When my family and I got stationed in California, we decided to live in military housing. This was a big change not only because the climate between North Carolina and California was different, but also because I would be leaving my garden on our 1 acre of land and trade that in for 200 sq ft of yard.

What was a girl to do?

So, I decided to do some research and do what I could with what I had.

Container gardening was the answer for me. The beauty about gardening in containers you can choose from such a huge variety of pots, boxes, bags….you name it! And you can put it anywhere you like.

What is container gardening?

The description is in the name. With container gardening, you grow food, plants, and flowers out of ANYTHING that can hold soil and the plant.

Benefits of container gardens

Control (singing this in my Janet Jackson voice):
- Soil: you get to have control over the soil quality and nutrients it has and needs
- Water: it is easy to control the watering needs of each individual plant; you can see how the water is or is not being absorbed by the plant
- Weeds: there are generally no weeds you have to worry about because the plant and soil are self contained
Location: the containers can be moved to any spot you desire and the size you choose can fit an any location
Design and decor: you can have containers that match or accent any style or design
You can plant early or late in the season. Since you can move it, you can give the plant what it needs whether it be more sun (or grow lights), water, or nutrients

BUT CAN WE REALLY CALL THIS GARDENING?

Absolutely!

You become a gardener the minute you put a seed (or transplant) in soil and care for it as it grows. So no matter where you garden, you are a gardener!

Let’s break down the container gardening process…

What can I grow in a container garden?

Here’s some good news for you…you can grow many types of fruits, vegetables, and even trees in containers. Use the list below to pick what fruits and vegetables you want to grow in containers.

Step 1: Pick a container

With all the options out there, it is very easy to get overwhelmed. Answer these few questions to figure out what you should get.

What do you want to grow? Some plants require a bigger pot than others. For instance, tomatoes and kale have deep roots and need pots at the very least 12 inches deep.

Where will you have the plant? If you plan to have the plant outside, you don’t have to be concerned with a water catch tray underneath the pot. You can use a pot that drains excess water. Examples are pots with drain holes, fabric pots, grow bags, etc.

Are you going to a particular style? This will allow you to shot in specific places so the pots match. your current or new home/yard design.

Do you want to spend a specific amount on pots? This is very important. You do not have to go out and purchase expensive pots. You can use old household items such as water jugs, old pots. Or you can purchase inexpensive grow bags or flower pots. And there is always the option to buy higher end pots.

After you have answered these questions, you now know what kinds of pots you need to bring home to start your container garden. Also, the list below will help you make the decision.

step 2: buy your materials

Now that you know what plants you want to grow and the kind of container you want to plant in, you can purchase them. Containers can be purchased anywhere from super centers, dollar stores, and online.

Soil can be purchased at garden centers, nurseries, or home improvement stores. Be sure to get a mix that is blended for container gardening. You also have the choice to use organic or conventional. I like to use organic.

step 3: STart planting

Yes!! Here is the fun part. Gather your supplies and start planting. Be sure that your containers have drain holes. If they don’t you can add them with a drill or sharp knife (just be careful).

For the plants that will be indoors or on a surface that you don’t want water damaged, put a catch tray underneath it.

Place your soil in the pot, and then your plant. Make sure the plant is deep enough that the soil cover at least 1/2 inch of the stem. Water it in good and wait for the magic of plant life to happen.

step 4: Care for your plant

After you plant your plants, be sure to water it according to its needs (see the chart above) and check for pests. Yes, even container plants have pests, but don’t fret about it. Check out this guide on how to care for your plants and what to do about pests.

to summarize

As you see, having a container garden is gardening. You can do it! Just follow the steps above and you will be a gardener in no time.

If you want to grow these plants from seed, feel free to watch our free Seed Starting Workshop or read this post about Growing Plants from Seed.

If you need more help and guidance on container gardening, raised garden beds, or garden design, we are always here to help. You can book a consult to get the help and support you need.

Happy growing!

Is A Container Garden Really Gardening