“My dad’s loved it and since he loved it, that’s a big reason why I love this place,” Sarah explained. “We’re successful! That doesn’t necessarily mean we’re making tons, but we’re able to work together and do what we love to do.”    

Their store recently hosted a free container garden class and Sarah told me that these types of gardens are quickly growing in popularity.

They’ve had more inquiries about container gardening over the last few years, but Sarah’s seen some customers quickly become discouraged.  “I see a lot of people that are just starting out go a little overboard,” she said, explaining that you can easily get overwhelmed in the heat of summer when you have too many plants to hoe and water.

“Start small and see how it goes for you. Then, each year try new things. Work your way up,” Sarah said.  

Gardening Tips from Sarah:

-Don’t buy cheap soil. The soil is the biggest factor when you’re container gardening. You want soil that isn’t going to compact too much where the fertilizer and water can’t penetrate it.

-Fertilize weekly.  When you plant in the ground, your plants can get nutrients from other sources, but in a container, it only receives the nutrients you give it.

-Give your plants support. If you’re planting tomatoes, you can prop them up with something or tie them to a railing or a stake. You don’t want them to get too heavy and break. With squash, the vines will take up a lot of room, but you may have to support them until they can reach the ground from the top of your container.  

-Grow your own herbs.  These are perfect for growing in containers, such as cilantro, basil, oregano. Plant what you use most.  

So, after talking with Sarah, my family and doing a little online research, here’s what I ended up doing.  Even if this garden doesn’t grow well this season, I’m choosing to already call it a success. I’ve learned so much through just the beginning of this process!

What will you need?

-Trowel

-Potting Soil (5- 40 lb bags)

-Garden Soil (2-3 bags of .75 cubic feet)

-1 Bag of River Pebbles/Rocks  (make sure these are at least as wide as the holes you’ll be drilling into the bottom of the bucket)

-5-6 plastic 5-gallon buckets or containers (If you are nervous about planting in plastic, here are some great resources for you! Check out the Micro Gardener and Gardening Know How.)

-Watering can or pitcher

-Drill and large drill bit

-5-6 Plastic Plates that is wider than the bottom of your buckets

-Fertilizer

-Stake

-Twine 

Vegetables:

–Sweet Potato Plants

-Cherry Tomato Plant

-Squash Plant

-Yellow & Orange Pepper Plants

Instructions:

 

-Drill 4-5 holes into the bottom of the 5-gallon buckets

-Fill the bottom with rocks, 1 layer is enough. You just want it to cover the holes.  This will allow water to seep through, without letting dirt compact the holes.

-Fill half with potting soil and then mix in a few inches of garden soil.  

-Fill the rest of the way with potting soil and then mix in a thin layer of garden soil.

-Dig your hole and plant your vegetable according to the instructions on its tag.  

-Water and fertilize.

-If you don’t want water seeping out from your container, then place the plastic plate underneath to keep it contained.

-Water daily.

-As your plants grow you may need to support them with stakes and twine.  Otherwise the stems may break from the weight of the vegetables.  Refer to Sarah’s tips earlier in the post.