Container gardens are the ideal solution for people who enjoy gardening but simply have little to no space. With this type of garden, you have the opportunity to plant a wonderful selection of vegetables and flowers, but instead of using land outside, you use small containers. Obviously, for individuals living in apartments, city dwellers, or homes without outside yard space where only a small balcony or patio is available, a container garden makes perfect sense. Regardless of the size your space is, your garden can be designed with wonderful variation for color and fragrance.

The first thing is choosing the containers for your garden. Interestingly, with a container garden, you can use literally anything. For instance, some great choices include things such as old bathtubs, washtubs, whiskey barrels, glass jars, kitchen bowls, ceramic pots, watering cans, you name it, and you could probably start a container garden in it. As long as the container will hold soil, plants, and water, you are set to go.

With a container garden, the type of container you choose will need to have a good drain hole in the bottom. If not, you can put two pieces of masking or duct tape in a crisscross pattern on the bottom and then with a small drill, begin to drill through the center, slowly working your way outward until the size is approximately one-inch in diameter. Then, prior to placing soil in the container, we suggest you place broken potshards or gravel in the bottom to help keep the soil inside the pot, especially when watering.

Popular choices for container gardens are wooden containers. In this case, just make sure the container is quality wood or you might be dealing with a bad case of wood rot. In addition to this, never use pretreated wood. With this, the wood has been treated with preservatives that can leak down into the soil, causing damage to the plants. Therefore, if you have your heart set on wood, simply choose something such as redwood or cedar, both excellent options.

You also want to make sure you have fun creating your container garden. Many times, you can find colorful trinkets or figurines already around the house or garage that would be perfect to enhance the look of your garden. If not, rather than spend a lot of money, you could check out local thrift stores, shopping for containers and knickknacks. With a container garden, you can create a sophisticated look, something Victorian, perhaps a rustic country look, or a garden that is colorful and whimsical.

Another important aspect of the container garden is the soil. Since you are planting in a confined space, soil from your yard is generally fine but you might consider buying a bag of good soil, which typically costs less than $5. The reason is that bought soil provides you with a cleaner mix, which is both disease and weed free. An important tip to remember when and if you ever report any of the plants – never reuse soil form the containers.

The growing mixture you use with container gardening is also designed so water will drain off quickly. The importance of this is to allow enough moisture to keep roots moist without the plants sitting in soaking wet soil, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. You also want to consider the plants that you grow since some may require different balances of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Just be sure you leave two inches from the top of the container between the top of the soil.

Because the soil for your container garden is formulated to drain quickly, fertilizer is important. A good rule of thumb is that the lighter the soil the more frequent you will need to fertilize. We suggest you go with a diluted type of liquid fertilizer. Two of the best options for healthy fruits and vegetables, as well as vibrant flowers are liquid seaweed or fish emulsion. However, remember that again, different plants have different nutritional needs to try to purchase those with the same requirements.

Typically, container gardens need about five to six hours of direct sunlight daily. Now, if you plan to grow vegetables such as carrots or beets, they would need more with fruits like tomatoes and cucumbers needing even more. For flowers, this would depend on the type of flowers being grown. In this case, your best option is to read the sunlight recommendations for plants when buying and purchase flowers with like requirements.

If you plan to grow flowers in your container garden, now the fun part starts with choosing what you will grow. Although you have literally hundreds and hundreds of possibilities, the following are some of our recommendations:

Browallia – Upward facing chalices that are simply beautiful. These desert bluebells can handle all types of conditions. Additionally, these flowers are beautiful as the main attraction or filler plants.

Coleus – This type of houseplant produces magnificent leaves of bronze, white copper, gold, yellow, red, pink, and purple. Hardy and strong, Coleus are a perfect addition to any container garden.

Impatiens – The flowers of Impatiens are dainty yet prolific. The petals shimmer with a magnificent coral, peach, and pink color with a darker petal margin that makes each bloom distinct.

Periwinkle – This type of flower is virtually disease and pest free. Best of all, it readily reseeds itself. The flowers are a beautiful white and pink color, adding gentle color to your garden.

Snapdragons – Everyone loves Snapdragons. If you have a container garden that can accommodate some height, these flowers provide a magical carpet of color with vibrant yellow, orange, pink, and red.

Black-Eyed Susan – Perfect for container gardens, these flowers are actually fast-growing vines that produce incredible yellow, orange, and white flowers with solid eyes, thus the name.

Keep in mind that these flower recommendations are just a few that you might consider. The best thing with any container garden is to do what you like. Once you have decided on a container and soil, choose flowers, plants, vegetables, herbs, or fruits that you enjoy.

The importance of proper watering cannot be stressed enough for your container garden plants. Container Gardens are exposed to wind and sun so they dry out quicker than plants in the ground. There are no exact rules about watering your container garden plants. You have to become acquainted with the needs of various garden plants. The best tip is to examine them daily and water the plant when the surface of the soil begins to look dry. Feeling the soil will also help you determine the moisture needs of your container garden. Or, take the easy way and invest in a water meter if you are not sure.

How much and when to water will depend on the kind of plant and soil, the type and size of container, and the amount of exposure to sun and wind. Climate and the weather also play their part. During hot spells most plants in your container garden need daily water, except those in small clay pots, which may require it twice. Some plants, like fuchsias and tuberous begonias, wilt when dry, but geraniums and succulents are not so sensitive to neglect. On the other hand, it is good to let soil dry out a little between watering. This prevents the soil from depleting its nutrients.

Since unglazed containers dry out quickest, watch them more closely. Wooden tubs, window boxes, and planters dry out more slowly; metal is the slowest of all. Groups of plants in large containers keep moist longer than single specimens. A good technique to avoid excess dryness is to have groupings of plants, arranged close together. This allows the container plants to shade one another to keep cool and stop moisture evaporation.

There are several methods of watering the plants. If you have many containers in your container garden, depend on the hose, allowing water to flow through slowly and gently. Water small pots with a watering can that has a long spout or buy one of the self watering containers now available. When plants are grouped closely in a container garden, set up a sprinkler or hose with a fine spray nearby, allowing it to run for a long while, until the soil is soaked. In many states where the climate is dry, an automatic sprinkler system is a must to keep your whole garden hydrated. Remember this tip with geraniums and petunias, avoid sprinklers which spot blossoms.

One thing is certain; you must not depend on rain to keep your container garden plants hydrated. Even heavy showers deposit a surprisingly small amount of moisture, and unless rains are frequent and lengthy, you must do your own watering. Remember those window boxes and other containers near houses or under trees can stay dry in spite of an all-day downpour.

Though it is essential to give enough water to your container garden, it is equally important not to over water and so cause root rot. Over-watering also prevents aeration of the soil, and will cause the plant to drown.

One good method is to set your container garden, if the containers are not too large, in a basin or pail of water for several hours, or until the surface of the soil feels moist (this is the theory behind self watering containers). Or immerse the pot in a tub or large barrel of water and leave it there until air is eliminated and the bubbling stops.

The best general rule is to soak soil thoroughly when you water and then allow it to go just a bit dry before you water your container garden again. Best of all, keep a small spiral notebook and paste the care of each plant into it so that you will always have the needs of each individual plant at your fingertips.

If you go away for long periods during the summer, give the container garden serious thought before making it a project. On the other hand, you can enjoy both holidays and plants if you are absent for only short periods. The best safeguard is to entrust your container garden to a responsible friend. Or if you are going away for a vacation at your second home, or one that you have rented, take the container garden with you as a little bit of home.

Several techniques can be practiced. One is to arrange smaller containers in boxes of peat moss, sawdust, or soil, which has been well soaked. Then there is the pot-in-pot method, whereby small pots are set in larger ones, with moist peat moss inserted between.

As mentioned above, in many of the garden centers self watering containers are offered for sale. These are ideal for your container garden when you are traveling or taking a vacation.

When we hear the word hydroponic gardening we may know the term but not actually understand what it means. We have the basic idea that hydroponic gardening can deliver larger fruits, vegetables, and plants. Also, that hydroponic gardening can deliver these plants quicker than traditional gardening. However, what hydroponic actually means and how it is done, we usually do not hear a lot about or even know what goes into it.

The word hydroponic is derived from the Greek word hydro which, means “water” and ponos, which means “labor” or it can also mean “water-working”. So, with hydroponic gardening you are growing the plants, fruits, or vegetables without soil, their roots are in a nutrient rich solution instead. Hydroponic gardening is actually very simple, it is not more difficult than any other type of gardening.

Hydroponic gardening still requires light, water, temperature, and humidity to grow the fruits, vegetables, and plants. The only difference is there is no soil used in hydroponic gardening. In place of the soil is a substitute of nutrients that holds the roots. The roots still carry the water and vitamins and minerals that the plant needs the same way as it would if there was soil. This is actually a very efficient way of gardening and is done indoors and plants respond well to this method.

One of the major things to remember and consider is that the nutrient rich soil needs to maintain a pH level of 5 to 6 after diluting. So these needs to be checked and maintained. Also, with hydroponic gardening the plant will need to be watered three times a day using a pump and timer. Keep the temperature at 71 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit when indoors, however this may change slightly with that type of plants that you are growing. Hydroponics gardening also required sufficient sun light for the plants, they should be placed somewhere that they can receive direct sunlight whenever possible. Also, using sun lamps can work too when sunlight is not available. Keep the room humid is always a good idea, this will keep the soil moist and will slow down any drying out.

A very nice feature about hydroponic gardening is that it can be fully automated. Using timers and other kits that are available to do a lot of the work for you, especially since there are no weeds to pull or the need to dig to plant your garden or flowers. One other plus is that the water is recyclable and can be re-used creating very little waste.

Hydroponic gardening is great for anyone with very little room or who is looking to do some gardening in a more efficient and waste less way. Hydroponic gardening works well and can be done by anyone, even if you do not have a green thumb.

Darren Williger is a tea drinking, guitar playing, meditating, wine making sales maker who writes for MiniGarden.com, RoseMaven.com, and HomemadeWine.com.

Deciding to pot plants in containers and making a whole garden out of it can create a beautiful sanctuary around your home or office. Adding potted plants to decks and patios can create a very welcoming look or hanging window boxes with flowers and small shrubs can be a decorative piece to spruce up any home. You could also try arranging these potted plants into a group highlighting one smaller, but possibly very beautiful specimen giving the look of a garden.

Doing this type of gardening and growing of plants enable you to create many unique and different colors schemes and arrangements. Try replacing flowers as they bloom and change look the often to always have a fresh assembly of flowers. You could coordinate the colors or contrast them and add different heights to make eye catching and unusual designs.

Another way to look at the flowers is for their texture and leaf shape. Combining varying shapes and sizes too or coordinating them to create a large picture with the plant arrangement you have chosen. There are different plants to use such as hanging vines and very tall, narrow ones that can add a lot of detail and uniqueness to the arrangement. As the seasons change and the holidays, create new arrangements to match those times. Using flowers and plants that only bloom then and would look best with your holiday decor.

Changing the containers occasionally and matching them to a particular theme of holiday will make for an interesting and different look for your flowers and plants. There are porcelain and terracotta pots, or brass and wood. Using different types of containers in the same style to change up the look of your plants and create fresh looks all the time.

Even though the plants are in pots always use high quality potting soil and make sure the pots are large enough to hold the plants you have chosen. The plants will last longer with the more room to grow and not out grown their environment until you are ready to change them. Choosing where to put them ahead of time will make choosing the plants you want to use easier. Knowing that they will be going up steps that lead to your front door will help you to decide how large the pots to buy and the type of plants to use. Or if your placing them inside your home, you will want to make sure there is enough room in the spot you want to use and that the pot is not too large or small for the spot you have chosen.

Using potted plants to create a cozy atmosphere in your home or to make an office or building look more welcoming is a nice touch that many people enjoy. Figuring out the look that is best for the area you are using will not be too difficult and you will find that it can be quite enjoyable hobby also.

Darren Williger is a tea drinking, guitar playing, meditating, wine making sales maker who writes for MiniGarden.com, RoseMaven.com, and HomemadeWine.com.

Simply put container gardening is growing plants in containers instead of in the ground. It became very popular in the 1950′s in California when people living in apartments and other shared spaces begin growing plants in pots and containers to put on their balconies and entryways. Container gardening only needs a few things, which are:

• The containers themselves. You may have already decided which type of plants you want to begin growing. Picking a container that can hold the size of plant you want is important. However, choosing a container that works well with the colors of the plants and also with the place you are planning on putting the container too. You may need to move your plants from one container to a larger one as they grow. So, keep that in mind and maybe buy different sizes so whenever necessary you can transfer the plants to the larger pots. One other thing, there are pros and cons to any type of container you use, so depending on where you live and again the plants you have chosen will make a difference in the type of containers needed. They all need plenty of holes in the bottom for drainage. Here are a few examples of the different types of pots.
• Plastic will break down and dry out when out in the sun a lot. However, it is easier to move since it is lighter.
• Wood does rot and grow fungus. But, Redwood and Cedar are bit more sturdy and it does not happen with them as quickly.
• Terracotta dries out very quickly and will develop rings on them from calcium deposits.
• Ceramic pots are a good choice, however they are slightly heavier.
• Soil and nutrients. The best to use for indoor gardening is soil less potting mix. It will drain better and there will be no diseases or weeds. When you fill the container, leave about two inches between the top and mix, that way you have room for the mulch on top.
• Water and food. You will need to the water the plant based on the size and type. Those instructions will actually come with each plant and they will need to be followed. This holds true for the amount of sunlight they will need and shade and the time of year they grow best in. When you do water make sure all the soil is moist and when there is water coming from the bottom you know you have given the plant enough usually. Also, because the soil is very light your plants will more fertilizer. A slow-release or water soluble type works best.
• The right temperature and space. When you plant vegetables, flowers, or herbs you will put them one third closer than you would if they were in a garden. With trees and shrubs they should be centered in the pot or container. Any plant will need to be re-potted whenever necessary. Since you are container gardening, you will be able to protect them from extreme heat and cold. Move the plant whenever necessary to keep the temperature right.
• Pruning and preening. Making sure you trim your potted plants regularly and remove any dead or brown parts is important also. There will be less mess and your plant will do much better since there will be no bugs or fungus growing.

Creating a container garden will add color and life to any area. This is a hobby anyone can get into and as you can see it is not difficult to start.

Plant Website recommends MiniGarden.com, SiteKing.NET, and Williger.com.