What is container gardening?
If you are lacking space or steady sunlight, it is possible to grow a great deal of vegetables within containers . The containers can be placed on a balcony or patio. They can also be placed in sunny areas in your lawn and moved with the sunlight. Many plants need 5 hours of steady sunlight. Tips for using containers from http://www.gardenguides.com Use containers between 15 and 120 quarts capacity. Small pots restrict the root area and dry out very quickly. The size and number of plants to be grown will determine the size of the container used. Deep rooted vegetables require deep pots. Make sure your pot has adequate drainage. Holes should be 1/2 inch across. Line the base of the pot with newspaper to prevent soil loss. In hot climates use light-colored containers to lessen heat absorption and discourage uneven root growth. Set containers on bricks or blocks to allow free drainage. Line hanging baskets with sphagnum moss for water retention. Keep baskets away from afternoon sun.
from http://www.allotment.org.uk/garden-diary/218/container-growing-new-product-to-the-uk/
Harrod Horticultural have taken on an exclusive dealership for the UK for the US EarthBox® container gardening system.The EarthBox has also been a huge success in the domestic U.S. market by taking container gardening to new heights. The unique system creates the perfect environment by controlling soil conditions and the movement of nutrients to dramatically increase the yield of brassicas, root crops, beans, onions, curcubits, tomatoes, salads, herbs or strawberries.The maintenance-free, gradient-gardening system apparently controls soil conditions to keep them at their optimal levels. It uses the laws of nature to keep fertiliser on top of the soil, watering is automatic from the bottom of the reservoir while nutrients move from high areas of concentration to areas of low concentration. This enables roots to absorb optimal amounts of nutrients at any time giving dramatic improved growth using half the fertiliser and 40% of the water.
Whether you’re a city dweller and pressed for space, or you’re simply looking to dress up a patio or entry-way, Container Gardening is a great solution. By planting your choice of great annuals into a container you can get the effect of a vibrant garden on a smaller scale without the demands of a large garden.
Very simply, it’s growing plants in containers. Flowers, herbs and even vegetables can all be grown in pots. Container gardens need less maintenance than more conventional flowerbeds because there is less change to the soil and fewer weed problems. Q: I’ve only ever tried to grow herbs and trailing plants on my small balcony. Can I grow something more substantial? A: Yes – even a window box or large flower pot can provide a home for fruit and vegetables. Don’t forget that horizontal areas, such as walls and railings, can also be used for supporting containers. Q: Should I buy my fruit and vegetables as plants or sow them from seed? A: Definitely the latter – if you adopt them when they are already plants, you miss three-quarters of the enjoyment. When I grew tomatoes, I found observing their development so interesting that I wrote a tomato germination diary. Q: Which fruit and vegetables are good to begin with?
