Our Organic Pigg Patch

One area of the horticulture world that is growing fast is container gardening.  More people are growing their flowers and veggies in a container, rather than tilling up any part of the yard and maintaining it.  Originally, I was not sure how vegetables would do with being in a container, but I tried it this year, and so far they are doing fine.

So what can be used for a container?  Anything that drains water at the bottom and holds dirt!  That was an easy answer.  As you can see in the picture that is to the right, I started building a completely organic veggie and herb garden box out of cedar wood.  The cedar won’t rot and is bug resistant.  I filled it up with moisture retaining soil conditioner on the bottom, and garden soil from the bag on the top.  We planted strawberries, peppers, onions, and lettuce in this one.  The box is perfect for a patio, sunny side of a house, or even an apartment balcony.  I even made a smaller one for someone who just wanted a few plants.  My wife put tomatoes, okra, squash, watermelon, and onion in her small one that I made for her.  So far, everything is working great.

What are the advantages to using a container?  The most obvious advantage is the fact that it takes very little effort to get started.  Just set your container down and fill it up with soil and plant your plants.  You can also fill it with the best soil money can buy.  No amending your current dirt with a tiller or shovel.  You can change out the dirt in the container every year or two and it is like ‘rotating’ your crops.  Weeds are at a minimum because you are not dealing with old seeds that were in the soil when it got tilled up.  Usually the container is close to where you do most of your daily activities outside, so you can watch and maintain a little more effectively.

What are the disadvantages of a container?  The main one is the moisture control issue.  Containers are never considered watered after a rain storm.  The water usually rolls off the plant onto the ground beside the pot and goes away.  Watering a container at least once per day is critical.  Dogs knocking the pot over is something that happens from time to time.  You are limited to the space inside a container for planting.

All in all, container gardening is a good choice for planting.  Especially for those people with little to no yard.  Get creative, be proactive and even your little space can become the jungle paradise you have always dreamed of!

Happy Containers