Container Gardening 101

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Its about that time of year. The sun it out, shining, and getting much warmer. Here in southern Illinois it has been 82 degrees already, craziness. Its about time to start your garden. My dream is to one day have a huge beautiful garden where we grow most of our own food pesticide free like this one....

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Even though we live in apartment and can't dig into the ground doesn't mean we can't grow some of our own food. Container gardening is a great option for those who don't have the land or space for a garden. 

Containers: Not all containers are created equal. Bigger is better, so try to get the biggest containers your space will allow. Opt for plastic containers with good drainage or make drainage by drilling holes in the bottom and adding rocks. Try to stay away from metal containers because they can get too hot.

Soil: Get good potting soil that is well aerated, lightweight, and drains well.

Easy Produce to Grow in Containers: Check what veggies are best grown in your location and the season which these veggies grow

• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Peppers
• Zucchini
• Salad greens
• Spinach
• Radishes
• Peas
• Carrots
• Bush beans
• Broccoli
• Almost all herbs

Location: Locate your containers where there is at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.

Watering: Containers tend to dry out faster that plants in the ground so you will probably need to water your plants at least once a day and if its really hot twice a day.  To check if your plants need watering just stick your finger in the pot about an inch down and see if it is dry. 

Side note:Last year was my first year gardening and I was having a problem with my plants drying out even though I was watering them. A friend suggested to water them at night or really early in the morning because sometimes with the heat (especially for how hot it gets here) watering during the day can scorch the plants. Once I started watering at night my problem seemed to disappear.

Last year we planted a container garden, which I found out I have a lot of learning I need to do about organic gardening since some of my plants got infested with bugs (stupid tomato worms). This year we joined a CSA and will be planting mostly herbs. 

What are you planning for your garden this year? Have you learned any valuable lessons and information about gardening through trials? I would love to hear from you!

This was part of the Homestead Barn Hop, the Morris Tribe, Sew Chatty, Sew Can Do, Craft-O- Maniac, Homemaker on a Dime, Frugally Sustainable, Thrifty Decorating, Homestead Helps