GreenHouse Gardening – We know that the reasons for considering patio container gardening are numerous. Perhaps you do not have a yard to plant a traditional garden in, especially if you live in a condominium or an apartment. Or, maybe the yard you do have is not suitable because the soil is either too dense or too sandy and would need extensive amending to be usable. It is also possible that you have a nice grassy lawn you do not want to dig up to plant a greenhouse gardening, but you still want the pleasure of having one.

Other reasons to have a container garden may be the convenience of having herbs and vegetables close to the kitchen for the use of the cook. Persons with limited mobility such as elders or those with disabilities can still access gardening pleasures this way also. Plus, a container garden can be moved about and rearranged in numerous ways that are pleasing and useful.

One of the first choices to be made when planning your garden is the number and types of containers you will want. The selection is great, starting with the usual types such as terra cotta and ceramic. Other materials include metal of various types and woven baskets made out of wire, wicker, bamboo or other substances. And, do not overlook novelty items such as old boots, retro watering cans, and just about anything that strikes your fancy and can hold some soil to plant in.

One of the most important elements to consider in this type of gardening is that of drainage. It is essential that any container you decide upon have one or more holes for excess water to drain from, or your plants will suffer from overly wet soil. If the container does not already have some holes, as standard pots generally do, it is usually possible to make them yourself.

The type of planting mixture, or soil, that is used is also very important, again for the purpose of providing good drainage. A soil that contains a lot of clay will not allow the water to flow through very much at all. A very sandy mixture, on the other hand, will let the water escape before the plant roots have a chance to absorb enough. Packaged potting soils are usually the right balance and texture for good drainage. Soil from your yard can be used if it has a basically good texture, which may necessitate amending with other materials such as peat moss.

Watering plants in containers will generally need to be done more frequently than watering a lawn or ground garden. Moisture has more opportunity to escape from pots, through drainage holes and also from the sides of the pot if it is made from a porous material such as terra cotta. In very warm weather, watering once a day is usually necessary, or perhaps more frequently, depending on temperature, humidity, and the specific plants you are tending.

Although often container gardens cost less to create than a large garden in the ground, there can still be considerable expenses depending on the types of containers, purchased soils, and other items. However, it is possible to find quite inexpensive containers at garage and estate sales, thrift stores, and even for free by perusing local advertisements. You can also often find dirt for free from local excavations, which may or may not need amending with other substances to produce the right texture for drainage.

There are many books and online resources to help you get started with patio container gardening. You can also involve children, elders, other family members and friends in your greenhouse gardening project. The rewards are many, including beautiful flowers, fresh vegetables and herbs, and the pleasure of arranging your containers in new and exciting displays, all with great convenience.