Choosing a Container for Gardening

The Right Container for Herbs

There are many types of containers that work well for gardening. Containers can become a focal point in a larger garden area or it can help keep a less hardy specimen alive in your garden zone. Let's look at different ideas for containers and what a good container needs to have.

What Containers Work Best

A good container can be made of many things. Containers need not be purchased new, sometimes you have the perfect barrel or recyclable bowl that can be modified to work for your garden.

Base your container choices on what sort of herbs you want to grow. Look at the root depth, size of the full grown plant and watering needs.There is no limit to the size container to use but make sure you choose one large enough for the garden you imagine. A container must be deep enough for the root system of the herbs you want to grow. If a plant becomes root bound, that is, the roots fill the pot, you will have a difficult time keeping the plant watered.

The material a container is made of is important as well.Some containers are more porous, meaning you will have to water a moisture loving herb daily or even more frequently to keep it hydrated.At the same time, a container garden must have proper drainage. This prevents roots from sitting in water where you may not know of it. Proper drainage can be built into the pot or you can drill/punch holes in the bottom if you wish.

Best Materials for Containers

Some common container garden materials are concrete, clay or terra-cotta, plastic and wood. If using wood, make sure that it is not pressure treated if you are going to use edible herbs. The chemical leaches into the soil and can be absorbed into your herbs.

Why a Container?

A container can have an advantage over regular gardening for a few reasons. First, containers can keep your herbs at an easier level to tend to. Containers can come from recyclables and can be reused for years. Containers make your garden portable. If you move, you can take your favorite herbs with you! Containers offer a way to keep plants in the most sunlight possible since you can move the plants to the brightest area. Finally, containers are a fun way to bring your personality to the garden in an individual way.

Even if you choose to garden in a different manner, try container gardening. You may find that it suits your gardening needs quite well.