Container Gardening

One of the most beloved forms of gardening has been in existence since ancient times, and has recently seen a large increase in popularity. Container gardening has become one of the most popular forms of gardening for its convenience and spectacular results. Records of placing plants and flowers in vessels have been found in Egyptian temple carvings, ancient Chinese wall paintings, the ruins of Pompeii, and even the gardens of the palace of Versailles for King Louis XIV of France. This type of gardening, caring for just a few plants in a container, has become one of the favorite types of gardening for all levels of green thumbs for a variety of reasons.

As humans move into more populated areas, space becomes much more limited. Container gardening allows us to add a bit of greenery and nature to smaller spaces. Clustering three or four mid sized pots on a patio or deck adds planting room to an otherwise barren surrounding, and placing hanging baskets near your front door offers an inviting look for your guests. These vessels, unlike a raised bed, are mobile, allowing them to be moved seasonally, or if you wish to alter the look of the area. Using hardy, readily available annuals in a small or recycled vessel can be an economically sound way to garden, and the few tools necessary are often inexpensive as well. Whimsical planters like old boots or soup cans can even get children interested in the natural world. Smaller containers can also be beneficial for less mobile or elderly people, allowing the more mature crowd to continue gardening without the tedious work of digging and planting an entire plot. For those who enjoy moving water, creating a water feature in a pot or vessel offers the same effect without the dangers of a pond. A container water garden can bring aquatic life to your table or patio, and is much less tedious and expensive than a pond.

In any container garden, a myriad of options applies. The container can be of glazed clay, terra cotta, metal, wood, concrete, or a recycled option such as tires or mismatched teacups. Ensure that your vessel has a drainage hole, and use an appropriate soil. For best results, plant flowers and foliage that thrive in a similar soil and have similar watering needs together. Be sure to choose a pot that is slightly larger than the plants will be when full grown, to allow for plenty of watering room and root growth. Maintain good soil quality with a reliable fertilizer, and monitor the garden to water it appropriately. Rotate the vessels to obtain the proper amount of sunlight, and alter the plants seasonally for a functional garden year round. Add a saucer, pot trivet, or pot feet underneath the planter for better air circulation and to prevent drainage problems. If you are creating a water garden, use the same guidelines but omit the drainage hole. Add a pump to keep the water moving, and ensure the vessel is placed on a waterproof surface. Check the water level regularly to avoid evaporation.

Adding nonliving elements into a container water or plant garden will help bring out your personality. Place a spitter next to a potted water garden, offering moving water and preventing stagnation. Put a statue inside a large pot for a dramatic or whimsical focal point, and add signage to welcome guests to the area. Create upward movement by inserting a trellis or obelisk into a large planter, and adding climbing vines. Place plants with cascading vines in hanging baskets and allow them to trail downward for added effect. Inserting hidden gems, like butterfly houses or bird baths, near the containers will create a wildlife sanctuary and add texture to your composition. Customize your containers to truly reflect your personality and style using a few of these options.

Container gardening has recently come into the spotlight as one of the most effective and dramatic ways to garden. This time honored form of gardening offers flexibility in planning, planting, and placement not traditionally experienced with in ground gardens. BestNest carries a wide variety of pots, planters, water gardening equipment, plant supports, and garden décor for all of your container gardening needs. A number of these items are offered below. View all of the items available on our site at BestNest.com. For more personal assistance, feel free to call our customer service