It is possible to garden without ground or a shovel. Many prolific gardeners produce only from containers. Except for the largest trees, there a few plants that cannot be adapted to a container of some sort.
Containers have much to recommend them. Like raised beds, they make gardening possible for some people with mobility problems. They're also well-appreciated by those with limited space. Because they're portable, containers allow gardeners to decorate and alter their surroundings on impulse.
Containers are available in a vast array of shapes and sizes. They are made primarily from three main materials; clay, wood and plastic. Each has its merits.
Plastics are generally inexpensive, light, colorful and easy to clean. But, because they're non-porous, plastic containers don't breathe and they must have adequate drainage to prevent over-watering.
Wood containers are porous and easy to make. But they are heavy to move, and they deteriorate. They may also harbor insects and diseases.
Clay pots, also porous, absorb insoluble salts along with water and oxygen. They require occasional scrubbing. They also need to be watered often to prevent drying. Clay pots come in some extremely attractive designs and shapes but they can be expensive. Protect your investment. Don't subject them to freezing temperature or other hazards, like paths with heavy traffic.
| The best dirt |
Containers are only as good as the dirt you put in them. Use potting mixtures appropriate to the plants you want to grow. Container soil should include sand for drainage, porous material like vermiculite or perlite for moisture retention, and peat or compost for aeration and good tilth.
Bryan Green, who has mixed potting soils for our nurseries for years, devised a recipe consisting of equal parts perlite or fine grade vermiculite, sharp sand, sterile, composted manure, and sterilized top soil. These ingredients can be purchased separately or pre-mixed.
When mixing up your own soil mixtures for containers and seedlings, sterilize top soil by spreading it on a cookie sheet and baking it in a 160ºF (71ºC) oven for 45 minutes. This kills weed seeds, fungus spores and insects. To sterilize your soil in a microwave, set the dial on high for 3 minutes and cover the soil with transparent wrap.
| Watering Containers |
It is essential to water containers frequently. For many plants, once a day is not enough when summer heat is intense, especially for hanging baskets, which dry out rapidly. Whenever you can, choose containers which will hold enough water for a full day. Very shallow containers dry up quickly. If containers must be exposed to sun for long periods of time insulate them from heat with a lining of foam, vermiculite or wet sphagnum moss. Containers on cement patios should be slightly elevated to prevent them for overheating.
They should be heavy enough to withstand prevailing winds. Support heavy window boxes with brackets.
Balcony containers and window boxes should be designed to be watered without showering neighbors or other plants below.
| Roof Gardens |
Roof gardens take advantage of unused space and the absence of shade. But before you build one, make sure the roof is strong enough to take the weight of large containers full of soil and water. Place containers on or near load-bearing walls.
If your roof is asphalt and gravel, don't use containers with sharp or square surfaces that could cut and pierce the roof.
