appropriate Soil
Choosing the wrong soil is one of the most common mistakes in container gardening. Some people believe that they can grow plants by dumping ordinary dirt from their outdoor garden into a container. In practice, you should use specialist potting mix in your containers rather than garden soil dug directly from the ground. When you’ve decided what kinds of plants you want to raise, research and use the best soil mixture for that plant. Soils and potting mixtures are available at local garden shops and home improvement stores.
Pick the Proper Containers
Planting pots come in an almost infinite variety of shapes and sizes. It’s all up to you to use your imagination (and your budget). Don’t overlook the containers that you can turn into hanging baskets.
Keep an eye out for “found” items around the house. From whiskey barrels to teacups, many everyday items you use daily can turn into plant containers. Verify that the container has good drainage and that the soil mix is suitable. It’s important to remember that the smaller the pot, the less potting soil it can hold. Because you’ll have less room for error, it’s even more important than the soil moisture level stays right.
Make Sure There’s Enough Drainage
People usually worry about keeping their containers well-watered, but overwatering them can be just as bad. Plants, like humans, can drown. Having good drainage in your planters may be probably the most crucial thing you can do to keep your plants healthy and long-lasting.
Plants in plastic pots are more likely to drown when you put plants in plastic pots. Clay pots are less likely to do this.
It’s because clay “breathes,” but plastic does not.
Drainage holes are essential, no matter what kind of pot you choose. Ensure there are enough of them or add some.
2. Choose the Best Container Plants
Potted plants can be beneficial (like vegetables and herbs) or pretty, like living floral arrangements. Are you looking for something peaceful or dramatic? Examine texture, size, colour, and care when choosing your plants. Consider the following when picking plants:
Light:
Vegetables and herbs require six to eight hours of sunlight per day to thrive and grow. If you want to make a lovely container garden, choose plants that need the same amount of light. Don’t mix shade-loving plants and full-sun plants in the same container.
Water Requirements:
Planting cactus and ferns in the same container is a terrible idea. The first requires relatively little water, while the second needs continuous humidity.
