How to start a container Garden
Beginning a patio garden is a great option for small spaces. Choosing the right containers, soil, and plants can give you a bountiful harvest even without a large garden. Here is a basic outline of what you need to do to get off to a great start!
Evaluate your space
If you are able, taking the time to watch the pattern of sun and shade on your balcony or patio can make a big difference in how well your plants are able to thrive. Here are some questions to answer:
Which areas receive the most hours of sunlight?
Which areas are shaded for much of the day?
How much rain and wind exposure does this area recieve?
Knowing the answer to these questions can help you decide which plants will do well in your space, where they should be placed, and how much you will need to water.
2. Research your climate
Every area is placed in a hardiness zone which will help you determine which plants are optimal for your area. This information is especially crucial when choosing perennial plants (plants that grow for more than one season). For annual plants (plants that grow for only one season) you need to know the first and last average frost dates for your area. The number of days in your growing season will determine which varieties will thrive in your climate. With this information, you are now ready to start choosing your plants.
3. Pick your seeds or seed starts
Choosing your plants is one of the most exciting parts of planning your container garden. While it is easy to a bit crazy and try to grow everything, keeping these things in mind can help you maximize your space and increase your yield.:
Choose plants that you already eat on a regular basis
The work you put in will be rewarded when you are able to enjoy some of your favorite dishes with ingredients you grew yourself!
Add one tor two new plants each year
Growing something new adds an extra level of excitement, and is a great way to expand your palate and your skills at the same time. Trying different flowers or ornamental plants is a fun way to add beauty and interest to your container garden as well.
Remember to choose plants that will grow well in your climate
Refer to your zone and length of your growing season, and check the number of days to harvest on the packet of seeds. Make sure that you will have the right amount of time to grow and harvest.
Look for container friendly plants
Dwarf and bush varieties of many fruits and vegetables can be successfully grown in containers. Here are some of the best fruits and vegetables to try in your garden:
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Potatoes
Strawberries
Herbs
Lettuce
Bush beans
Dwarf peas
Peppers
Radishes
Flowers
Green onions
4. Choose the right containers
Choosing the right size container for what you plan to grow in it is crucial for the best success. Be sure to plant in a container that allows sufficient space for the root system of the full grown plant. The plants need room to grow and expand while still receiving adequate water and nutrients.
Herbs and many flowers will do well in smaller pots. For larger containers, look for plants that are good companions to one another. Plant shade loving plants together, and sun loving plants together.
Larger plants with a bigger root system will need a larger container to give them sufficient space to grow and expand as they should. Tomatoes, bush beans, and peppers will all need a larger, deeper pot.
One aspect of growing in containers that can be tricky is proper watering. This is one reason we have used these planter boxes in our past balcony garden. Water is held in a 2 gallon reservoir below the plants. You pour water into the corner tube, excess water will flow out, and the plants can wick water up through the bottom as needed. These features help prevent over watering, and also give you more time between watering sessions. The additional feature of caster wheels on the bottoms of the boxes make moving them around easy.
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5. Choose your soil and fertilizers
Now that you have your container and seeds , the final step is to gather the right soil and fertilizer. Look for a potting mix that has perlite, vermiculite or coconut coir to promote proper drainage. We’ve used Promix Premium All Purpose Mix for many years to start our plants, and to grow in containers ,and have been very happy with the results.
A good fertilizer makes a huge difference in the health and productivity of your plants. Our favorite plant food is Alaska Fish Fertilizer. This concentrated mixture is a rich source of organic food matter for all your plants. Add two tablespoons to a gallon of water, and water the roots of your plants with the solution every three weeks.
For medium to large size pots, pebbles or small rocks at the bottom of the pot can help with drainage. In addition, make sure that the pot has drainage holes, so the plants don’t end up with too much water.
6. Start growing
Now that your research is done and you have your supplies, it’s time to plant! For seed starts, you may need to harden them off, which will mean putting them outside a bit longer each day over the span of 4-5 days. . This allows the plant to acclimate to the outdoor environment and will reduce the chance of shock once you plant in your container. Add fertilizer after you plant to give the young seedling enough nutrition to start out strong.
If you are starting from seed, be sure to keep the soil evenly moist until the seed is germinated. After germination, check daily and water as needed.