The Garden for You
Container Gardening
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Container gardening is just that—gardening in a container. Nearly any container will do, though some are more ideal than others. Container gardening is a great way to recycle items that you can't bear to part with but have outlived their original function, such as an old wheelbarrow, bucket or barrel.
Types of containers- Planter boxes
- Wooden barrels
- Hanging baskets
- Flowerpots
Containers to avoid
- Containers with narrow openings
- Plastic, terracotta and wooden containers that have been stained, painted or treated with creosote, penta or toxic compounds that can damage the plants
- Adequate drainage is needed
- Containers should be between 15 and 120 quarts (small pots restrict the roots and dry out quickly)
Sunlight
- Five hours direct sunlight each day
- Leafy vegetables can tolerate most shade; root crops need the most sun
- Sunlight for flowers varies on the varieties—consult flower guides
Budget
- Some flowerpots may be pricey—glazed ceramic, for instance, can run as much as $100; a good gardening center should have a healthy array of options to fit any budget.
- Number of plants grown will depend on size of container—for instance, deep rooted vegetables require deep pots
- Must be watered frequently—'often as once or twice a day, especially in hot, sunny, dry weather
- Must be fertilized regularly, though according to particular fertilizer instructions, additional nutrients must be added throughout the seasons (once every week or two)
- Flowers must be groomed
- Those new to gardening
- Those living in apartments or without a large yard
- Recycling enthusiasts
- Those looking to decorate easily and cheaply
- Growing herbs indoors
What about windowsill gardening?
Photo: Lisa Fletcher/iStock
Windowsill gardens allow gourmet cooks and gardening enthusiasts the chance to grow herbs indoors. They require minimum work and produce tasty herbs at a fraction of the costs you find in stores. Herbs, however, aren't the only plants that can thrive in windowsills. Plenty of flowers can grow in these gardens too.
Types of containers- Should be anything at least 6 to 12 inches deep—you can even use old yogurt containers!
- Multiple plants can be planted together in a wide, long container
- Some gardening centers have pots specifically designed for window sills
Space
- Depends on windowsill or area
- Could set up a table against a window for containers and create a makeshift sill
Sunlight
- South- or west-facing windowsill, although some plants might do okay with a bright, north-facing window
- South- or southeast-facing windows are ideal, as they produce at least five hours of sunlight and are away from drafts
- Fluorescent lights can be used in lieu of a sunny window
Budget
- Containers can be just about anything, as long as depth is sufficient
- Seeds costs range, depending on variety
- Soil-less potting mix is inexpensive
- Fluorescent lights would need to be on 10 hours a day, which could be pricey
Time
- Takes about 20 minutes to plant
- Water only sparingly if you choose to grow herbs!
- Fertilize once a month
Ideal for...
- An activity to keep the kids busy
- At-home gourmet
- Saving money
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Dried herbs can make wonderful decorations
Explore Community Gardening
Photo: © 2009 Jupiterimages Corporation
Community or Cooperative (Co-op) gardens are pieces of land that are cared for and gardened on by a group of people. Found most often in urban areas, these projects often supply fresh produce and plants to the community and bring city gardeners closer to their sources food Some co-op gardens provide plots for individual use, while others are used solely to produce food for the entire group.
Space- Depends on space available at the local garden
- Depends on how many people it serves
- Can be 14 by 29 feet and 100 feet by 1,000 square feet, average is 300 sq ft.
- Must consider past-use when selecting an area as there may be soil contamination
- Consider water availability
- Leasing and insurance issues
Sunlight
- Should get six full hours a sunlight daily for vegetables
Budget
- Some community gardens charge dues and membership fees
- Cost can depend on the amount of people who are participating
- Depends on services needed, such as land leasing and insurance.
- Tool purchases may be needed
Time
- Depends on amount of involvement required, plot size and use of garden
- Minimum maintenance in usually required in common areas
- Can be more time consuming than a personal garden because of the communal responsibilities
- Turning soil, planting over crops and composting will be necessary
- Planning meetings, status meetings
- Fall cleanup
- Volunteer hours
Ideal for...
- Those looking to create community
- Those who want to get to know their neighbors
- Sustainable, local living
- Beautifying the neighborhood
- Extra exercise
- Producing food for the community as a whole
- Those interested in community development
- Social engagement
- Explore an organic farm
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Learn more about Community Gardening
Photo: © 2009 Jupiterimages Corporation
If you've got the space and inclination, a large garden can provide a bountiful harvest to share with friends and family or a lavish spread of flowers and plants for retreat after a long day. A large garden requires a larger time commitment due to its size, but it's worth every minute.
Space- If it's a flower garden, the entirety of the area should receive sun for at least half a day
- If it's a vegetable garden, the entirety of the area should receive as much sun as possible to be productive
Sunlight
- Most gardens needs at least six hours of full sun each day
Budget
- Depends on the condition of the soil—tilling and pH testing prices can vary; if the soil is bad, you'll have to bring in soil and add fertilizer
- Larger gardens require a host of tools, including shovels, trowels, pruners, hoes, garden forks, rakes, wheelbarrows, carts, watering cans and a hose
- Gardens need more water than assumed; drip irrigation can save money
- Buying plants can be pricey, but starting your own plants, sharing with friends, starting small or participating in a plant swap can help cut costs; waiting until after Memorial Day is also helpful
- Embellishments can be pricey
Time
- Three or four days per week in the spring and one day a week in the summer is the average for a large garden
- Thorough watering takes 10 to 15 minutes a day; 20 to 30 minutes with a soaker hose
- Those who want to spend plenty of time outdoors
- Those who have plenty of space for growing
- Anyone looking for a creative outlet
- Someone who wants to plant an English garden
Photo: © 2009 Jupiterimages Corporation
A small garden can reap large rewards! Providing many of the same benefits as a garden of larger size, small gardens give their owners the chance to be outside and grow any number of flowers, fruits or vegetables with slightly less maintenance required.
Space- Only one spot in the yard with enough sunlight throughout day
- Not a large yard
Sunlight
- Needs to be near a section that sees sunlight at least six hours a day
Budget
- Depends on the condition of the soil. Tilling and pH testing prices can vary. If the soil is bad, you'll have to bring in soil and add fertilizer.
- Small gardens require less tools; they mainly only need a shovel, pruners and a hose
- Buying plants can be pricey, but starting your own plants, sharing with friends, starting small or participating in a plant swap can help cut costs; waiting until after Memorial Day is also helpful.
- Embellishments can be pricey
Time
- Not as consuming as a large garden due to the size, but it still requires frequent pruning and weeding
- Thorough watering takes 10 to 15 minutes a day; 20 to 30 minutes with a soaker hose
Ideal for...
- Anyone who wants a creative outlet
- Someone new to gardening
- Those who don't have a large space in a yard to devote to a garden
- Those looking to spend time outdoors
Create a rooftop garden
Photo: © 2009 Jupiterimages Corporation
Rooftop gardens have become a welcome addition to urban areas, where most of the land is littered with pavement and skyscrapers and there's not much space for growing. These gardens can be as simple as several containers filled with flowers or vegetables and elaborate enough to require irrigation systems.
Space- Access to a private rooftop
- Structural loading requirements will depend on how many people can occupy a garden
- Should have structural stability
- Most plants are housed in containers
Sunlight
- Plants that thrive in constant sunlight are best, as the garden will be exposed all day long
Budget
- Most cost-effective when a roof is newly constructed or needs to be replaced
- A licensed structural engineer must conduct a structural analysis, and proper permits may be required by a city
- Safety improvements, irrigation systems, garden materials, maintenance costs and fees can add up
- Irrigation is crucial to supplement rainfall, and a plumber and water connection may be necessary
Time
- Installing the garden takes a bit of time: installing boxes, insulation, drainage systems
- Requires little maintenance, similar to any other garden for weeding and watering, depending on the size of the garden
Ideal for...
- Anyone looking to save energy costs
- Growing plants with little outdoor space
- Enhancing a living area
- Those hoping to establish greener habits
Find out the 10 Things Every Gardener Must Know!
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