If you want a garden, but you don't have a lot of room. Then you might want to think about a container garden. Containers need very little space and they can usually be moved fairly easy. They can also add color and make you yard look totally different.

If you want a container garden and don't know a lot about them, here are some suggestions you might like.
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Containers need to be deep enough to have 6" or more of soil. Make sure that the containers are big enough so there is room enough for the roots to grow.

Whether you are using new or old containers, be sure to clean them before using. Even new containers can contain debris and disease. So be sure to clean out the containers just to be sure that they are clean and disease free. Depending on whether your containers are clay or plastic doesn't really matter. You use 9 parts water to 1 part bleach, and a tablespoon of dish soap. Use a stiff bristle brush to clean the containers.

If containers are very dirty then you might want to wash them twice. Just to be sure that there is no residue left in them.

You want to make sure that the drain hole in the bottom of the containers are open and clear of any obstructions. Then place either gravel  or foam about an inch deep or so in the bottom. This will provide good drainage and keep dirt from plugging the drain holes. This will also eliminate root rot because of roots being too wet. If it doesn't kill your plants, it will sure keep them from being as healthy as they could be.

Choosing healthy, disease, pest, and well established plants. If the garden store doesn't have them then save your money and go to another one. I am not saying that they grow diseased plants but they might have just been picked through and then you are left with the poorest plants. Be sure to check your plants for fungus, mold, pests, and be sure to look under the leaves.

When placing your containers in your yard, if the place that you are going to use gets full sunshine, be sure to use plants that need full sun to thrive. In other words pick your plants to the area that you are going to use. This will ensure that the plants that need full sunshine, and the plants that need partial shade will get the required amount so you plants stay healthy and thriving.

When using containers you will want to use a light soil that drains well. You might even need to mix peat moss into the soil to help keep the soil from packing. The soil should drain adequately and it will need watering everyday.

You should remove dead leaves and limbs regularly. This will help encourage further growing. By not removing these leaves and limbs can promote disease in the plants. They will open up where pests and disease can start.

When using containers you should use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Depending on the liquid fertilizer that you use this schedule might vary. Do not over use this fertilizer it can burn the roots.

When watering these containers try not to use city water on them because of the chloring in the water. This chlorine can burn the leaves. I would suggest that you use a drip system on the containers. This will eliminate water on the leaves and keep the soil moister closer to its right consistency. Also once a year you should remove at least one inch of top soil and replace it with compost. The compost will help it to keep the soil in the container moist.

Be sure to take your containers inside in the winter. This will extend the life of your plants, if you live up north. You could also put them in a greenhouse with heating and keep them all year around. Also you want to protect your containers from the cold and ice. This can break the containers and ruin all the work that you have put into them. 

May all your plants thrive as you do. Happy Gardening Until Next Time!

Jesse Auburg  Online Marketing  Entrepreneur
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