When you are looking for a quick way to spruce up your garden, there are a number of different ways to do it. If you are interested in cheap container gardening, you may want to consider reusing containers that you have already acquired. You can also take an old planter and add some flowers and plants to it.
Plants to grow in a container garden
A container garden can be a great way to grow your own food, without needing a lot of space. You can plant just about any type of fruit or vegetable you can think of. It’s easy to have a container garden, and it’s inexpensive.
First, find a large enough container. The right size depends on how many plants you want to grow. If you’re just growing one variety, a pot that’s eight inches deep will be fine.
Next, find a sunny spot. For some vegetables, you’ll need to put your pot in full sun to get the most out of them. Some of these plants require more water than others, so be sure to check the soil’s moisture level before watering.
Make sure your container has a drainage hole. This will prevent the soil from getting too soggy.
You can also look into getting fabric grow bags. These are sturdy and can last for years in your garden. They come in a wide range of sizes.
Another fun idea for your container garden is to make some plant markers. Get your kids to draw pictures of plants, or let them design a decorative container.
Several varieties of beans, peas, and radishes can be grown in containers. Beans and radishes will need regular watering, but they don’t need as much as other veggies do.
Other edible plants, like spinach, can grow in containers. Spinach needs a bit of sun, but can be grown indoors or outdoors. Leafy greens, such as Swiss chard, don’t require a lot of sunlight, and can be grown in partial shade.
Finally, don’t forget about repotting. Repotting will allow your plant to grow more. However, it’s important to do it gently.
Potting mix to use
Potting mix is a common product for container gardening. It’s a soil-based mix that provides good drainage and allows air to circulate. The mixture usually includes organic materials such as peat moss and coconut coir.
These materials are usually heavier than other materials, but they tend to retain nutrients better. They also allow for more water retention. However, they may contain weed seeds. You can make your own potting mix from compost or mature compost. This method is more economical on a large scale.
The amount of sand in your potting mix is also important. It helps keep your pot upright in high winds. Also, sand adds weight to your pots. For smaller containers, it’s important to have a lighter mix.
To increase the porosity of your potting mix, you can use vermiculite. Vermiculite is mined mineral that can be compressed. When heated, it forms light particles. Adding it to your potting soil mix will help it hold water and nutrients.
Another moisture-retaining ingredient is pine bark. Pine bark is typically produced from paper mills in the US. Pine bark is a good moisture-retaining material that helps create a balanced soil. Peat moss is also a moisture-retaining material. Combined with other ingredients, it can increase the life of your potting mix.
A third material you can add to your potting soil is perlite. Perlite is a mineral that holds up to three times its weight in water. Adding it to your potting mix will help your plants get more water and air.
Finally, you can purchase a commercial potting mix. Commercial mixes are often made of sawdust and various grades of shredded bark.
Upcycling old containers into something funky
One of the best ways to recycle is by upcycling old containers into something funky for cheap container gardening. You can find some great upcycling ideas at thrift shops, garage sales, or even the junkyard.
You can also use old bottles and other plastic items for upcycling projects. For example, you can make planters out of soda bottles, cereal boxes, or even coffee cans. They’re easy to upcycle, and you can paint them to match the rest of your garden.
Another repurposed idea for a funky for cheap container gardening is to turn an old tea kettle into a hanging planter. Simply attach a wire hanger from an old hanging basket and you’re done!
Another upcycled project that you can try is turning a plastic detergent bottle into a planter. The squishy plastic of this container makes it ideal for transplanting.
If you’re interested in a more permanent upcycling project, you can use an old dresser to make several planting containers. You could even turn an old wicker laundry basket into a decorative planter.
Alternatively, you can make a planter out of an old cot mattress base. This is a great way to save space in your home.
If you’re serious about upcycling, you’ll need some tools. Make sure you have a drill, L-shaped brackets, and screws. In addition, you’ll need to be aware of potential pitfalls, such as toxic lead paint, in salvaged wood containers.
If you’re unsure how to upcycle, check your local flea market or yard sale. Most stores have a few boxes and crates that are unused. These can be reused as unique containers for plants, or you can even convert them into a sofa or a corner chair.
Grouping flowers by form or color
Grouping flowers by form or color can be a great way to get the most out of your garden. Whether you want to use a color wheel, paint chips, or a selection of plants from your favorite color schemes, grouping is a great way to create an eye-catching design that will stand out in your garden.
To make your groupings really pop, try planting a combination of plants that are both similar and different. This will make a striking arrangement for your garden, and you can find many great colors for these types of arrangements at your local garden center.
You can also add texture to your container garden by using plants that have distinctive visual features. These can include spiky planters or large flowers. In addition to adding height, these plants can provide a dramatic sense of high drama. For example, tall snapdragons and heat-tolerant geraniums can be grouped together in a terra-cotta pot.
You can combine plants of different varieties to give your container garden a more varied look. If you’re not sure what kind of plants to get, you can always ask a garden center or a landscaping professional. Or you can shop around for unique finds at your local salvage yard or antique store.
When you group flowers by color or form, you can also consider grouping similar containers. This way, they will create a cohesive unit, and the colors will blend together. It’s a fun and easy way to add some visual interest to your garden.
Whether you’re looking to add some color to your yard or you’re hoping to create a beautiful centerpiece for your dinner party, grouping flowers by form or color can help you rethink your garden’s layout.
Bringing harmony and symmetry to your garden
Whether you have a small patio or a large yard, you can bring harmony and symmetry to your garden with a container. Plants in the same color, shape, size and texture will provide an attractive and harmonious effect.
When choosing plants, make sure they are appropriate for your container’s soil and light conditions. Also, look at the plant’s tags to find out its growth habits. Many varieties require full sun to thrive, while others prefer shade. If you have a water-loving plant, it would be a waste to put it in a container where it will get no water.
Using the color wheel is a great way to create harmony and symmetry in your container garden. You can also use color echoes to tie plants together. For instance, gray foliage can give other colors an added boost.
In addition to using a variety of plants, you should also include architectural elements that will add height and impact to your container. Some of these elements may include a spiller or thriller, and a filler. Choosing a plant that has cascading foliage will also add to the overall impact of the container.
With a little planning, a container garden can bring beauty and comfort to your home. It is also fun and easy to do, making anyone feel like a professional. So, if you’ve been wanting a new look to your outdoor space, it is never too late. Whether you’re planting succulents, herbs, vegetables, flowers, or other items, a container garden can be just what you need.
Creating a beautiful and soothing container garden will provide you with many years of enjoyment. Remember, you can even recycle your old containers for a mobile garden!