Container Gardening – Four Steps to Gardening in Containers

If you’re interested in gardening, growing your own herbs, harvesting food you planted, then I’d love to show you 4 steps to gardening in containers.

At the end of the post I’ll be offering a free container gardening guide for those who are ready to get growing now.

Why Garden in Containers?

• You live in an apartment with only a balcony for gardening space.
• Renting and can’t disturb the yard.
• Experimenting with gardening and want to grow now.

What Can I Grow in Containers?

All plants can be grown in containers, but some will be easier than others.  I would avoid vining squash and melon plants.  The reason being, their vines grow nonstop.  Of course, pruning would help with the overgrowth, but then you would not harvest as much produce.

How hard is it?

Gardening is easy, depending on the Gardener you ask.

We can watch youtube, and we can read the best books, but nothing beats hands-on experience.  A concept I learned about gardening is, I am always learning.

Let’s dive into 4 steps to gardening in containers.

Step #1:  Choosing Containers that are Good for Gardening

• Food Grade Buckets
• Metal Animal Feeding Trough (Stainless Steel)
• Cattle Mineral Tubs

 

Step #2:  Choosing Potting Soil

Which soil is the best quality for growing?

There are many quality potting soils on the market, but when it comes to choosing, I have used and recommend the following brands:

• Nature’s Care Organic Potting Mix
• Promix

I should note that organic is important.  You want to avoid chemicals and know what is going into your food.

When shopping for topsoil, consider quality and price.

Step #3:  Choosing what to Grow

Choose what to grow based on what you like to eat.

Several years ago I bought my first seeds.  As I looked at the seed display, I chose what my parents had grown.

Surely, this is what a garden should look like!

I realized, hey we don’t like this (fill in the blank for you) type of cucumber!

Step #4:  Fertilizing and Watering the Plants

Once your plants have sprouted, you’ll want to keep the soil moist.  You’re looking for soil that is not soggy and not too dry.  If you notice yellowing leaves, check the soil moisture by sticking your finger down in the dirt.  Adjust your water amounts accordingly.

What is a good fertilizer?

The three letters that make up fertilizer:  N= Nitrogen, P= Phosphorus, and K= Potash.

Nitrogen grows the plant.  Phosphorus puts on the blooms and the roots.  Potash is good for plant health and growth.

These nutrients will give your plants a nice boost.

Our go to fertilizer is Jobe’s fertilizer!  It has always done well for us.

Add fertilizer to the top of your potting soil, once you’ve planted.

Conclusion

Gardening in containers is ultimately very rewarding!

When your harvest is on the table, you’ll be so thankful for the work you put into those garden containers.

Ready to Start Growing?

I’ve created a printable guide of the four steps to gardening in containers.

I’ll send the download directly to your inbox for free when you sign up for our emailing newsletter.