Thoughts of Spring -- Thoughts of Gardening

Are you getting tired of winter?  Cloudy days, chilly winds, and snow on the ground make spring seem very slow in arriving.  One way to get your mind off winter is to start planning a spring garden so when spring actually arrives, you will be ready.

Maybe you are thinking, "but I don't have room for a garden" or "I don't know much about growing vegetables or flowers".  If this is the case, container gardening might be for you.  Container gardening can be located anywhere, it is inexpensive, and takes very little space.  And there are many, many resources at the library or on the web that provide the information you need to be successful.

Not convinced?  Here are 6 reasons to try container gardening this year.

1. It is easy.  All you need is a container -- any container will do -- some potting soil, and seeds or plants.
2. It is inexpensive.  There is no need to buy costly containers.  You can grow vegetables and flowers in just about anything.  Look around your house and you'll be surprised how many things will work -- an old clothes basket, a pail, your child's old wagon, or even a canvas bag.  You also can find low-cost containers at flea markets or yard sales.
3. Requires only a small space.  Even if you have a small yard or live in an apartment, you can find some space for container gardening.  Containers fit on your front steps, a fire escape, or balcony.
4. Almost all plans do well in a container.  Almost any plan that will grow in an in-ground garden will also do well as a container-grown plant.  Vegetables that do especially well in containers include: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, green onions, beans, lettuce, squash, radishes, and parsley.
5. Container gardens are beautiful.  Healthy fruits, vegetables and flowers growing in a container add color and beauty to your house or apartment.
6. The whole family can get involved.  Container gardening provides opportunities for parents and kids to work together on a project and have fun doing it.  Many kids love having their own container garden.  Choosing plants, planting and watering help kids learn how things grow and develop responsibility.  Even better, both adults and kids are more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables if they helped to grow and prepare them. 

For more information on container gardening, visit: 

University of Maryland Extension -- Container Vegetable Gardens

Texas A&M Extension -- Vegetable Gardening in Containers