If you haven’t heard about urban container gardening before, you may be surprised to learn that it can be a great way to get the garden of your dreams. Not only can you have fresh veggies, flowers and herbs, but it can also help you save money. The best part is that you can put your containers in your backyard, patio or front porch.

Drainage

In urban container gardening, it is crucial to provide proper drainage. Otherwise, the roots of your plants may suffer from root rot, which is a condition that can lead to early death. So, which is the best drainage material?

There are numerous factors to consider. For example, a container that is made out of a heavy plastic can easily topple over in a windstorm. Luckily, you can avoid this by using packing peanuts to fill it up.

Potting soil is also a good option. It’s lighter and contains perlite, which is a fine-grain material that improves drainage. Perlite is sold separately, or can be mixed into the soil.

To find the best drainage material for your pot, it’s important to consider the weight of the container and the type of plant you’re growing. If you’re planning to grow a taller plant, such as a tomato, you will need a bigger pot.

You should also think about adding a bit of organic matter. These materials are better for drainage than gravel. This is due to their ability to filter out salts from the soil.

Another good drainage material is gravel. Gravel can improve the drainage in your pots, but it does little to prevent waterlogging.

One of the easiest ways to add some drainage to a pot is by mixing in some packing peanuts. These materials are light and can break down rapidly when watered.

Plants to grow

When it comes to urban container gardening, there are many different types of plants you can choose to grow. You can grow vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs.

A few plants that do well in containers are beets, onions, and carrots. Beets grow quickly, and their crunchy roots are loved for their leafy greens. For these, you’ll want to plant them in an 8-inch-deep pot.

Turnips and radishes do better if planted directly into the soil. However, if you want to grow lettuce, you’ll need a 4″-deep pot.

Some other good container plants include peppers, tomatoes, and spinach. You’ll also need good soil and water.

Many people use containers in their urban gardens. You can find a wide range of materials to use, including plastic bottles, buckets, barrels, and fabric planters.

Containers are convenient and allow you to create an oasis of nature right inside your home. They’re also a lot of fun to maintain.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, there are lots of resources to help you get started. These can cover everything from picking the right plants to fertilizing and watering them.

Make sure you have a proper drainage hole in your container. Without this, your soil will die and your plants will become too wet.

Also, be sure to remove any diseased or infested plants. If you’re new to container gardening, start with seeds from a local plant nursery.

Vertical planting

Vertical planting is a great way to save space and increase the number of plants you can grow in a small space. It’s also an excellent way to add interest to your garden.

One of the most popular uses of vertical planting is growing edibles such as tomatoes, melons, and herbs. These plants don’t require a lot of space and can be trained to climb up a trellis or wall.

If you’re growing vegetables and fruits, make sure they’ll get enough sunlight. Most produce needs about six hours of direct sun a day. Adding gravel to the soil can improve drainage. Keeping the holes in the pot clear of debris will also help.

To maximize your gardening real estate, plant leafy greens such as lettuce and parsley. These plants can be grown in small containers and need little in the way of potting soil.

A good vertical container garden should be able to hold at least eight inches of soil. Use a quality potting mix and incorporate some coco coir or perlite into the soil. When choosing a container, keep in mind that some plants will only tolerate smaller pots.

One of the most impressive uses of a vertical planting system is the amount of airflow between the plants. Increasing the amount of oxygen in the air reduces the risk of diseases and fungal infections.

One of the biggest challenges in a vertical garden is keeping the soil from drying out. Adding an irrigation system is one solution. Alternatively, you can use drip irrigation with container plants.

Bird feeders

If you want to attract birds to your urban container garden, you should consider using bird feeders. There are many types of feeders to choose from. Some are designed to attract more birds than others. While all birds will enjoy eating from a variety of feeders, there are some that are best suited to specific species. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting a bird feeder.

Keep in mind that some birds will not tolerate the presence of other animals. This means that your feeder should be placed in a quiet area. You should also avoid feeding birds near strong branches. These can be tempting jumping points for squirrels.

The main food source is birdseed. You can find a variety of seeds, including thistle and black-oil sunflower seed. Black-oil sunflower seed is high in fat, making it an ideal choice for birds.

When choosing a feeder, remember to choose one that is sized properly. For instance, a nyjer feeder is not designed to be used by medium-sized birds. It has small openings that make it difficult for larger birds to pull the seed out.

When placing the feeder, be sure to keep it at least 30 feet away from windows. This is especially important in rainy areas.

You should also watch for snow showers. Rats are known to contaminate food products with droppings and pathogens.

Butterfly houses

Building butterfly houses is a fun and easy weekend project. It takes a couple of hours and a few simple tools. In addition to providing a nice accent to your garden, it can also attract adult butterflies.

Creating a butterfly house is a fun way to introduce more wildlife to your urban yard. Adult butterflies enjoy bluebells, clover, and marigolds. These plants offer pollen and nectar for their adults. They are also good hosts for bees.

The ideal shelter for a butterfly provides protection from wind and fluctuating temperatures. An ideal butterfly shelter should also include a water source.

To create a butterfly house, you’ll need a few pieces of wood. These can be purchased or you can make your own. Make sure the wood is at least 3 inches wide. For the best results, the wood should be at least 6 inches long. Attach the two front and back sections of the box using nails or screws.

When you’re putting together your butterfly box, don’t forget to add the roof. There are a few different types of roofs, including a screen, a hinge, and a thin strip of bark. If you want to make the box look more attractive, you can paint it.

A butterfly house is a great accent to any garden. Adding new flowers each year can help improve the overall appeal. Remember to use native plants. Often, these require less maintenance because they are adapted to local climates.