The reasons for considering patio container gardening are numerous. Perhaps you do not have a yard to plant a traditional garden in, especially if you live in a condominium or an apartment. Or, maybe the yard you do have is not suitable because the soil is either too dense or too sandy and would need extensive amending to be usable. It is also possible that you have a nice grassy lawn you do not want to dig up to plant a garden, but you still want the pleasure of having one.

Other reasons to have a container garden may be the convenience of having herbs and vegetables close to the kitchen for the use of the cook. Persons with limited mobility such as elders or those with disabilities can still access gardening pleasures this way also. Plus, a container garden can be moved about and rearranged in numerous ways that are pleasing and useful.

One of the first things to think about is the type or types of containers you will need. There are many to choose from, whether it be traditional types such as terra cotta, ceramic, or wood. Other choices include metal, wire baskets and woven baskets such as wicker or bamboo. Or, you may find it fun to think of unusual things to use for containers. Vintage watering cans, old boots, and galvanized tin buckets are just a few examples of novelty items that you can plant your garden in.

When choosing containers, a very important thing to keep in mind is drainage. Whatever the material the container is made of, it must have a way for excess water to drain off so plants do not have water-logged roots, which can kill them. Commercial garden pots generally come with drainage holes already in them, but, especially if you are using unusual or novelty items, you may have to make them yourself.

It is important that the planting medium you use also be the type that allows for the proper amount of drainage. Packaged potting soils available commercially are generally suitable for this purpose. If you have a yard and wish to use dirt from it, be certain that it is not too heavy, like clay, or too light, like sand. You can perhaps use your own soil in containers with the addition of amendments such as peat moss or vermiculite to adjust the texture.

Watering plants in containers will generally need to be done more frequently than watering a lawn or ground garden. Moisture has more opportunity to escape from pots, through drainage holes and also from the sides of the pot if it is made from a porous material such as terra cotta. In very warm weather, watering once a day is usually necessary, or perhaps more frequently, depending on temperature, humidity, and the specific plants you are tending.

Although often container gardens cost less to create than a large garden in the ground, there can still be considerable expenses depending on the types of containers, purchased soils, and other items. However, it is possible to find quite inexpensive containers at garage and estate sales, thrift stores, and even for free by perusing local advertisements. You can also often find dirt for free from local excavations, which may or may not need amending with other substances to produce the right texture for drainage.

There are many books and online resources to help you get started with patio container gardening. You can also involve children, elders, other family members and friends in your garden project. The rewards are many, including beautiful flowers, fresh vegetables and herbs, and the pleasure of arranging your containers in new and exciting displays, all with great convenience.