Short on Space in the Garden - Think About Gardening in Containers

January 24th, 2008 by Ezio

Tip! Purchase some gardening books or magazines to get new ideas. Look at what other people are trying in their gardens and see if their ideas inspire you to try something new.

What better way of creating a natural sanctuary in a limited space whether in a busy city street, on a balcony of a flat or on a roof terrace then use containers. You can also use containers to help accentuate the look of a deck or patio in your garden by using colourful pots full of annual plants. You can even great a warm and inviting look to the front of your house by filling window boxes with shrub roses or any other small perennials that you feel will suit. Whether you make an arrangement of a group of pots to mass effect or whether you use a single one to highlight a smaller space, you will be delighted with the results that you create.

With container gardening you are able to vary the colour scheme and as each plant finishes flowering you can replace it with another variety. But whether you choose to harmonize or contrast the colours that you use, you should ensure that you include a plant in each container that varies in height. You also need to consider the shape and texture of the leaves of the plants as well. For example a tall strap liked leaved plant will provide good vertical background to any low growing wide leaved plants that you use. Also choose flowers that will last longer or if not then ensure that you have other plants ready to replace when they have finished blooming.

Tip! In buying vegetable seeds, be mindful of the germination qualities, tendencies towards insects , vigour of plants etc. This provides useful benchmarks as you can determine whether the varieties are suitable or not for your gardening style or your area, or whether a particular seed company is not meeting your needs.

Next it is a good idea to experiment with the containers. You may find that an old porcelain bowl or copper urn that you have lying around will make the perfect container or you may decide to go something that is really modern and is made from timber or tiles. But should you decide to by a container already made then you could do no worse than purchase a terracotta pot, not only do they look wonderful, but they tend to absorb water as well. So if you want to make sure that your plants do not dry out, then I suggest you paint terracotta pots with a special sealer which you will find available at most hardware and DIY stores.

Tip! Of course, visit online nurseries to see what they have to offer. Many sites offer suggestions and interesting gardening articles as well.

Then if you really have a tight budget, consider buying cheaper plastic ones. You can paint them on the outside with a water based paint to good effect and it also means that you will be able to tie them into the scheme that you have designed. However, when purchasing plastic pots do not forget to also purchase the matching saucers that go with them which catch any excess water. This will prevent your cement floors from being stained and also stop timber floor from rotting.

Whenever planting pots in containers always ensure that use a high quality potting mix as this will ensure that you get the best performance possible from your plants.

Tip! Don’t over do it~ one or two hours of gardening is plenty, especially when you are beginning! 2. Don’t lift objects that are too heavy for you.

Just think how attractive your front door steps will look to any visitors if you place an attractive plant pot on each one or just at the top by the front door. You also find that indoors plants or flowers in pots help to create a warm and cosy atmosphere which any guest to your house will find welcoming.

It is best if you decide ahead of time exactly where each pot is to be positioned in the space you have available and then purchase the plants afterwards. Certainly there is no point in buying plants which love the sun for a shady area or vice versa. You will also need to consider that those plants which require a lot of space because they have a large root area should only be used in an open garden, as a container will restrict the root growth and eventually the plant will die.

Tip! ) You must be physically fit and agile. Laziness and gardening are anonymous to each other.

However, if you find that you have ample space by your front door it might be wise to invest in a number of potted plants that are off to one and will be look more appealing than if you decide to just pot plants in similar pots on either side of the door. You want the space to look spectacular not boring.

Tip! They may be eligible to test and keep gardening tools such as pruning shears.

It is an idea to group pots of plants together in odd numbers rather than even and make sure that you vary the types and heights of them also. If you want to tie the group together to give some uniformity in your garden then by placing large rocks that are similar in appearance and only slightly different in size you will be able to achieve this. So you may find that by placing 3 to 5 pots of the same style and colour together but in different sizes will also look very effective.

Tip! Choose a spot that has excellent drainage. Bamboo gardening involves letting the dirt dry out between watering.

So all you need is a little creativity and a small amount of determination and soon you will have a container garden that will not only be the envy of your family and friends or any strangers that see it as well.

Allison Thompson a work from home now living in Spain and is a partner in a small real estate firm. After working in this field for a number of years she decided to set up a number of sites relating to property matters and this one is related to gardens and gardening. If you would like to know more than please visit http://www.gardening.householdfacts.info

Tip! ) Try laying your hands on almost any books, magazines or articles that can enhance your knowledge on gardening.