How to Choose the Right Containers for Your Indoor Garden

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How to Choose the Right Containers for Your Indoor Garden

Staff Writer · Feb 3, 2010

Growing an indoor garden begins with choosing the right containers for your plants. The type of plants you want will determine the size and materials of your planters. With some knowledge and creativity, you can transform anything from an old kettle to an empty coffee can to a container for your indoor garden. You can also buy containers from your favorite garden supply store. Use these guidelines to choose the right ones for you:

Drainage

No matter what size or style container you choose, you must have proper drainage. Check the bottom of each container to make sure there are holes for water to escape. The key to growing a successful indoor garden is not to over water your plants and to get the right amount of sunlight. If your plants don’t drain well when you water, they will not grow well and will eventually stop growing altogether.

Large Containers for Tomatoes

If you plan to grow tomatoes in your indoor garden, then you’ll need large containers because of their root system. They won’t grow in small containers, and by the time you find that out, it could be too late. Accessories such as cages to go around the containers, to support the stems of your tomato plants, will also help you to grow tomatoes successfully indoors.

Watering Needs

Your plants will need to be watered daily, but the size of your containers can determine how often you’ll need to water the plants in them. Large containers require that you water them less frequently than smaller containers. If you’re not home most of the day, you should use as many large containers as possible. If you stay at home and are able to water your plants frequently, then smaller containers are a fine choice.

Weight

You may not want to lift heavy containers, and therefore the materials of the containers you choose for your indoor garden are important. For example, you may have the option to move some of your containers outdoors for part of the season, onto a deck or balcony. Stone, Terra Cotta or other clay containers are extra heavy with soil added, and may not be your best option. Plastic containers are lightweight and would be a lot easier for you to move around, even the larger ones.

Recycled Containers

If you don’t care how your indoor garden looks to guests and others, then consider using containers you already have around the house. That’s not to say that you can’t make a great looking garden out of recycled material. However, if your goal is to save money and grow what you can, then consider using coffee cans, small and medium sized plastic trash bins, milk bottles (gallon sized), gift baskets and cloth bags. Make sure that you include drainage and the container is deep enough and large enough to contain the plant when it grows to its fullest potential.

After you decide which containers to choose, you can add the other garden supplies you’ll need to grow your indoor garden. Having the right container is much like laying down a good foundation for building a house. Once that’s out of the way, the rest of your gardening gets a little easier.

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