Container Gardening - ideal for patios, balconies and backyards.

Those lacking a green thumb - or a garden -  share one critical thing in common with those more gifted in these regards: the possibility of coaxing something beautiful out of a pretty pot. Container gardening can be done by  almost anyone because it doesn't require the physical effort required to grow plants in beds. And you can usually find enough sun or shade somewhere to grow the plants you cherish.

Don't be fooled, this is no longer a matter of throwing a geranium into an old boot. Today, it's about being original and creative, so don't be afraid to look beyond basic terracotta and plastic pots to more unusual, quirky items. Many people are afraid to deal with container gardening.  They think it will be  too difficult or too expensive.  On the contrary, it is actually very easy and the results can be breathtaking.

Basic Requirements

What constitutes the ideal container? Firstly, it must be attractive, even if it is not an object of art and it  should be strong and durable and able to resist extreme temperatures. This is especially true of the large sizes, which usually remain outdoors all year around.The ideal container must be sturdy enough to hold a large amount of soil. It should have adequate  drainage facilities through holes at the bottom. 

It must not rust, at least in a single season, and it should have a wide enough base to rest firmly wherever placed. Besides, it ought to be heavy enough to withstand average winds. In stormy weather, movable containers can be shifted to temporary safety. All of these things should be factored in when you are coming up with your container gardening ideas.

Container Styles

Ideas for large planters

In addition to traditional circular pots and tubs, there are modern and ultra-modern forms—square, rectangular, triangular and octagonal. Also eligible are old wheelbarrows,  old sinks, bathtubs or large wooden barrels.  

For drainage, spread a thick layer of large pebbles or broken pieces of pots or bricks at the bottom and then water plants with care. In large containers of this kind, drainage material should be several inches thick. 

Where rainfall is heavy, be sure to keep garden containers without drainage outlets on porches, under awnings or the broad eaves of houses. With pails and old galvanized wash tubs, holes can be easily punctured at the bottom.

Planters from the kitchen

Other container garden ideas are to consider old biscuit and bean jars, vases and other types of crockery, wash tubs, kettles and ceramic bowls. There is a variety of creative ways to preserve and experiment with container gardening. Although you might not use recycled porcelain bowls, yet the simple concept of growing plants in pots or urns in addition to other objects, offers you a new perspective in container gardening.

Novelty Containers
The only thing stopping you here is your imagination because almost anything can be turned into a plant holder. Consider objects such as driftwood ,bird cages, decorative well heads, animal figures, and pieces of furniture. A single container in the perfect spot often looks good.  Three pots with the same design or pots that are not at all of the same design have a mystical beauty with them. There's a mystery with the pleasant-looking odd numbers with arrangement. It's such a wondrous fact

Herb Gardens

Petite containers are ideal for growing herb gardens. If you plan to plant an herb container garden be imaginative   Here are some container garden ideas for herbs that go well together.

* For an Italian flavour try Sweet basil, Italian parsley, Oregano, Marjoram and Thyme.
* For a lovely scented container use Lavender, Rose scented geranium, Lemon balm, Lemon thyme, and Pineapple sage.
* For really great salads try Garlic chives, Rocket, Salad burnet, Parsley, Celery. 
* And for a selection that will work well in French cooking, use Tarragon, Chervil, Parsley, Chives and Sage.

Any of these will liven up your dishes and add a delightful scent and colour to your kitchen .

So these are just a few ideas to get you started.Happy Container Gardening!