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Container Gardening
Great Ideas for Container Gardening (Willem Van Cotthem)
Container Gardening – Designing and Displaying Potted Gardens
Choosing Plants for Container Gardens
Fruits & Vegetables – Growing Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs in Pots
Mini Garden – The Art of Container Gardening
Container Gardening Links
Container Gardening Alliances
Potted Plants Groups

Adapted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Container garden on front porch.

Container gardening is the practice of growing plants exclusively in containers instead of planting them in the ground. It is concerned with growing plants in any type of container either indoors or outdoors. Common containers are pots, hanging baskets and planters. Container gardening is usually used in atriums and on balconies, patios, and roof tops. Pots, traditionally made of terracotta but now more commonly plastic, and windowboxes have been the most commonly seen. Small pots are commonly called flowerpots. In some cases, this method of growing is used for ornamental purposes. This method is also useful in areas where the soil or climate is unsuitable for the plant or crop in question. Using a container is also generally necessary for houseplants. Limited growing space, or growing space that is paved over, can also make this option appealing to the gardener.

Many types of plants are suitable for the container, including decorative flowers, herbs, cacti, vegetables, and small trees. There are many advantages to growing plants in containers, namely:

Less risk of soil-borne disease
Virtually eliminate weed problems
Mobile plants gives more control over moisture, sunlight & temperature

Containers range from simple plastic pots, teacups to complex automatic-watering irrigation systems. This flexibility in design is another reason container gardening is popular with growers. They can be found on porches, front steps, and in urban locations, on rooftops. Sub-Irrigated Planters (SIP) are a type of container that may be used in container gardens.^[1]

Re-potting

Re-potting is the action of placing an already potted plant into a larger or smaller pot. A pot that fits a plant’s root system better is normally used. Plants are usually re-potted according to the size of their root system. Most plants need to be re-potted every few years, because they become “pot-bound” or “root-bound.”

References

^ Note: SIP simply means watering from below, in large commercial applications it would not be strictly a container garden.

External links

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Great Ideas for Container Gardening (Willem Van Cotthem)

From Container Gardening:

The text below was already published back in 2007.

For additional ideas on container gardening see on this blog :

BOTTLE REFORESTATION – Part 1 (Willem Van Cotthem) – Archives Jan. 2010

Urban farming in containers (sacks) – (IRIN) -Archives Febr. 2010

You don’t need tons of room to grow a garden (Google / The Starpress) – Archives Febr. 2010…

Who is who in container gardening?

Many people are directly interested in container gardening:

People in desert-like areas or in the drylands.
People without garden space or with bad soil in their garden.
Urban people living in apartments or studios.
People with limited time for gardening.
Elderly or disabled people with limited mobility.
Flowers or herb lovers.

Benefits and advantages of container gardening

As container gardening can be practiced anywhere, benefits and advantages are extremely diverse:

It helps saving irrigation water (water conservation).
It avoids a lot of hosing and weeding (time and labour saving).
It enables gardening on all floors of apartment blocks and high buildings.
It avoids competition with wildlife.
Container gardens are close to the kitchen (fresh homegrown herbs).
Possibility to intersperse containers with food crops and flowering plants (repelling insects).
Easy to create good looking spaces (esthetics).

Choice of containers

Almost any type of container can be used for growing plants: flower pots, planter boxes, pails, buckets, bushel baskets, wire baskets, bushel baskets, wooden boxes, drums, nursery flats, gallon cans, window planters, washtubs, strawberry pots, tubs, plastic bottles and bags, large food cans, an old discarded wheelbarrow with soil and drain holes in the bottom or any number of other things. Containers can be purchased, built or recycled from all kinds of materials, even plastic bottles or plastic bags. It is always important to choose containers that best accommodate the chosen plant species. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. The choice will depend upon the type of plant and the location. The size of the container will vary according to the crop selection and space available. Keep in mind that the size, material and shape of the container should be conducive to your plant’s health. Consider the following guidelines when choosing your container:

Generally, avoid containers with narrow openings.
Plastic containers are lighter weight, but can become brittle in lower temperatures or they may deteriorate in UV of the sunlight. They are not porous and keep water over a longer period, but this may be an advantage in dry areas (see vegetable production in desert-like regions or in the drylands).
Terracotta containers are porous, but heavy; they break easily and tend to dry out more rapidly.
Glazed ceramic pots require several drainage holes.
Wooden containers can be built to sizes and shapes suiting the location. However, many are susceptible to rot. Redwood and cedar are relatively rot resistant.
Hanging baskets, often made of wood or wire, can drizzle onto furniture or the floor.
Metal containers heat up rapidly which can cause root damage. Using a clay or plastic pot as a liner can help.
Wrought-iron stands can minimize wood rot.
Window boxes are usually made of wood or plastic.
Stone containers create a natural effect, are often difficult to move and break easily.
Sunken containers work well for plants that spread easily. One can either bury the whole container or embed the rim to restrain the plant.
Use containers with sufficient capacity, according to the size and number of plants to be grown in them. Small pots restrict the root area and dry out very quickly. Deep-rooted vegetables require deeper containers. For larger vegetables like tomatoes and eggplants, use a five-gallon container for each plant.

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Adapted from gardening.about.com for personal and non-commercial use

Container Gardening – Designing and Displaying Potted Gardens

Container gardening offers all the perks and challenges of gardening in a bed. There is almost nothing that can’t be grown in a container. Choosing and combining plants to grow in containers is a great way to experiment with garden design. Whether you choose to display a grouping of one plant per pot or create an entire garden in a single container, you can’t fail, because you can always swap plants in and out. You can even have a high yield vegetable, fruit or herb garden container garden.

Gardening in Containers

With so many plant containers and pots to choose from, it’s hard not to buy them all. Container gardening lets you experiment with different styles and gardening techniques. Here are some unusual plant containers and pots to help you design your container gardens.

Containers & Pots – Choosing Garden Planters and Containers

With so many plant containers and pots available for use in gardens, on decks and porches and indoors, how do you choose the best one? Too often we are guided by our taste alone. However to keep your container gardens growing happy and healthy you should give some consideration to the plants needs when choosing a planter. Here are some things to think about.

Putting Together Container Gardens

Container Gardening – Putting Together Containers

Tips for Great Container Gardens – Creating a Garden in a Pot

Container gardening offers many conveniences. Good soil, easy access and the ability to correct mistakes quickly are just a few. These rules of thumb can help you successfully combine plants to create a container garden.

Plants – Choosing Plants to Use in Your Container Garden

Container gardens offer the advantage of changing your garden with every season. The choice of plant material is limited only by your climate and your imagination. Keep in mind the scale of the container and how aggressively the plant grows. While you want your container garden to look full, fast growers will quickly outgrow their pots. The following choices should get you thinking.

Plants – Combining Plants for Containers

Container gardening offers immediate gratification. You can experiment with new plants and combinations. If you don’t like the result, start over with minimal trouble. There are no rules for designing a container garden. However, there are certain design principles that can be scaled to container size and make creating effective container gardens an art.

Ornamental Grasses for Containers

Growing ornamental grasses in containers is a great way to feature grasses without the worry of them spreading or taking over the garden. Here are my top ten picks for ornamental grasses grown in containers.

Fall – Plants for Fall Containers

Don’t let your containers fade away in the fall. Spice them up with the rich colors of fall blooming flowers or plants with colorful leaves. Here are some ideas for great choices to keep your container gardens beautiful through the fall.

Making the Most of Container Gardens

Small spaces and containers simply go together. Containers give you the chance to experiment and try different plants. If you don’t like it or a plant is under-performing, it is easy to correct. But where containers really excel is in control. The gardeners can choose just the right soil, the right exposure and the right cultural conditions.

Patios & Terraces: Small Space Gardening on a Patio or Terrace

Patios and Terraces are now looked at as extensions to our homes, outdoor rooms. They can be linked to the outdoors with some clever planting. Whether you are looking for a way to create a garden at arms length or a way to cut back on gardening without sacrificing the beauty, patio and terrace gardening could be the answer.

Rooftop Container Garden – Planting and Caring for Containers on Your Roof

Sometimes the only gardening space to be had is on your rooftop and container grown plants are the perfect way to go. Here are some important things to consider, before you create a rooftop garden.

Urban Rooftop Gardens

Ideas and tips for creating a container garden on an urban rooftop, including choosing containers and plants for gardening on a roof.

Hypertufa – How To Make Your Own Hypertufa Troughs & Decorations

Hypertufa planters are a wonderful way to bring the look of stone into your garden, without the weight. Hypertufa is easy to make yourself at home. Although it can be messy, it’s also a lot of fun. Here are some basic recipes and some creative suggestions for hypertufa toughs and garden decorations.

How to Plant a Strawberry Pot

Strawberry pots make wonderful container gardens. You can either grow an entire crop of one plant, say strawberries for instance, or you can plant a mini-garden. Strawberry pots require a planting technique all their own. You can’t just fill them with soil and stick some plants in the top. However the planting technique, as shown here, is very simple and once planted your strawberry pot will just get better looking throughout the season.

Overwatering – How to Prevent Overwatering of Containers

It’s hard to tell when enough is enough. About.com’s Guide to Container Gardening shares some tips for giving your container plants just enough water.

How to Protect Potted Plants in Winter

A “How To” For Outdoor Potted Plant Protection.

Frost – Protecting Containers from Frost Damage

How to get your containers through a cold winter, in tact.

How Can I Over-Winter My Container Plants?

Plants are always better off in the ground during winter in freezing climates. If you must leave your plants in containers, you’ll need to provide some extra protection. Here are things to consider before you decide to overwinter your container plants and how to keep potted plants alive through the winter.

How Do You Over-Winter Outdoor Plants in Containers?

How Do You Over Winter Outdoor Plants in Containers?

Bring Outdoor Accessories Inside this Winter for Year Round Enjoyment

Cold weather used to mean moving all your delicate flower pots and garden ornaments into the garage for safe keeping. Why just store your garden accessories and have them take up space when you could put them to good use indoors. Here are some creative ideas for using garden items indoors during the winter.

What is a Soilless Potting Mix?

Starting plants from seed is a lot of fun, but it’s not so much fun to watch them wither and die shortly after germination. One way to gain an advantage is to use a sterile potting mix, because you never know what problems come along with soil from the garden. If you’re going with a potting mix anyway, you might want the further advantages a…

Soilless Potting Mix Recipes

A soilless potting mix is preferable to using outdoor garden soil for several reasons. And there are many good soilless mixes on the market. However if you need a large quantity of mix or have a need for a special blend, it is often easier to simply create your own potting mix. Here are some basic recipes to try and to improvise with.

Container Garden Book – Container Gardening for Canada

Container gardening allows you to experiment with plants and to grow plants in small areas and problem sites. This handbook on container gardening gives tips for making the most of potted plants, combining containers and choosing plants for color and interest.

Help for When You Need to Move Plants Around

Large plants are wonderful to look at, but a handful to move. Place your large pots on plant caddies, for easy movement anytime. You can roll the plant to the sink, to water, roll it into the sun, roll it indoors or out or anywhere you want. Plant caddies can be decorative or invisible, but they’re always functional. Here are some top pick plant caddies.

Square Foot Gardening Success Kit

This truly is square foot gardening and for someone with a small terrace or patio who wants to experiment with a few plants, it’s a good idea. The kit comes with everything you’ll need to get started growing, except a plant. They leave that choice up to you.

UltraGrow Plant Container Insert

Gardeners put all sorts of things at the bottom of their plant containers to help water drain through and keep bugs out. Here’s an elegant little product that takes the place of playing with stones, broken pots and screening and you can use it over and over again.

Ups-A-Daisy – Plant Container Insert

Ups-A-Daisy is a false bottom for overly large planters. It will save on soil and keep containers from becoming unduly heavy. However it doesn’t fit all planter sizes and sometimes you actually need the extra soil, even if it means you can’t lift the pot.

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Choosing Plants for Container Gardens

Almost anything that can be grown in the garden can be grown in a container. Flowers, fruits, herbs and vegetables can all be grown in limited space in pots. Here are some tips on choosing plants that will thrive in containers.

Plants – Choosing Plants to Use in Your Container Garden

Plants – Combining Plants for Containers

Ornamental Grasses for Containers

Fall Containers – Top Choices for Keeping Your Containers Growing

The cooler weather of fall can actually be a relief to many plants. They’ll start to flower again, after resting in the heat of summer. Choose a few of these top fall colored flowers and plants, to keep your containers looking good.

Herb Windowsill Garden – Growing Herb Plants Inside

Many herb plants can be easily grown indoors, in a sunny windowsill or under lights. You can have a herb garden throughout the winter, with fresh herbs to cook with, in your kitchen. Herbs will grow in containers with minimal care.

For container vegetable gardening, choose plants that stay compact, but produce well and taste great.

Vegetable Container Gardening – Growing Vegetables in Pots

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Fruits & Vegetables – Growing Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs in Pots

You don’t need a lot of space to grow delicious food at home. Almost anything you can grow in a vegetable garden can be grown in a pot. Herbs especially lend themselves to container gardens. Here’s how to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs in pots and containers.

Herb Windowsill Garden – Growing Herb Plants Inside

Vegetable Container Gardening – Growing Vegetables in Pots

Many vegetables lend themselves well to container gardening. Bush or dwarf varieties take up limited space, but produce plenty of vegetables.

5 Best Herbs For Container Gardening

Some herbs adapt better to confinement. Here are five herb plants that grow well in containers.

Fruits – Growing Fruit in Containers

You can successfully grow tree fruits and berries in containers, even if your garden space is limited. This University of Florida fact sheet will walk you through how to meet all the plants requirements, so you can harvest kumquats on your deck.

How to Grow Strawberry Plants in Pots

Tips for getting the most from strawberry plants grown in pots.

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Adapted from minigarden.com for personal and non-commercial use

Mini Garden – The Art of Container Gardening

Herb Gardening for the Beginner

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Gardening the Hydroponic Way

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Indoor Gardening Is Not Impossible

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How to do Container Gardening – Tips for Beginners

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Indulge Your Green Thumb

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Growing Vegetables In Your Home

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Fresh Ideas on an Old Concept

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Essentials about Indoor Gardening

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Container Gardening – All You Need To Know

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Indoor Gardening for the Constrained Gardener

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What Container Gardening Entails

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What Herb Gardening is All About

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Understanding Indoor Gardening Plants

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Removing Your Container Garden for Winter

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Let’s Pot A Plant

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Feng Shui Container Gardens

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Creating a Beautiful Indoor Mini Garden

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Beginners Guide To Successful Container Gardening

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Making A Salad Garden

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Simply Plant Yourself a Container Garden

You have decided that you want to plant a container garden, but you are unsure of where to start or how hard it will be. Well, here a few tips and tricks to make it to make things easier. Container gardening may sound harder than it is, but really it is very simple and relaxing … [More…]

What You Need To Begin Your Container Garden

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Container Gardening – Making Use of Small Spaces

For people who don’t have a yard, container gardening is an alternative solution if they really want to garden. These are some ways which container gardening can be implemented even when you don’t have a large yard. There are a number of ways that you can have your own personal garden even though you don’t … [More…]

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Container Gardening Links

Listed below are additional useful links to quality information on container gardening:

Container Gardening; It’s All About the Container

Here we’re going to focus on, well, the container. Whether you use terra cotta, wood, granite or even some rather unconventional materials, the receptacle in which you bed your plants will define your container garden and distinguish the spot you place it in.

Container Gardens; Portable Nature

I have a weakness for container gardens. As someone who continuously tweaks things, container gardens are a wonderful option for me. If placement of a bit of color in my yard seems a tad off, the fact that it’s growing in a container allows me to move it. Just an inch or two, or all the way to another part of my yard; whatever strikes me at the moment. And if any of my container grown plants aren’t thriving in one spot, it’s quite easy to simply try another.

Container Gardens; Grow Anything, Anywhere

With a container garden, you can grow cacti in cold zones, control the spread of lovely but invasive softscape and have a vegetable garden on your balcony.

Succulent Container

With all the snow we’ve had here in New England this winter, which is still in the process of melting, I’ve been grasping at any opportunity that might make me feel that spring is right around the corner. So I decided to check out the newly re-stocked garden department of one of my favorite home improvement stores. It was good end-of-winter therapy, because I came across a huge assortment of very reasonably priced little succulents. My first thought? Container garden!

Gardening in a Rental Property

Welcome to the renter’s guide to sustainable gardening, full of cheap and cheerful ideas, projects and actions that will help to make your little piece of (rented) paradise an urban oasis! Landlord-friendly, wallet-friendly and planet-friendly, this series of articles will help you garden sustainably on a budget, without losing your bond. So let’s get into it! Our first article looks at cool containers and top notch pots, and some spiffing ideas for impermanent gardens.

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Container Gardening Alliances

Container Gardening

[Willem] opened this second blog for all aspects of “container gardening“, a type of gardening seeming to be a very useful tool for food production with a minimum of water in the drylands. Under the same heading I will also publish related messages and articles on other gardening aspects, aiming at collecting information that can be of some interest for people working in the fields of drought mitigation, combat of desertification and alleviation of poverty.

Container Gardening Alliance

A Worldwide Alliance of All Fans of Container Gardening. A place to exchange photos, videos or tips by Container Gardening fans worldwide. Images submitted by fans are categorised into albums.

Container Gardening and Vertical Gardening

Many people are interested in good ideas for container gardening and/or vertical gardening. The best way to learn about this is to see good photos with a clear legend. This group is offering all interested people a chance to post their own photos, so that we can create different magnificent albums, constituting fantastic documents for all those looking for new ideas.

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Potted Plants Groups

Potted Plants

Planet Potted Plants – Containers – Pots – Mounting Materials/Techniques

A place for people who appreciate growing plants in containers and pots of all kinds. This planet will focus on the relationship between plants of all kinds and pots of all kinds. It is about creativity and great plant specimens. This Planet also includes hanging baskets, wire and containers for tillandsias, pole stands for broms and plantstands. All kinds of mounting materials for bromeliads. tillandsaias, orchids and epiphytes.