Growing a container garden

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Choosing a location Choosing a home for a garden is much like choosing a location for a restaurant. With both there is only 1 rule to follow. Location, location, location If you don’t have a perfect location, don’t worry though. You can still grow with success.

Location Strategies 1 ) Choose a location that is south facing in order to get the most sun through the day 2 ) If the location can get shade during the hottest part of the day that is beneficial 3 ) Locations that can get rain water or sprinkler water naturally

Locate the garden where it gets the most sunlight. South facing gets more sunlight, and therefore more energy for plants to grow.

Gathering Materials You can purchase most materials that you will need to get started for not much money. Everything you will need can be found at your local gardening store or home department store. If you look around you can find good deals or even scrounge materials that you may need.

Gathering Materials 2”x8”x16’ Hammer, nails, or grow box kit Weed blocking material Good soil Hose or watering can with access to water Fertilizer Seeds or seedlings Mulch

Gathering Materials Warning Only use lumber that has not been treated with chemicals. They will seep into the soil and into the garden Any container can work for growing plants, from clay pots to plastic bottles. Just be sure none are contaminated with industrial waste. Get your soil tested, or purchase a soil testing kit if you are re-using soil around your neighborhood.

Construction If building your own grow box cut the 2”x8”x16’ to a desired shape Use three to four nails attach the corners of the boards together Use the weed blocker material below each box in order to prevent weeds and grass from growing up into the box. If growing on concrete use cardboard to provide cheap insulation from heat and cold.

Construction Arrange the 2”x 8”s on a level area. Nail the corners of the 2”x 8”s together with three to four nails. Nail the boards together in the corner to join them securely in the area marked with the red circle

Construction Locate the boxes where you would like you plants to grow Fill with dirt, but leave an inch of extra space at the top Water the soil into place to help it settle in the boxes Leave some space between the boxes so you can work around them and get to all of the plants.

Other Containers Anything can be a container for your garden as long as it hold soil and drains water. Here is an example of a container garden using old soda and water bottles to grow lettuce

Starting seeds and seedlings Once you have your box or containers ready it is time to start from seeds or seedlings. Starting from seeds will save you money, however starting from seedlings will save you time. Seedling also are easier for the beginner gardener.

Start with easy to grow and common variety of vegetables and herbs Herbs are often easier to grow Choose a variety of seeds and vegetables you like to eat

Choosing seedlings Look for healthy plants – Plants with dead leaves, wilting leaves and stems, or brown dead spots should be avoided – If seedlings are root bound or have roots growing out the bottom of the start pot, they need to be trimmed before being transplanted These basil seedlings are a good example of healthy seedlings that are ready to be transplanted into a garden

Planting seeds When in doubt, follow the directions on the seed packet Make a shallow hole with your pinky finger about a half inch deep Insert 1 or 2 seeds into the hole Cover the hole with dirt Add water, enough to soak the seeds and surrounding soil

Planting seedlings Dig a hole big enough for the roots of the plant Make sure the plant is a few inches below the soil line Water in the plant and make sure it is not falling over

Planting tip Be sure to leave space in between plants to give them room to grow.

Watering and feeding Plants benefit from a regimented watering and feeding program. Container gardens usually use less water than traditional gardening, but you still need to water regularly. During the hottest days of the year, you may have to water every day. You can locate gardens near sprinkler systems if they are available to help water your plants regularly.

Watering If you are watering by hand, be sure to water close to the roots. If watering in a container, be sure to water the corners of the container first. Test the soil after you have watered to make sure the soil is saturated by sticking your hand in the soil.

Fertilizing Most plants can benefit from a feeding cycle to help them grow and produce more vegetables. Be sure to read the instruction on the fertilizer so you wont damage the plants and soil.

Fertilizing Organic fertilizer vs. synthetic is up to the grower. Both have their benefits.

Fertilizer Warning If you use too much fertilizer, especially synthetic fertilizer you can burn your plants and soil. That can kill you plants and prevent new plants from growing.

Harvesting After working hard in your garden it is great to gather your harvest. By planting different varieties of plants, you can insure a continual harvest every week.

Harvesting Examples To harvest carrots, simply grab them by the part above ground stalks. Loosen the soil around them, and pull them from the soil.

Harvesting Examples Continued To harvest a tomato, grab the fruit and twist it from the plant slowly. This way you do not damage the plant and you can harvest more tomatoes

Harvesting Notes The way you harvest a plant depends on the type of plant it is. With some plants you will only get one harvest from them, while others will keep producing. Even with annual plants (plant that only grow for one year) can have multiple harvests is treated carefully.

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