If you are a regular reader of my posts, you might know by now that I love organic products. I even Buy Organics Online, which includes my daily essential products. Not a big fan of chemicals. But the one thing I have never done till date is, dabbing into container gardening, most likely because I have plenty of room to have an in-ground garden. This season, though, I decided to try this gardening method that’s been around for many years but is new for me. I’m going to share my progress and my methods along the way. Not because I know what I’m doing, but so that you can learn from my mistakes and successes.
Our family dedicated yesterday to dirt. We gathered supplies at the store and headed home to begin. Shayne worked on cleaning out and mulching flower beds while the kids and I got started on our garden.
Getting started:
Containers. Now, we’re starting with classic pots and planters, but you can use anything, really. I’ve seen old cowboy boots, reusable shopping bags, potato bags, old wheelbarrows and bathtubs…you get the idea. I intend to keep an eye out for fun planters later, but for now…the basics.
Potting soil. I grabbed these bags of organic soil intended for veggies.
I didn’t realize until I’d already begun that they were intended for in-ground use. Oopsy. I’m going with it anyway.
Plants and seeds…
Drain holes. Some pots already have holes, some have perforated areas to be punched out as necessary, and old boots and bags will need holes punched in them. I used a screwdriver and punched out some holes.
I lined the bottom of the pots with newspaper. This will keep the soil in and let excess water drain out.
Next up: time to fill the pots with potting soil.
Then we planted. Follow the directions on the package. Most seed packages won’t have directions for container gardening, so be flexible. I planted extra seeds in each of my containers and then I’ll thin out the plants at they begin to grow.
And here is our container garden in its infancy:
The pots line either side of the walk just outside our back door. That’s one big plus of container gardening: easy access! It’s right outside of our office window so that I can keep a close eye on the plants and it will discourage small animals from invading.
What did we plant, you ask?
Tomatoes (Celebrity and Patio. Patio tomatoes are cherry-type tomatoes that are supposed to thrive in containers.)
Eggplant (black beauty)
Yellow Squash
Radishes
Jalapenos
Green onions
And….I’m trying herbs for the first time. They may move into our sunroom. We’ll see.
Cilantro
Rosemary
Basil
Oregano
We may add more in the coming weeks, but for now I think we’re off to a good start!
Do you garden? Is it in-ground or container gardening? Feel free to share success stories!
P.S.– I have a couple of gardening gurus in the family who cannot be stumped! Hey Aunt Cathy, what have I done wrong so far? 😉