What is container gardening? Container gardening is just what it sounds like, and more. It is the concept of growing flowers, herbs and vegetables in containers. That is the basic idea. However, container gardening is anything but basic.
First of all, what type of container you use can vary drastically, depending on what you’re growing, as well as your personal tastes. There is a huge variety of pots that you can begin a garden in such as the traditional terra cotta pot. You can also grow plants in other types of ceramics and even fancier porcelain pots can be used to hold herbs or whatever you wish to grow.
Window boxes are a popular type of container for gardening. You can place them in the front of your house for a nice decorative touch, and to add to curb appeal. These would obviously hold flowers in the spring and summer. Keep in mind too that the plants in window boxes can be replaced with winter-friendly greenery during the colder months.
Many urban dwellers use window boxes for herbs and even vegetables when there is no access to an outdoor space. This way they are able to enjoy fresh tastes without the need for a balcony. Just because you are living in an apartment building does not mean you can’t enjoy having your own garden. You don’t need to give up your love of nature just because you are stuck in the city!
One idea I recently came across on a drive out in the country was using a tired old boot for a container to grow flowers. It may sound silly, and perhaps it is a bit whimsical, but it really looked great on the steps of a country porch. Another idea a friend of mine came up with was planting a small garden in the bottom of an antique bird cage. This particular bird cage had sides on the bottom part of it and was easily filled with soil after holes were drilled in the bottom for drainage. The result was gorgeous!
My point is that container gardening does not just mean the traditional terra cotta pots that one so often pictures. Open up your mind to new ideas and you’ll soon learn how you can create an original and fun container garden.
