Summary
Container gardening can be done from anywhere as long as you have access to a good amount of sunlight. This guide will cover the basics of what you need to get started with container gardening and list a few varieties of plants that are easy to grow and maintain in containers for beginners.
Table of Contents
- What is Container Gardening?
- Container Gardening Needs
- Containers
- Soil
- Sun
- Fertilizer
- Watering
- Plant Varieties That Are Easy and Grow Well in Containers
- Herbs
- Peppers
- Fruits
What is Container Gardening?
Container gardening is a versatile and accessible way to grow plants, even if you don’t have a traditional garden space. With a few essentials and a bit of creativity, you can cultivate a thriving garden from your balcony, patio, or any sunny spot. Whether you’re short on space, stuck with concrete instead of soil, or just looking for a flexible way to garden, containers have your back. Plus, they’re portable! If you’re indecisive like me and want to rearrange your plants 15 times before settling on the perfect layout, container gardening makes it easy. You don’t need a sprawling backyard to grow your own herbs, veggies, or fruits—just a container, some soil, and a sunny attitude (and maybe a sunny spot too).
Container Gardening Needs
You will need a few essentials to get started, but no worries these are all things that are easy to find!
Containers
First things first, you need something to grow in! Honestly, you can grow in pretty much anything—an old bucket, crates, or even a potato sack. As long as it can hold soil and has drainage, it’s good to go.
If you’re concerned about microplastics, look into grow bags as an inexpensive way to avoid plastic containers. You can also check out the Facebook Marketplace for affordable containers. Use your imagination and get creative! Click here to read an in-depth guide on container types.
Soil
One of the most important aspects of gardening is your SOIL!
- DO NOT cheap out on soil.
- DO NOT buy non-organic soil.
For beginners, a pre-made soil mix is the way to go. A great option available at big box garden centers is the Miracle-Gro Performance ORGANIC container mix. It’s affordable and has excellent drainage.
Sun
While container gardening can be done almost anywhere, sunlight is crucial. If your gardening space is fully shaded, your plant options will be limited. Spend a few days observing which spots receive the most sunlight—this is where you’ll want to place your containers.
Fertilizer
Plants grown in containers have limited access to nutrients, so fertilizing is essential. Opt for organic options like worm castings (worm poop). They’re easy to find online, odor-free, and eco-friendly. You can even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
Composting is also a very easy and organic way to make your own fertilizer. It is also environmentally friendly as you will essentially be using your own food scraps to make fertilizer for your plants. Here is an in-depth guide on how to compost.
Watering
Watering is critical in container gardening, so pay attention!
- Ensure your containers have proper drainage holes (1-4 holes is a good range).
- For grow bags or fabric containers, drainage holes may not be necessary.
- Test soil moisture by sticking your finger about a quarter of the way into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If your finger comes back a bit moist then hold of on the water for a bit.
Plant Varieties That Are Easy and Grow Well in Containers
This is not an extensive list, but it includes some of the easiest options for beginners. With time and experience, you’ll discover many more plants that thrive in containers. Happy gardening!
Herbs
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Dill
Peppers
The type of peppers you can grow depends on your climate. In hot areas like Florida, hot peppers thrive because they’re naturally heat-tolerant (and they pack some heat—LOL!). My favorites are:
- Jalapeños
- Purple Tiger Pepper
- Mini bell peppers
Fruits
For beginners, these fruits are a great starting point:
- Ground cherries
- Cherry tomatoes
Starting a gardening can sometimes seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, the right tools, and a small space you can make what seems like a huge task turn into something enjoyable. Remember to start small, the idea is to enjoy the process not become stressed by it!
Share your journey below!
Happy growing!
