Downsizing from an in-ground garden? Grown out of your windowsill herb garden? Want a source of fresh vegetables all summer? Or just looking for a new hobby? Container gardens offer something for you, regardless of your age, skill level or the amount of time and money you have to spend.
Give it a try. You may discover you have a green thumb. But the best part is, it won’t cost you a fortune to get started. Plus, container gardens make it easy to change up location and contents from year to year.
In the next two blogs, we’ll get you up-to-speed on various container options, set-up, soil and plant choices.
Container Gardens Under $20
Here are just a few options:
1. Galvanized steel tubs are an inexpensive container choice, starting at around $10 for a 10-quart pail. They’re rust resistant, won’t crack or fade and come in a number of sizes in both round and oblong shapes. The only drawback is that they don’t have drain holes, so you’ll need to drill them yourself.
- TOP TIP: To make sure you can reach all of your plantings, containers should be no wider than 4 feet across at any point.
2. All-in-one raised bed kits like this one start at under $20. Go big by stacking or linking multiple kits.
- TOP TIP: Place your containers on a dolly to make them easier to move and water.
3. Clay and plastic pots may be the most popular choices for all home and patio types: A 17-inch red clay pot shouldn’t set you back more than about $20. Clay pots are better investments over time and take on a beautiful weathered finish. But plastic pots have their fans too: They tend to be much lighter, making them easier to move.
If you’re not a fan of the weathered look, seal the outside of your clay pot with exterior varnish. To remove existing mineral deposits and water spots, wipe down the pot with white or apple cider vinegar.
- TOP TIP: If you don’t have outdoor space, take a look at affordable UMH homes in attractive communities with yards for landscaping, grilling or just grabbing a slice of the great outdoors.
Get Growing.
Almost anything that holds soil and has decent drainage can work as a container. But check with your community, condo or apartment manager to make sure the container is acceptable.
We’ve just scratched the surface here. Check out our next blog to get the nitty-gritty of soil, fertilizer and planting recommendations.
Want to read more tips? Try Our Simple Solutions for Spring.