By Elizabeth Walling
Gardening is a relaxing and enjoyable pastime, but for many, the lack of space or other restrictions keep them from starting a garden of their own. With container gardening, you can free your creative spirit and pursue your gardening dreams. Container gardening is one of the most flexible forms of gardening, since you can easily change your garden around or move it altogether, and it frees you to experiment with different types of gardening techniques.Finding the right containers for a container garden doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, it can be a lot of fun if you decide to be creative. Selecting containers for your garden gives you the chance to express yourself in an unusual way, giving your container garden a unique flair.
Size is one of the first things to look at when choosing containers for your garden. Larger plants will need larger, deeper containers to support their roots. Keep in mind that large, heavy containers will be difficult to move if you need to relocate your plants for the season. The soil in smaller containers may need to be watered more often to maintain a healthy level of moisture for your plants.
Terra cotta pots are popular for container gardens because they are affordable and compliment most gardening themes. These pots do have a few drawbacks, however. Terra cotta absorbs moisture easily, so plants in terra cotta pots will need to be watered more frequently. Terra cotta is also breakable, so if you have children or pets, or if you plan on leaving the container outside during the cold months, this material may not be the right choice for you. Wood is good for retaining moisture, but may need to be treated. Metal is ideal for containers in cold environments, where the risk of burning the roots is low. Plastic containers are inexpensive and conserve water well.
No matter what container you choose, drainage is an important factor. Many store-bought containers have holes already put in for this purpose, but if you are improvising with something unusual or homemade, you may need to add a couple of small drainage holes at the bottom. A drip tray at the bottom will hold excess water that can be absorbed by the plant as needed, which will help keep moisture levels regulated properly.
Don't be afraid to be creative when choosing containers. Old boots and antique wheelbarrows are just some of the unusual ideas people have brought to container gardening. You might have the perfect container stored in your attic or garage, just waiting to become a part of a beautiful container garden.
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