Container Gardening - Reposted with Pictures

Container Gardening

All you need is any kind of non degradable container, depending on what you want to grow, ie, a plastic bin, large food containers like cottage cheese or soft butter spreads come in. I had several of those large plastic bins that slide under the bed and the deeper ones from Wally World, redwood planters that look like half barrels and have used 2 and 3 liter soda bottles and made a hanging herb garden on my patio! You need to determine container size by root depth and recommended spacing.

First decide where you want to put your container garden, if it is outside you don't need drainage protection.  If it is inside you need to protect the area below. I use the lids off my containers as drip catchers.

Second determine how much soil your container will hold. I fill the container with potting mix or garden soil specific to the plant then measure it by pouring it into a 5 gallon bucket. Add an equal amount of compost, if you have some, if not you can buy it in most garden centers. Mix it well with a stick or broom or mop handle.

(Optional) Add a little extra kick to the soil by combining and adding in the following for every 5 gallons of soil mixture:

¾ C used Coffee Grounds that have been rinsed

10 - 12 egg shells that have been finely crushed and are powdery

1 ¼ C Epsom Salt

3 Tbl Instant Tea Mix

Don't overload your container as your plants need root space, pay attention to the planting guidelines on the plant or packaging.

Move your container to its designated place and prepare your container by making sure you have sufficient drainage holes in the bottom then cover the bottom with some rocks, garden bark, packing worms or anything that will not pack down tight and allow drainage so your plants won't be left sitting in water and develop root rot.

To provide a more efficient watering system that gets the water all the way through the soil and not just on top take a cardboard tube (toilet paper, paper towel or gift wrap core, depending on depth of the planter) stand it in the middle of the planter on top of your drainage material then pack your soil mixture around the tube so it stays upright. You can cut the tube level with the top of the soil. 

Fill the tube with more drainage material.

You are now ready to add your plants or seeds. If you are using pre started plants from the lawn and garden shop plant according to directions. If you are starting from seed plant according to directions and cover your container with any clear plastic wrap and place in a sunny location. Once seeds begin to sprout and are 2 - 3 inches tall discard the plastic wrap.

Pour water in and around the tube when watering for even distribution to the root system and in time the tube will disintegrate but the drainage material will remain intact.

Add some pest control by taking plastic lids from used containers like yogurt, cottage cheese, butter tubs, etc., depending on the size of your container and smear a good thick coating of Vaseline or Karo Syrup on the inside. Set them sticky side up on top of the soil in your container. If you have a very large container you may want to add more lids. Replace as necessary.