Hey everyone! I just moved into a new place and for the first time in a long while, I have a garden – though it's pretty small and fully paved. Since we're renting, I'm looking to fill the space with containers and pots, but my budget is tight for now. I have some old metal and plastic buckets, as well as plastic containers, and I was thinking about using them to grow some plants next spring. Is it really that simple? Just drill some holes, add some rocks and soil, then pop in some seeds or plants? Also, would using transparent containers be a bad idea? I'd love some advice as I'll be learning along the way!
4 Answers
Here's a few tips to consider: 1) The material matters a lot! Metal containers can heat up fast in the sun, which might harm your plants, while terracotta tends to retain heat but might dry out quicker, so be mindful of watering. 2) Always go for bigger planters; small ones dry out too fast. 3) It's helpful to mulch the soil or plant bushy plants to help keep moisture in. 4) Not all plants do well in containers, so look for drought-tolerant options and make sure to avoid things like car tires for edibles. 5) Use plant feed and consider growing bags to save space!
I faced a similar situation years back! Avoid those typical plastic storage boxes; my plants didn’t thrive in them. Instead, find bins or buckets that are big enough but not too bulky for moving. Also, keep an eye on local groups for free stuff; sometimes people give away pots or even plants! And don’t forget to budget for quality soil or compost since that can really add up.
If you've got holes for drainage, you're good to go! I use all sorts of containers for planting – stuff like old plastic containers from grocery stores or even metal watering cans. Just make sure they have holes in the bottom, and you're set to plant away! Recycling is key here; it can be both practical and cost-effective!
Good insights about container sizes! Larger pots can really help with those dry spells, and if you're thinking about moving, try to avoid massive containers. I’ve had success with plants like lavender and dwarf fruit trees in medium-to-large pots. Also, check out any local sales for deals – this time of year, many places are selling off end-of-season plants at a discount!
Definitely agree about the perennials! I've had lovely success with allyssum and snapdragons as fillers, plus spring bulbs are a great idea for extra seasonal interest.