This is a frequently asked question by people interested in starting a small garden. The size of the plants will affect how much food the container will hold. Smaller pots are typically easier to maintain, so they tend to yield more fruits and vegetables in their initial year than larger pots. However, if the container is being used frequently for growing fast growing vegetables, it can actually last much longer than the plants in the small pot.
When purchasing potting soil, you should consider both soil quality and drainage. Low quality soil can retain moisture from the weather, which can cause dampness and produce poor results. In addition, soil that drains properly won’t hold water back or build up around the roots. In addition, a container garden needs good drainage because excess water on the tops of the pots can cause root rot. Good drainage also keeps toxic soil molds and mildews at bay.
Container gardening is great for those with a limited amount of space. If you have an urban setting, you can grow all your family favorites in small spaces apples, peppers, squash, cucumbers and even green and leafy vegetables like lettuce can be grown in small containers. As long as the plants are kept clean, you won’t have to worry about disease or insects. However, if your goal is to have a garden that will eventually flower and produce flowers and fruit trees, you’ll want to buy larger plants that are known for their fruit and vegetable producing capabilities.
Pots of herbs can also be grown in pots. Herbs like the rich soil that is provided by organic compost, so the less you use commercial fertilizers, the better they will do. The best way to get started is by doing research to learn which herbs will do well together and how much fertilizer they need. Then, buy and add compost to the soil every month, just as you would fertilizer to a lawn.
When you first start out, you can have a small plot of land and grow everything in one container. You can then graduate to bigger containers once your plot has been developed into a garden. Vegetables, perennials and fruit trees can all be planted in pots. If you plan ahead, you can even plant vegetables that are disease resistant in a pot, which will cut down on your herbicide spraying.
One of the most important things to consider before you start growing anything in a container garden is to maintain the right soil quality. Sunlight is the main source of nutrients for the plants, so make sure that you place your pots in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight most days. It is also important to place pots near other plants that will need light to photosynthesize, such as strawberries.
It takes time to develop a well-lit garden, but the effort is worth it. Also, planting your veggies in containers helps keep weeds at bay. Keep in mind that herbs and other garden flowers need water, so watering should be carefully monitored. Make sure to water all areas thoroughly, especially if you plan to use sprinklers or hoses. Remember that you should never over-water your plants, because excess moisture may cause root rot and root breakage.
It’s best to leave pots in the sunny direction, but if you have shady areas that you do not mind being in the weather, there are several choices for pots that will work in these areas. Pans with metal inserts or drainage holes to allow the water to drain from the inside of the pot, allowing the soil to stay damp on the outside while the water on the inside remains dry. Containers with drainage holes are less desirable for container gardening, but they can also help protect your plants from wind and damaging sun. There are dozens of options for potting material, and you should find a system that works for you and your garden.