06
Dec
Some of you have asked me: What am I looking for when considering a container with which to grow food? It is such a great question.
I would suggest that these three attributes are the most important when choosing a planting container:
Size
When I say size, I don’t just mean the size of the container, but also the size of your space.
You must ask yourself, is this container a realistic size for where I’d like to raise my plant(s)? There is no point in trying to shoehorn a plant into to the space between your couch and the window if there won’t be any room for your plant to thrive. Therefore, when choosing a container, or a space to place it, make sure to measure twice- buy once.
What are you growing in your container? Planting a tomato in an 8” pot won’t make a lot of sense because, besides becoming root-bound, there isn’t enough room for sufficient cation exchange, moisture retention, nor will it support the weight of the plant.
Material
You can make (almost) anything into a container for planting.
If you were to tell me that you’d like to plant a few stolons of strawberries in the container of your Great Grandmother Blanche’s remains, I would tell you “Absolutely!” because strawberries require a container that is urn-shaped. However, you may not want to plant fruits or vegetables in a pressure-treated container as contaminants will leach into the soil.
Likewise, planting in a limestone container will cause the pH to increase and the plant to suffer by not absorbing enough nutrients. It is always important to be intentional behind the purpose of your planting.
Drainage
Drainage, drainage, drainage. Chant this to yourself as you are selecting a container.
Does it come with sufficient drainage holes? You know those adorable balcony railing planters that you water incessantly and nothing leaks out the bottom? Your plants are not frat-boy thirsty… they’re swim-team waterlogged. You are literally drowning your plants. Hydroponics has its place, and this isn’t it (that’s for another article).
In addition, make sure you employ the use of a saucer or other vessel to catch any run-off; you want to protect any surface that’s hosting your plants.
At the end of the day, colour and shape speak to the aesthetic, not necessarily the function. Vertical gardening can bring life and purpose to your space. Remember to plan, measure, and don’t be afraid to take chances.