The idiots guide to Containers and Gardening
Your small porch can no longer be considered to be an excuse for not having a flowerbed or a crop of plants. Thanks to container gardening, almost anything can be grown anywhere. Planter boxes, plastic storage containers, clay pots, hanging baskets or even plain old plastic jars with lids are some of the containers that are used for gardening. The sky is the limit when it comes to container gardening. Yet, like any other game, this one too has its own set of rules. Following these rules will ensure sure shot success for you.
Container Rules
The container is the most important aspect of container gardening. You need to choose one that has a wide opening and facilitates easy planting, weeding of soil, tilling etc. Try and avoid containers made of cheap plastic as they tend to deteriorate really fast in UV sunlight and the result can be seen on the plant. Terracotta pots are commonly used but they too have a tendency to dry out too soon leaving your plant yearning for more water. Try glazed ceramic pots. These are excellent containers but make sure that you make a lot of holes for drainage. On the other hand, if you are planning to use wooden containers, then ensure that you choose rot free wood like cedar or redwood. Avoid using wood that has been treated with chemicals as they can harm the plants. Drainage is an important aspect and make sure that the pot is placed on a brick to allow free drainage.
Where are you growing it?
The place where you are planning to grow your container garden is equally important. Many people store their containers in a storage shed. But keep in mind that depending on the kind of plant you are growing, your container will need at least 4 to 5 hours of sunlight everyday. There are some plants which need more but this is the minimum that is needed. There are sunlight guides available for various plants. You can refer to this for a better idea on the amount of sunlight needed.
Weather and fertilizers
You need to water the plants depending on the kind of weather in the area that you live in. For example, in countries with a hot and dry weather, plants need more water. Also, the more you water the plants, faster the fertilizers in the plant get washed away. So you might need more frequent fertilizing.
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