This is a tip that applies to anyone but it will be most appropriate for all the gardeners who are trying to garden without much yard space. Pots and containers can be used for much more than just a few patio geraniums.
Just about any plant can grow in a container, even a small tree, as long as the container is big enough. You can also maximize your available pot space by choosing smaller varieties of plants to begin with. Many vegetables and even fruit can come in “dwarf” varieties that are better suited to container conditions. A little bush of cherry tomatoes can give you a big harvest, and it will work better in a pot than a huge sprawling vine of beefsteaks.
You can “layer” your garden better with pots too. Add some tables, shelves or hanging pots to boost your available space. Just take care not to create too much shade for the other plants this way.
Not only does a container allow you to add more growing space to a small area (even an apartment balcony), there are other benefits to container gardening too. Pots are portable, so you can control sun and rain exposure when you need to by shifting their position as the seasons change. Plants in containers are also more protected from soil-travelling insect pests or burrowing rodents. You’ll also have a bit better control over fertilizing and watering, and plants that spread too easily will be more contained.
But speaking of watering, potted plants will dry out faster, so there can be some additional watering chores if the rain isn’t taking care of that.
Fill with a good quality soil, adding some small stones to
the bottom to help with drainage (and to keep the soil from dribbling out the holes). Trays underneath are a good way to hold on to a bit of extra water, but aren’t crucial to keeping your plants in containers.
It can be a little tougher to add compost and natural fertilizer to a potted plant because you have less space to work with. At the start of the growing season, mix a handful into the soil and then add a little more to the top of the container as the plant grows. Just soak your compost for a few days, strain out the solids and use the water. Voilà, homemade liquid fertilizer.