Container Gardening – Produce Your Own Produce in a Planter!

Nothing beats fresh vegetables out of your own garden. The taste of a recently picked tomato is downright heaven and digging your own new, red potatoes is so rewarding. You don't have space for a big garden? No trouble! You can grow a vegetable garden in a container!

You can grow more than flowers in a container, although that is the first thing people think of when you suggest container gardening. But have you ever experimented putting a few vegetables amongst the flowers? It isn't hard to grow edible plants in containers, and the terrific produce is worth the effort! Peppers and cherry tomatoes grow great in the midst of flowers. Their brilliant fruit is a striking interest in the blossoms. Garlic and onion plants add pointed foliage to your container planters, plus garlic will help keep the pests away!

What about dedicating a few planters to only vegetables? Strawberries are a plant that usually does better in a container than in the ground. By putting out runners, strawberries put out a lot of energy sprouting new plants. When there is no more room for new plants, the strawberries start to produce fruit. Fresh strawberries at any time you want them, what could be better?

Planting a container garden is simple, and here are a few tips and hints to get you started.

No matter what type of container you choose, it needs to drain properly. Many pots have holes predrilled for drainage, however if your pot doesn't have drain holes you can either add a layer of gravel or drain holes for drainage. If your pot is deep, add styrofoam to the bottom for drainage and to reduce the need for extra soil. In addition, the pot will be lighter and easier to move. Make sure your have deep enough soil for the plants to grow a good root system.

Garden soil is not for containers. Container plants need a lighter weight soil than your usual garden soil. A container garden requires light soil that is rich in natural material for good drainage. You can blend store bought potting soil with organic material such as peat moss and compost for an ideal planter soil mixture. For season long fertilization, add a time release fertilizer to your soil as you mix it. This will feed your plants for about three months.

Your new plants will want to extend their roots, so dig a hole that is twice the size of their root ball. Put a little loose soil in the bottom of the hole so the new roots can grab hold. Gently manipulate the roots to break them up before you plant the plant. The plant roots start growing in a pattern while they are in the pony pack, you will need to break that pattern so they can spread their roots and thrive in your container.

Give your plants a healthy start by using a root starting fertilizer as you are planting. Use the root starter and water mixture to water each plant as you plant it. Root starting fertilizers contain the proper nutrients that help to prevent transplant shock.

Take the scissors to your new plant. This is something that lots of gardeners don't like to do. After all you just got a beautiful, full plant at the store! You want the plant to develop a strong root system, so it needs to focus on that. This is tough if the plant is trying to maintain full blooms or large amounts of foliage as well. Generally you need to cut the plant back by two thirds. You will have a fuller, healthier plant in the end if you trim it back now.

Combine plants that need the same kinds of light and water together. Put full sun plants together, shade plants, high water requirement, etc. If you take some time to prepare your container you will be more satisfied with the results.

For fresh produce all summer long, you can't go wrong with a container garden. What a wonderful thing you will provide for your family, nourishing vegetables and a perfect, family pastime. Container gardening is enjoyable and worthwhile!

Article Source: http://physicalfitnessarticles.net

Piper is a freelance writer who loves working out, good food and the outdoors. She loves to work in the garden with her small tiller. She loves gardening, good movies and baking. She spends a lot of time doing research on the best gardening methods and passing the information on to you.

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