Beginners Guide to Sustainable Container Gardening In New York

Gone are the days when you had to have access to acres of land before considering gardening. Whether you want to grow flowers, herbs or vegetables and have limited space, container gardening is the solution you have been looking for.

This article explores everything you need to know about container gardening and shares tips on how to start and maintain your garden in New York.

What’s Container Gardening

Container gardening involves growing plants in pots, containers or baskets. It is a creative way to grow your favorite flowers, herbs or vegetables on your balcony, kitchen window or pots.

Having a container garden in your apartment is ideal because you may have limited space to have a full indoor garden or limited outdoor space. You get to have access to fresh microgreens, herbs and vegetables and add green scenery at home.

3 Benefits of Container Gardening in New York

If you are at the crossroads wondering whether container gardening is for you, check out these reasons why you should start your mini garden as soon as possible.

1. Access to fresh produce

Even if you can’t have a large garden in your home in New York having a few herbs and vegetables in your kitchen window can provide the greens you need for your diet. We all know how fresh produce is expensive in cities like New York.

But with container gardening, you can grow different types of plants all year round and never have to spend a dime buying them.

It allows you to have a sustainable way to grow your food and reduce expenses or wastage associated with store bought foods.

2. Better plant control

Having an outdoor garden may work when you want to plant larger plants or more than a few pots. However, container gardening helps you have more control of the environment of your plants.

You can adjust the lighting, the soil and moisture levels according to their requirement. You will also not have to worry about harsh weather conditions despite the weather because your plants are shielded from the outside.

Furthermore, you’ll be able to keep the plants away from pests and animals that may affect their growth.

3. Add beauty to your space

You can arrange your containers and pots in whichever design you fancy. These plants bring aesthetic and green scenery to your apartment. You can always switch up plants, and arrange them vertically or horizontally in a way that suits your style.

How to Choose The Right Containers For Your Indoor Garden

Before you start container gardening you have to get the containers. This step is crucial because your plant’s growth is dependent on the environment you provide. So how do you choose the right containers for your garden? Let’s look at some of the factors to consider.

1. Size

You should consider the type of plants you want to grow and the size of the container that will accommodate their rots and allow for growth.

A big container may take up too much space while a small, one may limit the growth of some plants. Ensure to choose the size of container that can accommodate the mature size of the plants you are planning to grow.

2. Material

There are different types of materials for containers such as plastic, clay or glass and all have different properties, pros and cons. For example, although plastic containers are lightweight and affordable, they don’t have adequate airflow and can make the temperatures high in hot seasons.

The best materials for container gardening are terra cotta pots because they allow air circulation and have a good drainage system. However, pots can break easily.

Choose the material best for you depending on the type of plant and how long you will grow them. For example, microgreens need about two to three weeks before harvesting, so they may survive in plastic containers.

3. Design

You can improvise containers from takeaway tins or use those used to pack foodstuffs. But the type depends on your personal style and the design you want.

If you are placing the containers in the living space you may want to choose a design that complements the interior design and would add aesthetics to your space. Consider different colors, shapes and designs according to your style.

4. Cost and durability

It may be tempting to buy cheap containers but also consider their durability. Choosing high-quality materials saves money in the long run. After all, you won’t have to repair or discard used up containers that broke or have worn off because you can reuse them when you want to grow different plants.

5 Helpful Tips For Successful Container Gardening

1. Chose the right soil

Soil is the top priority for healthy plants. Ensure that you select high quality potting mix that contains all the nutrients required for growth and drains well.

Get high quality soil mix from reputable stores in New York to save yourself the time needed to check the PH of the soil in your garden. Add organic fertilizer often to the soil to replenish the nutrients that have been depleted.

2. Select the right plants for container gardening

You may not plant a mango tree in your garden because of limited space, right? Some plants perform better than others when planted in containers.

Some of the best options include tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, oregano, spinach, microgreens, succulents and flowers. These are ideal for small spaces and won’t need reporting to larger pots or moving them to the garden.

3. Select the right location

Set the containers in places where they can get adequate light but not too much. If your apartment does not get adequate sun, consider using a grow light. Also, shoose a space where the containers would fit perfectly and add beauty to your space.

4. Regular watering

Plants in container gardens rely fully on you to provide adequate water. Have a regular watering schedule to ensure they get the right amounts of water that they need.

A high quality potting mix and containers with drainage holes will ensure that plants only get the right amount of moisture and drain the excess to prevent root rot.

Avoid overwatering your plants as it can lead to root rot and fungal disease. It’s a good idea to set up a drip system to water the garden even in your absence to prevent your plants from during due to lack of water.

5. Regular checks

Indoor plants are also susceptible to pests and disease. Be on the lookout for any signs of damage on the leaves and remove the affected parts immediately to prevent spreading.

Use natural pest control items like neem oil to keep pests away.

FAQs

• What is a disadvantage to container gardening?

Plants grown in containers may dry out easily if you forget to water them. Also, you can only grow a small number of plants at a time depending on the sizes of the containers.

• What is the best place to have a container garden?

The best place to have a container garden is a place where they will get adequate sunlight and the right temperatures to grow. However different plants have different needs in terms of sun exposure.

• What is the most common mistake made with container plants?

The most common mistakes made with container gardening are choosing the wrong pot sizes, overcrowding the plants and underwatering the plants.

Final Thoughts

Container gardening has made it easy for New Yorkers to enjoy gardening without having an acre of land. Consider the type of plants the soil, access to sunlight and the right containers before you get started.

Ensure to water your plants regularly and do regular checks to ensure your plants get all they need to grow. Ready to start container gardening? Share your thoughts below.

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• 6 Useful Tips for Year Round Indoor Gardening
• Step by Step Guide for Growing Grapes in a Pot
• Indoor Vertical Gardening for Small Apartments in New York