I have a busy month, both on a personal and work level. One thing that keeps me grounded is
my love for gardening.
Yet, let's face it, between work, family, and all the other demands of life, finding time for a full-fledged garden may feel like a challenge. That's where, in my mind, container gardening swoops in to save the day.
It's the perfect blend of simplicity and satisfaction that fits right into my busy schedule.
This year, like last year, I'm
focusing solely on container gardening. If you want to take this journey too, here are a few tips.
1. Assess Your Space: Take a quick inventory of your living situation. Do you have a sunny balcony, a cozy patio, or even just a sunny windowsill? Knowing your space will help you pick the perfect containers and plants
for your container garden.
My family has backyard deck and we're dedicating a section of it for this purpose. I position the herbs close to the sliding door that leads outside onto the deck from the kitchen to make it easy to clip herbs when I'm
cooking.
2. Choose Your Containers: While I like the look of terra cotta pots, they get heavy when filled with soil. So, I get the heavy-duty plastic ones.
Be sure your plants have room to grow and thrive. If your pots don't have drainage holes, those will need to be drilled. It's easier to buy
containers that already have the holes.
3. Pick Your Plants: Keep it simple by selecting herbs and veggies that are easy to grow and maintain.
Think options like basil, parsley, or mint for herbs, and cherry tomatoes or mini peppers for veggies. Check with your local garden center. They will lead you to the miniature varieties of herbs and veggies that are perfect for growing in containers.
4. Gather Your Gear: Stock up on essentials like potting mix, seeds or seedlings, watering cans, and fertilizer. Keeping everything organized and ready to go will make your planting process a breeze.
5. Planting Made Easy: Fill your containers with potting mix, leaving a little room at the top for watering. Plant your seeds or seedlings according to package instructions and give them a good soak. Remember to water regularly (but don't overwater) and watch your garden grow!
6. Keep Up with Maintenance: Check on your plants regularly for pests, diseases, and weeds. A little TLC goes a long way in keeping your container garden happy and healthy. Don't forget to fertilize as needed to keep those veggies thriving.
7. Enjoy the Harvest: Before you know it, you'll be harvesting fresh herbs and veggies right from your own container garden. It's a rewarding feeling knowing you grew something yourself, even in the midst of a busy schedule.
So there you have it...a beginner's guide to container
gardening. With a little planning and a lot of love, you'll have a thriving garden in no time!
P.S. If you're new to all of this, get yourself an easy-to-follow container gardening book for more advice and recommendations. I like
