subject: Organic Container Gardening - Five Things to Remember [print this page] Author: Clint Sidney Author: Clint Sidney
Do you crave a plateful of fresh salad comprising of vegetables grown in your own garden but resent the lack of space to cultivate them? If yes, then you have an option of growing them in containers. Being hard pressed for space a number of organic gardeners are now turning to organic container gardening, which is the next best option for growing healthy vegetables and plants, when you do not have enough land to raise a sprawling garden. However, one has to bear in mind several important factors if the venture is to be successful. 1. Choosing your containers - However, just dumping some soil and seeds into any vessel in the name of container gardening would not work as this is a serious job and requires special urns for the purpose. While there a number of attractive pots and pans available in the market, be sure to buy only the ones that are hard-wearing. Prospective gardeners should farm their plants in concrete pots, old barrels or wooden containers as these are durable. Remember, all your urns should have the facility to allow excess water to drain off and should be placed at least an inch above the ground. 2. Select your plants - Having selected your containers, decide which plants you want to grow. You can grow virtually everything, right from flowers to vegetables, anything that your heart desires. It is advisable to put bits of clay pot to facilitate drainage of water, before putting in a layer of soil. Place your plants and add another layer of moist earth (soil). 3. Fertilizer and Irrigation - Organic fertilizer can be added in summers, while it may be omitted in winters. Watering your plants is another important aspect that has to be taken care of. While plants may require irrigation quite often during warm months, they do not need much water during winters. 4. Sunshine - Your plants require a good dose of sunshine to thrive and blossom, hence the gardeners raising container gardens should ensure that their plants get plenty of sunlight. However, fully grown plants can even manage with little sunshine, which makes organic container gardening an easier job for those having gardens inside their rooms. 5. Protect your plants - Your plants need to be protected properly both against pests and inclement weather. Make sure that your plants are well protected from excessive heat and cold if you want them to lend beauty to your surroundings perennially.About the Author: