If you are one of the many people who have been trying to grow their own vegetables, herbs and fruits in a small pot, you might find the following article interesting. Specifically, we’re going to talk about why planning is important for pot gardening, how to select a planter and more. So, let’s begin. First, if you haven’t been cultivating plants in a small container before, you should really consider taking a class or two. You may discover that your experience can help you in selecting the right pot gardening tools and supplies as well as providing a good bit of insight into what container gardening actually takes effort to accomplish.
Next, we’ll take a look at why planning is so crucial for container gardeners. In particular, we’ll examine the differences between traditional pot gardening using an 8 inch planter. Then we’ll take a look at some excellent products that will make container gardening easier. Finally, I’ll explain how to select a planter that will suit your needs. So, let’s get started.
When it comes to traditional pot gardening, you’re using a spade, dug in the ground to plant your seeds or seedlings. Your soil is full of all the nutrients your garden needs to grow. You’re simply trying to create a structure or “base” where the plant will rest. It’s very similar to what you would do when preparing a patio. Now, when you’re container gardening, you’re doing the opposite. You want to create a “soil bed” where your plants will rest and thrive.
That’s why it’s so important to pay special attention to drainage. Just like spades and pots, planters should drain easily and should have adequate drainage. There are many different methods for cleaning and draining your potting bench. The following are just a few ideas:
Use a sponge to carefully clean the bottom of the container. Remove any leaves or dirt from the drainage holes or pore. If the leaves or dirt are really tough, using coarse sandpaper can help remove them. Then use water mixed with mild detergent (laundry detergent works well) and a small amount of bleach or ammonia to gently scrub the roots of your plant. Don’t use strong cleaners that could harm the roots or damage the soil.
When the water has completely run off your potting bench, rinse it out with clear, cool water. This gives you a chance to aerate your container. Air provides a level of oxygen that is essential to growing your plants properly. If you don’t rinse your potting bench thoroughly after aerating, you risk losing moisture to the surrounding soil. This can result in fungus growth and root rot, both of which are serious problems that can harm your plant.
If your drainage holes are dug too deep, they may need to be refilled. You can find drainpipe and other types of tools at most garden centers. If your soil is dry and hard, you might need to add additional moisture, such as water from your pond or garden hose, to encourage proper drainage. If you’re not experienced at potting, you might want to call in a professional. The pipes in your potting bench are usually meant for one purpose only – to carry water from your garden to your plants.
While this article was written to help you understand the basics of how to set up a planter with drainage, there are many more issues to consider. For example, some containers have sloped or shallower drainage holes, which might be acceptable in some cases, but might pose a problem in others. Also, the right drainage can make a big difference in the success of your container gardening.