When it comes to beginner gardening, you don’t need much to get started. Container gardening is a great way to nurture a budding green thumb while being mindful about your space. This approach can be especially helpful for gardeners in big cities, where outdoor space may be limited to just a small backyard patio or maybe even a high-rise balcony.
Step 1: Choose Your Container
5-gallon buckets aren’t the only option here! The term “container gardening” includes raised beds, repurposed planters, or even old barrels! As long as the vessel is big enough to support deep and healthy root growth, the sky is the limit! Choose what best fits your own needs, square footage, and personal aesthetic. Opt for materials that are weather-proof, able to withstand the hot sun, heavy rains, and cold temps.
STEP 2: PROVIDE DRAINAGE SUPPORT
Adequate drainage is a crucial step in ensuring success with your container gardening, and helps avoid serious issues like root rot. Check to make sure your vessel has plenty of drainage holes, and if not, make sure you add some yourself before going any further. Typically a drill can do the trick for most materials, but always double-check if you’re working with something more delicate like terracotta or ceramic.
STEP 3: FILL ‘ER UP
Soil is the heart and soul if it all. We always recommend an organic potting soil option which is easy to find at most retailers these days. Or, you can always make your own! Fill your vessel all the way up to just about 1.5” from the rim to help prevent any spillover when watering.
STEP 4: CHOOSE YOUR SEEDS
This is where the fun part really begins. If you only have room for one container, you might try planting a small kitchen herb garden. Often times these herbs grow easily together, and don’t require much space to thrive. This can really make your container go a long way! However if you’re looking for something a little heartier, vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens are particularly good in containers. Ultimately the choice is yours! What do you enjoy eating? What would make this garden most feasible for you? After making your selections, simply plant according to the instructions found on the seed packet.
STEP 5: WATCH IT GROW
You’ve done it! You’ve successfully planted your first container garden! One of the best things about planting this way is the mobility: you can move the vessel according to sun and shade levels, aesthetic preferences, and ease of harvesting. So let your garden move and grow, literally!
Want to learn more about container growing? Check out our conversation with Von Barnes of Kentuckiana Backyard Farms from our Season 5 Episode on “Food As Medicine”, at roughly the 9:30 mark!