Get your hands a little dirty while creating something beautiful this summer with a planter or container garden. Cramped for space? No problem. These “urban gardening” ideas mean you can grow a large variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs in a small setting, pretty much anywhere your heart — and space — dictates, including rooftops, balconies, sidewalks or that little unused spot in the backyard.
Gardening can allow for a lot of creativity and imagination, says Joyce Leung, Marketing Communications for Terra Greenhouses. If flowers are not your favourite, consider berries as an easy — and deliciously edible — alternative. Strawberries, one of the easiest to grow in a container, are an excellent choice, followed by blueberries and raspberries. These all require full sun, but be careful not to overheat and dry them out. “You don’t have to choose a large pot or a basic container when growing berries in your yard,” says Leung.
Once you have selected your container, next comes plant choice: choosing flowers and plants that add bright colours and interesting texture to the planter are important, but you also need varieties that grow well together. If your planter will be in full sun all day, all your plants need to tolerate those conditions. Some plants actually grow better when they’re planted next to compatible companions, while some don’t “play well with others.” Leung also says to ensure you get full enjoyment of your planter’s beauty, it’s important that all your flowers bloom during the same season. You don’t want some flowers to bloom in spring and others to bloom late summer.
Choosing the right size pot is one of the most important considerations when creating summer planters. Ensure the pot has a small hole at the bottom to allow the water to easily drain out and to avoid flooding any flowers. Soil choice is also vital, as you need soil that works well for planters and contains the right amount of minerals and other nutrients. The right soil gives plants an extra boost while ensuring they grow healthy, strong, and vibrant.
This summer don’t let your limited space or even limited knowledge keep you from growing a beautiful, flourishing garden, whether it’s flowers, plants, fruits or a combination of them all. Planter and container gardens are the perfect way to flex your green thumb, impress your friends and then, most importantly, enjoy everything that blossoms.
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