Having a container garden is one of the best ways to add beauty to your home. Not only do you get to enjoy the fruits and vegetables that you grow, but you will also be able to attract other wildlife into your yard.

Watering

If you are growing plants in pots or containers, you must water them properly. The proper watering is not only necessary, but can also make the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy plant.

Plants have a tendency to get stressed out from prolonged periods without water. This can cause them to become susceptible to fungal diseases, which are caused by wetting the foliage. A few tips can help reduce the amount of water you need to provide for healthy container specimens.

First, make sure you are using a suitable soil for your container. You can test the soil to see if it is pH-balanced. In addition, it is important to determine whether your plant needs to be fertilized.

It is best to choose a water-resistant, lightweight soil mix. There are several commercial bagged potting mixes that are ideal for your container. Some of these include ground bark, perlite, and peat moss.

Alternatively, you can use a soilless potting mix, such as coco coir, with peat moss. These mixtures are suitable for both deep-rooted and shallow-rooted plants.

It is best to check your container on a daily basis. On hot days, you may need to water more frequently than usual. Small containers can dry out quickly on concrete patios in full sun. However, if your container has plenty of room, you can place it in the shade on a warm day.

If you use a metal container, you will need to monitor it closely. Metal can drastically increase the temperature of the soil.

Use a mulch on the soil to keep the surface moist. Mulch is especially effective on hot summer days when the temperature increases. Using a mulch will also minimize the loss of water from evaporation.

Fertilizing

Keeping your container plants healthy is an important part of maintaining their beauty. There are many ways to fertilize them. Whether you prefer natural liquid or granular products, you can find a fertilizer that will keep your plants growing.

Liquid feed is a popular choice for containers. This type of product is mixed with water to give plants extra nutrients. It is best to follow the instructions on the packaging.

Slow release fertilizer is another great option. Most brands include this type of product. However, it can be difficult to tell when to use it.

Water-soluble fertilizers are ideal for container plants. They are easy to apply and quickly absorbed by the plant. A watering can is a convenient way to use them. The amount of fertilizer you should use will depend on the size of your plants, their watering habits, and how much rain your area receives.

You may be surprised to learn that a granular fertilizer can contain all three NPK elements. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are vital for plant health. Plants use these ions to build up thick foliage and strong root systems. Potted plants cannot draw nutrients from the soil as easily as in-ground gardens.

The first number on the label indicates the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus. For example, a 10-5-5 fertilizer contains 5% N and 5% P. These numbers are helpful because it lets you know how much of each nutrient is present in the fertilizer.

Some slow-release fertilizers can be mixed with the soil while you are planting. If you decide to add a granular product to your soil, make sure it is at least half the recommended strength.

Placement in the yard

In order to make the most of your container garden, you’ll need to plan it out and place it in the right area. You also need to think about the amount of sun the plants will receive and the watering schedule you’ll need to follow.

For example, you’ll want to place your container near an opening or window to receive natural light. However, you’ll also want to consider shade. If you live in an area with hot and dry summers, you’ll need to find a way to protect your container from the sun.

Another consideration is the type of soil you’ll need. Many container gardens use a mixture of sawdust and wood chips, but you can also choose to use a potting mix. It can include sawdust, peat moss, and coconut coir fibers.

For the best results, make sure to use a container with drainage holes on the bottom. This will prevent the pot from drying out. The addition of a little soil will also help reduce watering needs.

Another useful tip is to group odd-sized containers. This will allow for different textures and plant forms.

A good container mix should feature a tall, attention-getting variety. It also includes several shorter varieties.

To make the most of your container gardening, you should consider these three suggestions:

Combine a few different color schemes to create a pleasing color palette. Use a variety of evergreens and colorful annuals to keep the planting interesting.

If you don’t have space for a large container, you can also opt for a smaller planter. These are also the perfect opportunity to get creative with your designs.

Finally, if you’re looking to accentuate your fence line, you’ll want to consider a few decorative plants. Grass, succulents, and sedum are great choices for a contrasting planting scheme.

Attracting urban birds

Attracting urban birds with container gardening can be a great way to help birds flourish in an urban environment. The key is to provide birds with shelter and food. These can be provided by planting flowers, putting out seeds, and providing a place for a bath.

Often, birds will stop by your garden for food and water. To ensure that they stay, create an oasis in your yard by planting plants that are native to the area.

You can also attract birds by ensuring that your water is clean. Clean the dish regularly and check to make sure there is no disease or insect buildup.

If you’re looking to attract more species of birds, you can also supplement your feeder with a hummingbird feeder. Hummingbirds are drawn to water, and they like to perch.

When choosing your planter, choose a pot that is heavy enough to support full-grown plants. This is important because smaller pots may not be able to handle the weight. Also, be sure to select a high-quality planting mix. It will hold moisture better than potting soil, and will help the container grow well.

If you’re not fortunate enough to have a green space in your yard, you can use potted plants and hanging containers to create a habitat for birds. Some apartment gardeners even create butterfly gardens.

For a bird-friendly container garden, consider a drip system. It will help your plants remain watered while avoiding the need for daily irrigation. Adding a hose adaptor to your hose will also save time.

Another way to get birds into your yard is to spread a seed mixture. Birds enjoy peanut hearts, raisins, and leftover birdseed. Spread these out in the spring and summer.

Creating an instant impact

Container gardening is a great way to create an instant impact in your landscape. It provides a range of benefits for both the gardener and home owner. These include low maintenance, privacy, and instant colour. You can use container plantings to add a splash of colour to your garden or even for a special event. Adding plants to your landscape will provide you with fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as an exciting new form.

When choosing a container, you should consider the type of plant you are planning to grow. Plants that require a lot of moisture may need larger containers to help them grow properly. Alternatively, you can opt for smaller containers for more compact plants. If you have a sunny yard, you may choose to grow sun-loving plants in containers.

While container plantings are great, you should also be sure to water and fertilize them. This will keep them healthy and allow them to grow. In addition, you should choose a drainage material to make sure that the water is able to drain away easily.

Larger containers can also make an impressive statement. If you have a large container, position it carefully before you start planting. Using a hand truck or powered lift truck will help you position your container.

For a truly eye-catching display, try placing plants of various heights. This will draw the eye from the top to the bottom of the container. Similarly, you can also try clustering your containers to create depth and visual interest.

Another good way to enhance your container plantings is to use decorative objects. Using colorful stones, plants, and even trees can create a bold display. Decorative grasses and bamboo can sway in the breeze and add movement to your garden.