Container gardening: A complete guide to get started

WHY CONTAINER GARDENING?

There are many reasons  to start gardening in containers:

• Bad soil or poor soil
• Portability
• Vines or aggressive plants can be controlled with containers rather than planting in the ground
• Change seasonally or to match a theme
• Use on patios, entranceways, pool decks - where you can't normally plant
• Use as a barrier for pools or condo areas where you are not able to plant in the ground

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Seed packets - Organic
Baby herbs
Small succulents
2x - Shovel / dirt / gloves / container / plants to insert
Bag of organic potting mix
Work Space / dirt catcher
Finished containers  / 2 to 3 in various sizes and designs

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE YOUR PLANT SELECTION?

Where will this container be placed, will be the biggest factor determining what plants you will select. Will it be inside or outside; full Sun, full shade or somewhere in between. Consider how much time you would like to spend caring for the containers? Once you consider these factors head to your local nursery and you will find a vast array of plant in very color that will work for your requirements.

DON'T LIMIT YOURSELF TO JUST FLOWERS

Containers with the most visual appeal and interest combine flowers, with edible plants such as herbs and vegetables. As long as you select varieties that will need similar conditions they will all live happily in one container.
For a medium size container choose one or two herbs, one vegetable that will do well in a container and one flower plant. For larger container choose bring in another flowering plant or slow growing herb.
By growing herbs at home you will be able to get creative and try new recipes and always be ready to dress up a table when entertaining.

DON'T BE INTIMIDATED

YOU CAN NOT GO WRONG.  Just give it a try. If a combination doesn't work try a new one. Gardening is a process and always changing. Enjoy it.