Do you always dream of having your very own ornamental garden or ever wanted to grow vegetables but you are just renting or have limited space? Or are you looking for ways to add life to a boring corner in your home and establishment? Well, container gardening is a great option you might want to consider.
Growing plants in containers allow you to enjoy the benefits of gardening even in small spaces. Flowering plants or shrubs also add a splash of color in your outdoor areas. They dress up plain or boring spaces and instantly provide a cozy ambiance as well.
Not only do potted plants can make the home more welcoming and visually appealing but they also improve indoor air quality.
So if you are new to this and looking for ways on how to grow your container garden or if you are unsuccessful in your previous attempts, we gather a few tips below as your guide. Here are Some Awesome DIY Indoor Gardening Tips
1. Plant Selection
Decide what to plant. You can choose from vegetables and herbs to flowering plants, shrubs, dwarf trees and more. Since most thrive in containers, there are endless options for you. However, your plant choice should match your climate zone. Not all kinds are suitable for all types of temperature.
When choosing, you should consider all these aspects: the climate where you live, the size of the plants, and whether you are growing them indoors or outdoors.
Check your area too if it receives an adequate amount of sunlight. Each plant has its preference. Some require direct sunlight; some are shade loving.
In most nurseries, plants are labeled and organized according to what kind of climate they will survive in and how much water, light, attention, and food they need. There’s someone who can assist you in most nurseries to help you out in choosing the right one for you.
When buying, avoid the ones that are losing their leaves or turning yellow. Select those with healthy foliage and with the most perfect shape. Healthy plants are perfect to make your garden look its best.
2. Size of Pots
Choosing the right size of the container is one of the many aspects to consider. Always remember that the size of your pots should complement the size of your plants.
Purchase bigger pots. This ensures that your plants have plenty of space to grow. While many species don’t require much space, some still need an adequate amount of soil.
And when it comes to selecting between plastic and clay pots, pick the plastic ones. Plastic pots hold moisture better. Hence, it won’t dry out your plants fast. Aside from that, they are more flexible and stronger compared to clay ones.
3. Drainage Holes
While plants need water to survive, providing too much of it can kill them. That is why drainage holes are vital for every plant to live and become healthy. Without enough holes at the bottom of your pots, water will be trapped inside and decay the roots.
So always check your pots for drainage. Some have holes; others do not. But if you bought ones with not enough holes or have no holes in it, don’t worry. You can always find a way to create more. One remedy is drilling it.
4. The Right Soil
You’ve got endless options when comes to potting soil. You have to bear in mind that every plant requires a different base. Using the right type of soil will ensure the growth of your plants and make their roots healthy.
Choose organic soil. Not only does this type of soil is free from chemicals and insecticides, but this soil mix also provides more nutrients than regular ones.
5. Fertilizer
Do you need to add fertilizers? The answer is yes, of course. Providing sunlight and water is not enough. Although potting soil has nutrients, you may lose them faster than in-ground. Plants have used the nutrients as they grow and some have flashed out every time you water them.
So what’s best for your plants? Organic or natural fertilizers are highly recommended as the chemical ones may burn their roots. Opt for liquid or water-soluble organic fertilizers, especially during the summer. This is quite easy to use. But if you’re not sure how to apply it, always check the label and follow the instructions.
6. Watering
Watering container gardens are more challenging than their in-ground counterparts. The amount of water they need also depends upon their species. Indoor plants need lesser water than those outdoors. It also varies with the season. During warmer seasons, you need to water them often and lesser during cool seasons
Tip: If most of the time you aren’t home and your plants require more water, consider opting for self-watering planters.
7. Pruning
Who wouldn’t want their plants to stay healthy and beautiful? None of us, right? Did you know that just like hair, plants need a regular haircut to keep looking their best? That’s right. They also need proper trimming.
Prune dead or overgrown branches and stems. Cut the flowers too if they are done blooming. This process greatly helps your plants to grow bushier.
8. Check for Any Signs of Insects
Potted plants are not prone to pests, and you’ll be dealing with insect problems very rarely. Regardless of that, you should regularly watch out for any sign of pest problem and deal with it once it arises to avoid further damage.
Practice the art of listening to your plants. The survival of your potted plants solely depends on you. Pay close attention to their conditions and provide their needs before they even cry for your help.
Container gardens can be a stunning part of your landscape or outdoor space. Aside from the fact that it provides food and beautiful scenery, this is also a great way to relieve stress.
Do not let that limited space hinder you from building the garden you’ve been dreaming of. No matter how much space you have, as long as you properly care for your plants, they will happily grow even in the tiniest apartment.
About the author:Grow Pod Solutions founder Shannon Illingworth got interested in urban farming when he was infected with E. coli after eating at a restaurant. Not knowing where the food came from, he decided to create a system where the origin of food can be traced with an app on your phone.Shannon and his team now produces state of the art, shipping container farms for farmers, growers, restaurants, hotels, casinos, and entrepreneurs & investors throughout North America based out of Colton, CA.
