Many gardeners have given up on the idea of gardening because they lack space, time or lots of experience. But if growing plants is an interest of yours container (vessel) gardening could be your answer. Vessel gardens will allow you to enjoy "playing in the dirt" without investing a lot of time or money. You can get very creative in this area using decorative flowers or grasses, herbs and vegetables. You can plant a vessel garden with any plant that would grow outside. The trick is to come up with some creative
container garden ideas.
Before you start your vessel yard there are a few tips that will help to ensure your plants grow healthily. Firstly, although almost any vessel can be used for vessel gardening, it must be a vessel that has sufficient drainage to allow surplus water to drain away from the roots of the plants. If there is not adequate drainage your plants will rot and die.
Choosing your vessel is only limited by your imagination. You may opt for a traditional wooden planter or large plastic pots. But you may choose something a little more unconventional such as a yard sink, an old stock pot, buckets or even an old toilet. It all depends on the look you want and how much of a talking point you want your container to become. Most garden supply stores and nurseries sell a variety of vessels.
Secondly, using a good quality garden potting compost should be used as this will contain all the nutrients your plants will need. They may be in the vessel for some time, so a regular feed with fertilizer will also boost the nutrients. Slow release pellets are very useful for vessel gardening.
In my gardening experience, I have found numerous edibles lending themselves to this form of gardening. The list is endless, but following are some few to have you started: Tomatoes, Water melons and Winter squash- their vine naturally and happily grow vertically, only needing your supports, Pole beans and peas, Salad greens, Asian greens, kitchen herbs and strawberries- they thrive in a recycled pallet and Hanging planters.
But don't just stick to vegetables and herbs; why not add fruit trees too? Instead of using an evergreen tree, pot a fruit tree instead. There are many dwarf varieties available that work best in pots since with pots there is less soil therefore less nutrients to draw from. If you live in a year round warm climate citrus trees are perfect.
In other regions, stick to pear, apple and cherry trees. Another good vessel gardening idea is to grow strawberries. With strawberries climate does not matter since you can bring the vessel inside. Fresh strawberries are amazingly sweet and delicious. Imagine how good a bowl of fresh strawberries will be, strawberries that you have just picked.
Care of your vessel is very important. Although vessel gardening is fairly simple your plants need to be cared for on a regular basis. Regular watering, especially in hot weather is essential. However, too much water can do as much damage to your plants as too little. Always check your plants need water with your fingertips before you water.