No tags yet.
Are you dying to have some plants around, but have almost no time to spare? Don't despair - there are options for you.
Although they run a bit on the expensive side, if you have more money than time, buy pot of mature flowers or vegetables at your local greenhouse. Watering your pot and maintaining the plants is gardening, just on a micro-scale. Maybe it's not what you have always aspired to, but keep up with it and reap the rewards. The confidence it brings could inspire you to do a little bit more the next year. The main thing is to keep it well-watered. Unless it's raining into your pots, you'll need to water nearly every day. Keep a watering can handy if there's no hose nearby. A pretty watering can can be an accent piece. Add a few pieces of garden art and you've got yourself a mini garden!
Start a garden from mature greenhouse plants. Whether you grow these plants in a pot or two or plant a few in the ground, you will have a head start on the season and the immediate satisfaction of seeing your garden grow! Select plants that look healthy and happy (not a lot of dead spots, not too many yellowing leaves, sturdy-looking).
If you're planting in pots, buy premixed bags of soil. If you're planting in the ground, dig up all the existing grass or weeds on the surface (throw them out) and then chop up the ground until it's a nice, smooth and even texture. Pop your plants out of the pots by pushing on the bottoms or cutting/tearing the plastic sides. Be gentle! Don't pull by their stems. If roots are growing out of the bottom of the pot, it's ok to tear them or cut them. Dig the plant into the soil just at the depth of where it's soil is at in the pot. Don't plant too deep with mounding soil on the stem or too shallow with the roots sticking out.
Dig your garden or place your pots in a sunny location that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day. Some spots are so hot and sunny, though, that your garden will dry out frequently. If this is the case, plan to water containers thoroughly in the morning and afternoon. In-ground gardens will not need as much water, but still ever few days at most. Or, purchase watering devices that will reduce your workload or keep your plants happy if you're away for a bit. If you only have a few pots, a simple watering globe or decorative bottle waterer is definitely enough. If you have more than a handful of pots, or plan to be away a lot, a pot watering system would be best.
Though fertilizers are important, your plants will grow and be ok even if you skip them. That being said, a little fertilizer will help keep them in top shape. I recommend a slow-release organic fertilizer that you put in once during the season and then forget about it.
What to Grow
Even for tiny gardens, the possibilities are endless. But you want to be sure you're defining what it is that you want and planning backward from there. I'll suggest a few flowers, herbs and veggies that are hearty and easy to grow. Consider planting a few pots with a variety of herbs, veggies and flowers intermixed. These container gardens are beautiful, functional and low-maintenance.
Vegetables
Just about any veggie can be grown in a pot, though some need so much space that it's impractical (generally corn, potatoes and most squash would fall into this category). Here are my favorites:
*Tomatoes - look for varieties that are described as a "Patio" tomato. This is very important. Tomato plants can grow huge and unruly and you're going to want something compact.
*Peppers - there are so many beautiful and interesting pepper types out now. If you like hot peppers, you will find a great selection of colorful and interesting varieties. Sweet peppers and banana peppers are also well-suited to pots.
*Eggplants - Japanese style eggplants are elegant and attractive potted plants.
*Kale - there are many lovely kale types that add color and texture to your potted garden.
*Chard - I love rainbow chard. It's one of the most gorgeous vegetables available and can be grown in a slightly shady location.
Herbs
Nearly all herbs like a hot and sunny spot. Any herb can be grown in a pot, but basil, cilantro, oregano, chives and rosemary are some of the most practical and beautiful. Pre-potted herbs are readily available.
Flowers
You're going to want flowers that don't need a lot of fussing and deadheading (removing dead flower heads so that they keep blooming). My list of favorite hard-to-kill flowers includes marigolds, zinnias, geraniums and pansies. For shady spots I love impatiens and begonias.
Choosing pretty pots or garden borders, healthy lush plants and accent garden art is a lot of fun and can quickly pretty-up any outdoor space. Each day as you come into and out of your house you can take pride in your creation and relax knowing it's going to stay manageable throughout the season.