8 Reasons to Start a Container Garden

Here in upstate New York we are well on the way to the dark cold winter. My garden, unfortunately, is very dead–although I do have some yummy butternut squash saved in my cellar. There’s nothing better than fresh herbs or vegetables to to fill in the gap I’ve started my own container garden.

If the dead winter is not enough to convince you that you should have a container garden (or you don’t have winter where you live), here are ten more reasons for it:

1. It’s a great way to get into gardening if you have no experience. The controlled environment will keep away weeds, most bugs, and diseases;
2. Containers are movable which means you can not make the mistake of placing a plant in the wrong spot. If the plant outgrows its current container you can easily repot it.
3. If you are ill or unable to endure the physical stress of gardening this is a great way to get into it without all the bending and kneeling.
4. Fresh herbs for cooking–all the time! Makes all the difference for your next gourmet meal.
5. Both containers and plants can brighten up your home and matches almost every style.
6. You can grow almost anything at anytime including vegetables and tropical fruits. My sister-in-law lives in Upstate New York as well and has an orange tree in her living room.
7. If you live in a city or just don’t have the space for a garden plot container gardens will allow you to grow plants. Growing your own food can help you save buckets of money in the long run.
8. You don’t have to pay so much attention to the plants. Since you have control over the environment you can put it in a temperate spot that won’t experience extreme drought or heavy rains. You will only have to water and fertilize sporadically once the plant starts growing.

You can use almost anything to start a container garden including buckets or old barrels. There are even systems, like the Earthbox, which basically allow you to plant it and leave it to flourish.