Container gardening

**MomToTwoBoys** · 02-07-2011, 08:15 PM

So we've decided not to do a large garden this year. We're going to fix up the yard and see what we have before putting in a garden. But now I have a bigger problem...

I love to garden and I have nothing to garden.

I'd thought of container gardening to calm my nerves and give me something to put my hands in. I do know I'm planting tulips in the backyard in the fall, but I'm not sure what else I'd plant. I do want to make fresh salsa, but that seems like a whole lot of containers.

What would you suggest? I am putting flowers in the front yard far enough from the house so that they get some sun. I just need to prep the area first.

**monkeywrangler71** · 02-07-2011, 08:27 PM

We are in the same boat this year - too much to do to get gardens dug in time, and needing to get a better sense of what we have first. I am planting the asparagus bed, because it takes three years to harvest, and everything else is containers.

I'm thinking of trying the potatoes in a barrel, and the upside down tomatoes and/or peppers. I'm not buying the expensive upside down pots, going to try drilling a hole in the bottom of a hanging planter instead. Herbs in pots, and maybe some bush cucumbers.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 02-07-2011, 08:35 PM

I'd love to do herbs in pots but I tried it a couple of years ago in Calgary. We didn't use up a lot of the herbs. If I can get a dehydrator, I'd use them more. I told DH I'd love to plant dill and garlic and carrots, but he's pretty adamant about waiting until next year before putting in a massive garden.

We already had plans to cut down trees, so I think I'm gonna do a couple of tomato plants in containers.

**craftypam** · 02-07-2011, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by monkeywrangler71

We are in the same boat this year - too much to do to get gardens dug in time, and needing to get a better sense of what we have first. I am planting the asparagus bed, because it takes three years to harvest, and everything else is containers.

I'm thinking of trying the potatoes in a barrel, and the upside down tomatoes and/or peppers. I'm not buying the expensive upside down pots, going to try drilling a hole in the bottom of a hanging planter instead. Herbs in pots, and maybe some bush cucumbers.

Just a suggestion for you. Use the terra cotta pots. They have large holes right in the middle in the bottom. Use one of those cheap macrame plant hangers (I got mine at a used clothing store) or you can buy them at Walmart. You have to shift the pot a little because the hanger will cover the hole. Any container gardening you have to keep well watered because of less soil they dry up faster.

**monkeywrangler71** · 02-07-2011, 09:06 PM

I've planted dill before, but then never had much use for it. We can always use chives, and they come back every year. I also like to grow basil for using fresh in pasta, then making pesto if there is an abundance. I used to grow parsley, but for some reason I get a sore throat if I eat it so I don't want it again. Other herbs just weren't worth it because they never got used.

**MissSeetonFan** · 02-07-2011, 09:47 PM

My cousins did upside down gardening using 5 gallon plastic buckets with a hole in the bottom. No problem hanging by the handle.

**Russ** · 02-08-2011, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by monkeywrangler71

I've planted dill before, but then never had much use for it. We can always use chives, and they come back every year. I also like to grow basil for using fresh in pasta, then making pesto if there is an abundance. Other herbs just weren't worth it because they never got used.

We found pretty much the same thing.

**freebs** · 02-08-2011, 08:58 AM

containers are easy! look in my pics you will see how we garden! the hanging buckets we tooka hole saw and cut 3 holes at an angle and then we plant leaf lettuce on top!

**monkeywrangler71** · 02-08-2011, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by freebs

containers are easy! look in my pics you will see how we garden! the hanging buckets we tooka hole saw and cut 3 holes at an angle and then we plant leaf lettuce on top!

Thanks for sharing the pictures. Did you put three plants in each bucket? Did you find there was enough space/soil to support the root systems of three plants? And did you have any trouble supporting the weight of the buckets with the handles?

**freebs** · 02-08-2011, 11:23 AM

Yes we planted 3 plants per bucket and they all grew well plus the lettuce on the top. No problems on the weight issues on the handles. Last year i did have one break after 3 years of use.

**Russ** · 02-08-2011, 11:35 AM

MTTB: Don't forget, either you will have to empty those buckets/containers or take them in your basement or they will freeze and crack. Note that Freebs is in Texas.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 02-08-2011, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Russ

MTTB: Don't forget, either you will have to empty those buckets/containers or take them in your basement or they will freeze and crack. Note that Freebs is in Texas.

Oh there's no way DH will go for that, then. Our storage room is full enough as it is. There's no room for them in the shed, either.

**sunshine** · 02-08-2011, 07:27 PM

I did container gardening when I lived in an apartment. I lined my drive with decorated 5 gallon buckets.

I planted salad fixings in one (radishes, onions, spinach, lettuce) , tomatoes in one by themselves, pole beans on small trellis (think teepee) over potatoes, etc.

Water frequently, and fertilize heavily. That small of an area drain the soil's resources quickly.