Container gardening is a method of growing plants in pots, containers, or other suitable vessels rather than planting them directly in the ground. It’s a popular option for individuals who have limited outdoor space, such as those living in apartments, condos, or urban areas, or for those who want more control over their gardening environment.
Container gardening can be great fun and a great way to expand your gardening repertoire. If you choose correctly, you can grow a beautiful garden right in a small space. When preparing for container gardening, using the right soil mix and containers with drainage holes is key. While the containers themselves allow excess moisture to escape, you’ll also want a potting mix that drains well to prevent soggy roots. Incorporate amendments like perlite, bark chips, or vermiculite to improve drainage.
Rather than complex irrigation systems that are overkill for containers, consider easy watering methods like self-watering containers or installing a low-flow tap and hose setup. Self-watering pots have built-in reservoirs that you fill occasionally, allowing the soil to wick up water as needed. For larger container gardens, attaching an outdoor tap with a coiled hose allows convenient access for watering. If you don’t already have exterior plumbing in place, a knowledgeable plumber can assist with the installation of new outdoor faucet connections. A quick search on the internet using phrases like “plumber near me” can connect you with professionals who will likely assist with installing a low-flow tap and hose setup tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Using drip irrigation attachments on the hose then allows controlled, targeted watering straight to the soil.
Having said that, there are certain mistakes that gardens usually make. These mistakes are easy to avoid, and once you learn what not to do, you can make informed choices about what you need to do to succeed. Here are some of those mistakes.
Ignoring plant growth requirements
When growing plants in containers, one of the biggest mistakes people make is ignoring the plant’s growth requirements. People like to think that most plants have the same requirements when growing them. But that couldn’t be far from the truth. You could grow a snake plant in the soil without too much drainage, but you cannot do the same with a rosemary plant. Likewise, if you’ve ordered a few microgreen seeds from Skysprouts.co.uk, and are waiting for them to arrive; you should understand soil, drainage and water requirements, and prepare the growing container in accordance with what they need. Also, keep in mind that most plants need plenty of light and water to thrive, so it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to ensure your plants have the space they need to grow.
Neglecting maintenance
Container gardening is something that more and more people get involved with every year. Of course, container gardening has various benefits, such as being portable, more manageable, and easier on your wallet, but what most people don’t realise is that container gardening isn’t simply a one-time thing-you have to keep up your container garden. Neglected plants will quickly die, resulting in you having to replant everything. This also extends to the area where you keep your containers. Rats and wildlife could easily find their way to your plants if they’re kept in a neglected area of your property. And once they’re there, the only way to get rid of them properly is by calling in Critter Stop Wildlife Removal or a similar service. But by then the damage to your plants would be done. So try to focus on regular maintenance and upkeep of your container garden.
Planting too many plants together
Container gardening is a great way to grow vegetables if you don’t have a lot of space or live in an apartment, but one common mistake when container gardening includes planting too much in one container. When planting your container garden, make sure you’re using a large enough container for the number of plants you want to grow, and consider how some plants may affect others. One larger plant may crowd other smaller plants, leading to the large plant dominating.
Overcrowding your garden
Container gardens are a fun project and a great place to try new plants. It’s also a great way to grow food in small spaces or to “get your hands dirty”, but it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. The last thing you want to do is have so many pots that you can’t look after them all or walk safely around them. Too many pots will also look messy, and whilst all real gardeners know that gardens shouldn’t be tidy, they should at least be pleasing to the eye.
Using a container with no drainage
One common mistake many gardeners make is neglecting to establish a proper irrigation system or ensuring adequate drainage for their beloved plants. Containers that lack proper drainage can lead to waterlogged soil, depriving plant roots of essential oxygen and creating a breeding ground for root rot. Conversely, inadequate watering can result in parched and stressed plants. To avoid these pitfalls, consider incorporating efficient drainage holes in your containers and investing in a reliable irrigation system. A gardener’s paradise can quickly turn into a plumbing nightmare without these essential measures, so remember, a little foresight goes a long way in nurturing a thriving container garden. A professional plumber can help you install an effective irrigation system and also assist with drainage maintenance, thereby getting you one step closer to a healthy and flourishing garden.
Relying on filler material
One of the most common mistakes is to use fillers in the containers, such as sand, gravel or rocks. Filler material may aid drainage, but they can be bad for your container plants if used too much. Fillers hold no nutrients and can also trap air in the soil. Air pockets are impossible for roots to grow through, which can result in the plant becoming nutrient deficient as it struggles to find soil. It’s important, therefore, to find a balance between filler and organic matter.
Planting incompatible plant species together
Plants may look harmless, but some are silent killers. Sunflowers, for example, kill potato plants when their seeds drop. The toxins found in the seeds are great for keeping weeds at bay, but they’ll also leave you wanting when it’s time to pull up your potato crop. Similarly, plants should be kept away from walnut trees – they release juglone, and many plants are sensitive to it, so keep your pots away!
Forgetting to fertilise
Failing to fertilise your container plants is a common mistake when growing them in containers. The soil or water supplies the nutrients required for healthy plant growth. If the water contains sufficient nutrients, the plants do not need to take nutrients from the soil.
If you’re new to the gardening game or you’re looking to increase your yield, learning the dos and don’ts behind a vegetable or herb garden will help you grow healthier produce. However, one of the most common mistakes made by beginning gardeners is planting in the wrong type of soil for your plant’s needs. So, if you’re planning to do a garden in your container, you should remember the above common mistake first and foremost!