Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Container Gardening Made Easy


Container gardening is an excellent substitute for acre gardening. If you have a small backyard, or no backyard at all you can still grow the plants you love by using containers. Most plants that grow outside can be grown inside with the proper containers and lighting if necessary. You would be surprised at the types of plants plausible; you can even grow perennials, annuals, vegetables, and herbs.

Container gardening, like outdoor gardening, requires some planning. Depending on your living situation, different plants may be more suitable for your space. A sunny deck is an ideal spot for your crop, but is not always in your reach. If you have no backyard there are specific plants that can grow in spots with less sunlight. Although, if you want certain plants that need heavy sunlight, a fluorescent light above your window sill can usually do the trick. Your local nursery can be very helpful in pointing you in the right direction. I highly recommend asking plenty of questions when purchasing your plants.

Also remember never to keep your plants outside if your temperature falls below 45 degrees F, or if you have heavy winds.

Container gardening usually requires very little maintenance and can be utilized on a rather stiff budget. Container gardening also requires very little fertilizer in comparison to outdoor plants. Make sure you do not over fertilize your potted plants. This information along with watering measurements can again found at your local nursery. Asking questions in the beginning will really help you in the end.

If you have an apartment vegetables are still an option. You will need to install window boxes for your windowsills. This is usually not a problem, but if you are renting you may want to consult your landlord before proceeding. If you do decide to grow vegetables indoor on your windowsill, I do recommend installing some sort of light fixture to help the plants thrive. A few fluorescents can work wonders.

If what you're looking for is some beautiful blooming annuals or perennials instead, then the same is possible for these. Off course they will grow faster with a fluorescent also, if you get a lot of sunlight this is not always necessary. You can brighten your home and grow your own natural air fresheners this way. There are 100's of flowers to choose from.

If you do live in the colder environment make sure to pick plants that can withstand the cold temperature better. Plants that can withstand the colder temperatures include lavender cottons, jasmine and cornflowers. You can find many more by contacting your local shop.

If you do live in the warmer temperatures then the world is your oyster. You can grow pretty much anything in containers, including perennials, annuals, succulents, bulbs, shrubs, small trees, etc. Do not be discouraged from growing a garden of your own simply because you do not have a yard to utilize. Container gardening can work in any living situation. I have plants all over my home. Plants do not only make your home smell better but can also improve your every day health by cleaning the air that you live in. Take the first step and don't test your green thumb.

Sean Oneil is a gardening enthusiest with A degree in horticulture. For more information on Containor Gardening Visit his site here: http://www.ourgardensource.com/Container-Gardening/Container-Gardening.php

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Oneil

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