Container Gardening for Small Spaces

Some people live where having a big garden is no problem. There is plenty of space in their yard for rows of corn, beans and several pumpkin and melon plants. Unfortunately, that is not the case for everyone. Many people live in homes with very small yards or no yard at all. Some may think that having a garden is not an option, but that could not be farther from the truth.

Container gardening makes growing flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees possible on a balcony, a patio, or even a front porch. Container gardens are not only practical for small spaces; they also provide flexibility in the types of plants you can grow. If you would like to garden, but don't think you have enough room, you might be surprised at just how much gardening you can do in containers.

Benefits

A container garden is a moveable garden. It's easy to move plants indoors temporarily when frost is expected. Plants can also be easily rearranged for optimum sunlight during the day.

With container gardening, you can vary the types of soil by container for optimum growing conditions for specific plants. Some plants may require a more sandy soil, while others require rich soil high in nutrients. You can also take care of garden pests one plant at a time, as needed, instead of having to treat an entire plot.

Some plants that tend to spread and quickly get out of control, like mint, parsley and oregano will stay well under control in a container.

A pot of overflowing impatiens will brighten up a plain entry way. It can even be moved to be kept out of direct sunlight or periodically turned so that it doesn't grow lopsided. Hanging baskets can attract humming birds and butterflies and will add color to your yard or balcony.

Containers

There are so many possible containers to choose from when planning a container garden. First, you must consider whether the container will be appropriate for your plant. Some

Plants will require more space that others. Some plants will trail over the edge of a pot hiding it altogether. Some pots will need to be moved and others will be fine staying put as part of the landscape.