Patio Container Gardening

If you live in an apartment or a condominium and do not have a yard that you can plant a garden in, it is still possible to enjoy growing things with 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.

Other reasons to have a patio container garden may be the convenience of having herbs and vegetables close to the kitchen for the use of the cook. Persons with limited mobility such as elders or those with disabilities can still access gardening pleasures this way also. Plus, a patio container garden can be moved about and rearranged in numerous ways that are pleasing and useful.

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One of the first things to think about is the type or types of containers you will need. There are many to choose from, whether it be traditional types such as terra cotta, ceramic, or wood. Other choices include metal, wire baskets and woven baskets such as wicker or bamboo. Or, you may find it fun to think of unusual things to use for containers. Vintage watering cans, old boots, and galvanized tin buckets are just a few examples of novelty items that you can plant your garden 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.

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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 a container garden involves more care and often more frequency than a garden planted in the ground. Moisture will evaporate more quickly, depending upon factors like container material, temperature, the requirements of different plants, and drainage. During hot weather it may be necessary to water daily or even more than once a day to maintain your plants properly.

Although often patio 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.

There are many books and online resources to help you get started with patio container gardening. You can also involve children, elders, other family members and friends in your garden project. The rewards are many, including beautiful flowers, fresh vegetables and herbs, and the pleasure of arranging your containers in new and exciting displays,