How To Grow A Container Garden

Planting in containers can in some instances be a good alternative method of gardening, especially if you are limited for space. Or perhaps you have a patio or driveway that you would like to brighten up with some summer blooms. Below is a guide on how to plant in containers.

Possibly the most important step to achieving the success of a healthy bloom is the preparation of the container. If the container is not prepared correctly then your flowers will more than likely die off early. If you are re-using a pot from a previous season you should scrub the inside of the container with some hot water to ensure any diseases from the previous bloom have been removed. Ensure any wooden containers have been correctly treated.

Most containers these days will already have holes bored in at the bottom but if your container doesn't then you will need to drill some. This is an important step to avoid the compost becoming water logged. Add a layer of crock to the bottom of the container such as broken pieces of terracotta.

Fill the container with compost until close to the top then firm it down. Next dig holes in the compost and add the plants into the holes. Add a little more compost if needed and ensure you give the plants a good water.

Caring For Your Flowers

Unfortunately once your flowers have been planted it doesn't mean that your job is now done, your container plants are going to need a lot of maintenance throughout the season.

1. Your plants are going to need water daily, even during wet periods.
2. Check the compost regularly to ensure it is always moist.
3. Around 2 months after planting you will need to add some fertilizer to the pot. Controlled release fertilzers are good for container plants as the nutrients are released slowly over time.
4. You should always use potting compost as they have the nutrients required for container plants. Soil less compost is best for summer bedding plants. Soil based composts are good for shrubs and trees.

Many people are of the opinion that container plants are limited to the summer season, however this is not the case. There are different perennials that can be grown throughout the year so once your summer bloom is over you can start repotting. Or choose a plant for permanent planting such as Dwarf Berberis and Conifers or Miniature Roses.

I have two passions in life, gardening and cooking with the fresh produce I have grown. Head over to my blog at http://gardenlightingpro.com for a whole host of informtion and resource

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