Growing food on your own could definitely save you some cash. This means that you wonât have to put your money on industries who heavily rely on harmful insecticides and other practices that may potentially harm the environment. Home gardening not only benefits the eco-system but also gives you the ability to diversify and customize your taste according to your liking. Additionally, you gain control of what vegetables and fruits grow in and grow out. Container gardening is one of the many ways you can grow crops at home, especially when you only have limited space. However, there are things to be considered to do container gardening in the best way possible. Here are some of them:
How do you plant a container garden?
Choose a container considering your space, budget, and style. Larger containers tend to lessen water consumption. Always remember to pick one that has holes at the bottom. This will allow extra water to drain and will keep your plants from drowning. When planting, do not overfill the container as this may hinder the growth of your crops. The ideal ratio for a 10″ to 12″ vessel is about 3 to 4 plants. While 16″ to 20″ containers can house as much as 9 plants. Plant a few inches below the rim of your vessels so you can water them easily. Also, pick a spot where your plants can get a sufficient amount of sunlight but not too hot as this may result to withering.
What are the best plants to grow in containers?
The best plants to grow in pots are those that are not too demanding and can thrive with little care. Some of these are onions, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, radishes, squash, peas, eggplants, cucumbers, carrots beans, beets, lettuce, and other green leafy vegetables that can tolerate changing temperatures. While vegetables are a great choice, you can also plant fruits such as lemons, oranges, apples, figs, cherries, guavas, pineapples, berries and surprisingly, watermelons. Keep in mind that the size of your containers can vary depending on what crop you are planning to grow.
How big should a container be for tomatoes?
Tomatoes are one of the most common crops that gardeners enjoy to plant, However, they are not the easiest to deal with especially when it comes to bad weather or when critter problems occur. To improve the chances of your tomatoes’ growth and survival, you have to use big containers- the bigger the better. For a single plant, you need a pot or a vessel that is at least 1 square foot. If you can opt for 2 feet one then that is a better choice. The perfect size for one plant is a 5- gallon bucket. Fill up your large container with high-quality planting soil and be sure that you have big enough holes at the bottom for good drainage.
Can I grow vegetables in plastic containers?
To simply answer the question, yes you can. After all, the durability, strength, flexibility, and weight are what we are looking for in a good quality container. Plastic pots and vessels are excellent options for moisture-loving plants and for gardeners who don’t have proper irrigation like those of big farming sites. Just make sure that you are picking a plastic container that is chemical-free, can be reused and recycled. Keep them somewhere cool or at least where the heat is not too overwhelming to avoid melting.