Introduction: Choosing Items for a Container Garden
These instructions will help you begin a container garden.
Step 1: Choose an Appropriate Container.
Many types of containers are available to use but you need to make sure that you choose the right one. Is the container the appropriate size? Is it clean? Does it have adequate drainage?
Step 2: Appropriate Containers
All of these containers are appropriate for a container garden. They are all of adequate size, drainage is possible in all of them (with modifications), and they are all clean.
Step 3: Containers That Are Not Appropriate.
All of these containers are not appropriate due to the fact that they all carry dangerous chemicals. Even washed and cleaned out, these containers are not suitable for a container garden.
Step 4: Add Rock to the Bottom of the Container.
Adding rock to the bottom of the container allows the water to flow through the soil and keeps the soil from leaking out of the drainage hole or holes.
Step 5: Choose the Correct Soil.
The correct soil for a container garden would be the potting mix. It is made to stay loose and not pack firmly. By staying loose, it allows for proper drainage of any excess water.
Step 6: Choosing Landscaping Fabric
If you are placing your containers in a grassy area, you may need to use a landscaping fabric. It comes in different widths and lengths to fit the need of your garden area. You may also want to put mulch on top of it to help with grass and weed control.
Step 7: Choose the Plants.
Depending on what you want to grow, you can purchase most types of plants. You will need to make sure that they are compatible with each other and can grow in the same container. You will also need to know how much sunlight your plants require. Place your containers according to this need.
Step 8: Starting Your Seeds.
Another option for your container garden would be to start your own seeds. There are many varieties to choose from. There are also many options for the containers to start seeds in. Some of the containers come with discs that you place the seeds on and water. Others need soil to be placed in them. Both are good choices and allows you to grow as many or as few of plants as you will need.
Step 9: Place Plants in the Soil and Water Your Plants.
Once you have chosen all of your materials, you are now ready to plant your plants. Make sure to read the labels and place them the correct distance apart. After placing them in the soil, you will then water them. If your containers are not placed out in the open where rain will reach them, you will need to check them often to see if they need to be watered.
Step 10: Tools You May Need
A spade and cultivator are tools that could make your job of keeping up your container garden easier. The spade can be used to dig holes for plants. The cultivator helps keep the soil loose so that water can move through it. If your container garden is not close to an outside water source, you may also need a watering can.