Considering The Beauty And Convenience Of Patio Container Gardening

There are many reasons to consider patio container gardening. If you live in an apartment or condominium, you very likely do not have a yard that you can plant a garden in. Even if you do have a yard, the soil may be of a type, such as clay or sand, that will not sustain a garden unless heavily amended. Or perhaps you have a nice lawn area that you do not wish to disturb, but you still wish to grow a variety of plants.

Having a container garden has many advantages for different people. For those who like to cook, it can be a source of fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables just outside the patio door. The elderly and disabled may enjoy it also as it does not require the strength and mobility that a regular garden generally does. And, anyone who loves plants can have fun arranging and rearranging the containers in pleasing displays.

One of the first choices to be made when planning your garden is the number and types of containers you will want. The selection is great, starting with the usual types such as terra cotta and ceramic. Other materials include metal of various types and woven baskets made out of wire, wicker, bamboo or other substances. And, do not overlook novelty items such as old boots, retro watering cans, and just about anything that strikes your fancy and can hold some soil to plant in.

One of the most important elements to consider in this type of gardening is that of drainage. It is essential that any container you decide upon have one or more holes for excess water to drain from, or your plants will suffer from overly wet soil. If the container does not already have some holes, as standard pots generally do, it is usually possible to make them yourself.

It is important that the planting medium you use also be the type that allows for the proper amount of drainage. Packaged potting soils available commercially are generally suitable for this purpose. If you have a yard and wish to use dirt from it, be certain that it is not too heavy, like clay, or too light, like sand. You can perhaps use your own soil in containers with the addition of amendments such as peat moss or vermiculite to adjust the texture.

Watering plants in containers will generally need to be done more frequently than watering a lawn or ground garden. Moisture has more opportunity to escape from pots, through drainage holes and also from the sides of the pot if it is made from a porous material such as terra cotta. In very warm weather, watering once a day is usually necessary, or perhaps more frequently, depending on temperature, humidity, and the specific plants you are tending.

Although often container gardens cost less to create than a large garden in the ground, there can still be considerable expenses depending on the types of containers, purchased soils, and other items. However, it is possible to find quite inexpensive containers at garage and estate sales, thrift stores, and even for free by perusing local advertisements. You can also often find dirt for free from local excavations, which may or may not need amending with other substances to produce the right texture for drainage.

It will not be difficult to find all the help you want once you decide to start patio container gardening. Local garden societies can provide much information, as can websites and books. Get assistance also from family members, including elders and children who will find it fun to get involved. There are many rewards for all in this endeavor, including beauty, fresh produce, and the satisfaction of growing a lovely and convenient garden.

Learn more about how to get container gardening correct and what you have to do, and get the best advice and options for container gardening on patio.