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Container Growing is a popular way to produce many vegetables, the majority of herbs and some fruits too, in particular for the organic gardener . This is particularly suitable if you have a small garden or your soil conditions and or weather are not suitable for raising vegetables and fruit in the garden commonly.

If you are new to gardening or want to encourage your children , container growing is a great place to begin . Watching those first plants sprout from the surface is both fun and rewarding and for those who are unable to or cannot dig a garden, an easy way to grow your own organic food .

This easy method of growing is cheap any pot or vessel is suitable. Providing it has a whole in the bottom for drainage, which is very crucial or your plants will become waterlogged and die. A larger container is better , particularly for growing bigger vegetable or fruits. Before you do anything make sure the container is well scrubbed and washed particually if it has been grown in before , pests and disease will destroy your young planting so take special care.

With Growing in Pots and Containers you can get a head start from the usual planting season outside and without the extra expense of a greenhouse or cold frame. Sow your seeds in the warm indoors in early springtime and move them out leisurely as the weather warms up, during the day at first, taking them in at night when frost is at risk.

It is impotantant to use a new organic compost and soil mixture, do not be tempted to skimp and use existing soil from an old container that has been grown in before. It is improbable to have any useful nutrients left to help your new plants grow, and will almost sure enough contain pest or diseases to. After planting feed with a good organic fertilizer on a regular basis to ensure you get the best harvesting.

When starting out with Container Growing small crops are preferable , salad leaves, lettuce, herbs and strawberries grow well. Organic tomatoes and peppers are also worth growing along with some fruits which will do well on a sunny balcony or terrace. Try growing the crops that you and your family relish most, it will make the whole experience that more rewarding and worthwhile especially for young children .

When growing fast maturing produce like lettuce or salad leaves, it is alright to grow something else in the same compost subsequently, but not from the same family for example not salad afer salad lettuce after lettuce. Just strip out the roots and debris add a little more soil and sow your next crop, ideally something like spring onion or dwarf beans after lettuce.

Since container growing conditions are very different from those found outside in a normal kitchen garden, wherever crops grow freely in the soil , a different regime is required in order to come through. The way you grow your crops will also depend on weather they are a seasonal planting or something you reckon to grow on such as a small fruit tree like a fig tree or similar that will do well in a pot .

Maintaining your container crops watered is vital to make sure a bountiful crop and healthy plants, containers plants will quickly use up water especially in hot weather and will need a never-ending supply. If your thinking of a vacation makes sure a friend is on hand to take over the watering or you will return to a garden with little living .

When you are producing your own organic plants  fruit and vegetable in containers you know where it has come from, nothing is fresher than picking it directly from the plant and eating it. No chemicals or pesticides have been used, it is as fresh and healthy as nature intended. Nothing is more worthwhile than growing your own vegetables it is one thing you will love and a great hobby for everyone in the family , organic gardening is something that will also save you cash too!

Related articles

• How to Grow Your First Garden (getrichslowly.org)
• Best Plants to Choose When Starting a Container Vegetable Garden (brighthub.com)
• Grow more vegetables in less space (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

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