If you’re considering container gardening, you have a few things to consider. You have to make sure you have the right size containers and the right drainage for your plants, and you have to decide if you want to grow your plants from seeds or buy them in seedling form.

Planting from seed or buying seedlings

You can grow a lot of things from seed. Some of the easiest to grow include cucumbers, beans, corn and peas. They take a bit of time to grow but are rewarding in the end.

There are many things to consider when it comes to planting your seeds. The size of the seed can be important. Smaller seeds are more forgiving than larger ones. It is also important to choose a reputable supplier.

Using a heating mat is a good way to speed up germination. In addition, you should use organic fertilizers.

One of the perks of growing your own plants is that you get to decide which ones you want to plant and in what colors. If you are planning to grow flowers, you should take a moment to decide what kind of strategy you will employ. Planting plants in rows is the way to go.

When it comes to growing from seed, the best way to start is with a good seed starting mix. This is a mixture of perlite, compost, vermiculite and coco coir. These materials provide excellent drainage. Make sure the mix does not have a high moisture content.

Some of the easiest plants to grow from seed include melon, squash, cucumbers and beans. Seeds are also a great way to try new varieties. A quick search on the Internet or your local garden nursery will reveal a wide range of available seed choices.

For many gardeners, the easiest way to get started is to buy seedlings. Seedlings are cheaper than packets and take some of the guesswork out of the process. But before you buy a bunch of plants, it is important to make sure you are purchasing healthy, quality seedlings.

Choosing the right size container

If you are going to try your hand at container gardening, it is important to choose the right size container for your plant. This will help ensure your plants get the water they need and aren’t drowned.

The container of choice should be big enough to house your plant and its associated soil. You may also want to consider adding drainage holes to the bottom of the pot. These holes will allow the water to drain.

For optimal results, your pot should have at least one inch of headroom above the soil. However, if your plant is larger, you’ll need more space.

There are many types of containers to choose from. The most common are square and round. Choosing the right one for your plant will help maximize its growth potential. A square container is perfect for plants like fruit trees or shrubs. Round ones are great for flowers and vegetables.

While you’re choosing a container, it is a good idea to look for the best quality. Most plants grow well in pots of at least one gallon, but larger plants need deeper pots. Some plants, such as shrubs, require up to two or three times that amount.

Containers are a great way to display your favorite plants outdoors or indoors. If you have a balcony or porch, look for a container that matches the style of your surroundings.

Another consideration is how much you are willing to spend. While there are several beautiful pots on the market, some can be quite expensive. Also, consider the materials used in the construction. If you are going to use a plastic container, you should consider a non-corrosive material.

Adding fertilizer

Many container gardeners fertilize their plants two to three times a year. This will keep your plants vibrant and full of blooms.

Some of the best organic fertilizers for your container gardening project are available in liquid form. While this type of fertilizer is ideal for your garden, they can also be expensive. If you choose to use a liquid fertilizer, make sure it is diluted with water according to the label.

One of the most important things to remember when adding fertilizer to your plant is to avoid over-applying. Over-fertilizing your plant can damage it or even deplete its nutrients. Also, do not apply the fertilizer when the soil is too dry. Watering your plant before adding fertilizer will allow the fertilizer to penetrate the root system.

You can also purchase organic liquid fertilizers that contain vitamins and amino acids. These are excellent for a more balanced diet for your container plants.

Another option is to use compost tea. This is a natural fertilizer that contains beneficial bacteria and organisms. It can be applied directly to your plant foliage or mixed with water to create a mist. The nutrients in compost tea will nourish your container vegetable.

Fish emulsion is a good source of phosphorus and nitrogen for leafy vegetables. This can be mixed with other fertilizers to improve the overall health of your plant.

Alternatively, you can add animal bone fertilizer. Made by grinding animal bones into a fine powder, this fertilizer is a great source of calcium and phosphorus.

During the growing season, most liquid fertilizers should be applied every two to four weeks. This schedule will depend on the type of plant and the amount of water it gets.

Drainage

If you’re planning to grow plants in pots, you should know that drainage is important. Water can get sucked into the soil and damage the roots of your plants.

You can improve drainage by adding gravel to the bottom of your container. This will encourage the soil to soak up water.

Alternatively, you can use a saucer to catch excess water and prevent messy spills. Burlap is also a good choice for this purpose. It will also keep the soil inside the pot from drying out.

You’ll want to make sure that your pot has holes for proper drainage. Drainage is important because it allows your plant to drink only the water it needs to thrive.

If you don’t have holes, you can try drilling them. The best tool for this job is a masonry drill bit.

Make sure to put the holes at the bottom of your container. The hole should be at least a quarter of an inch in diameter to ensure that the water drains easily.

You may also want to consider using a better-than-rocks product to boost drainage. These are made of recycled plastic and can be reused over time. Aside from helping with drainage, they also make the air in your plant containers more oxygenated, which will benefit your plants.

Another way to improve your pot’s drainage is to cover the holes with coco fiber. This will protect the soil from falling out and keep the holes from becoming clogged by plants’ roots.

You should also make sure to use the right potting mix for your container. Vegetables do well in a potting mix specifically designed for containers. However, flowers will require a more traditional potting medium.

Companions are better off not growing together

Planting companions is a good way to increase your harvest and protect your plants from pests. It’s not always easy to know which plants are best paired with other plants, but learning a few basic tips can help you get started.

The first thing to keep in mind is that there are different types of plants. Some can be great neighbors while others may cause problems for one another. A common example is basil and tomato plants. Basil provides shade to tomatoes while also repelling certain insects. This could lead to a lower harvest than if the two plants were planted separately.

Alternatively, some plants act as allelopathic species, which release compounds that discourage other plants from competing with them. For instance, sunflowers and black walnut are allelopathic species, which can interfere with the growth of corn, beans, and soybeans.

Many vegetables and herbs are also great companions, but you should consider what’s best for each plant. Carrots and tomatoes often grow well together, but you shouldn’t mix carrots and parsley. They may overcrowd each other, preventing moisture and nutrients from being available to the other plants.

Among the most popular companions are salad vegetables. These plants are convenient to grow in your garden, but they also benefit other plants. Tomatoes are especially good for container gardens. If you want to add some flavor to your tomatoes, try planting some chives. You can also add some thyme or mint. Both are considered alliums, and they help to repel pests.

In addition to providing benefits for your plants, companion plants can act as living mulches. They can help shade other weeds, prevent erosion, and provide protection from the sun.