Container gardening

GARDENING WITH CONTAINERS What is container gardening?

A container is anything that holds soil & is large enough to support the growth of a plant.

Using containers for growing plants is the easiest way to start a garden. In particular, containers are an excellent way to garden because they bring the soil and plants to within easy reach. Additionally containers are valuable wherever ground level garden beds are not feasible (e.g. flats with balconies, indoors, or where the soil quality is poor).

Containers are essentially small raised garden beds. They may be small, or very large and heavy, wide & deep enough to support the growth of a small tree. Several containers of different heights can be pleasingly clustered together. Alternatively, rows of containers can give your garden a defined geometric look. Large containers help to create clearly define garden areas, and are useful for gardeners who are visually impaired.

Containers come in a huge variety of materials, colours, sizes, textures. Items made for other purposes can be re-invented as containers, provided that drainage holes are made in the base.

Factors to consider when choosing containers

Accessibility: Ensure your containers are accessible. Containers should be at a height that can be easily reached so that the gardener does not have to strain to tend the plants. The width of a container should be such that it can be reached from any side.  Ensure the containers are stable & heavy enough not to tip over if bumped, or in wind, or if leaned upon for support.

Ground surfaces: Ensure that your garden provides safe access to containers. Ground floor materials should be non-slip, non-reflective, level or less than 1/20 slope. Ensure there is sufficient space between containers & to allow manoeuvrability e.g. wheelchair turning space.

Location: Consider positioning your containers so that they can be viewed from indoors. Locate containers near seating so that you can rest & enjoy your container plants.

Table Planters

Another type of container is the table planter. This consists of a shallow soil-filled tray supported on legs. The advantage of the table planter is that it provides around 300mm+ clearance for gardeners using wheelchairs. The table height can be customised. The soil depth should be a minimum of 120 mm.

Select plants suitable for the soil depth and sun/shade conditions. Plants that prefer welldrained soil, tolerating low soil moisture are an excellent choice. Trailing plants look wonderful cascading over the edge of the planter. Since the shallow container dries out quickly in full sun, mulch the soil and add water crystals to the soil to minimise dehydration. Frequent watering, or a drip watering system is required. The width of the table should not exceed what can be reached. For a free standing table accessible on both sides, no wider than about 1200mm. If the table is accessible on one side only, then its width should not exceed around 600mm.