There have been questions concerning my container gardening, so let's see if I can answer any of them!
Intially I had planned to plant in the ground like "normal people" this year. However, there are many reasons I am growing in containers instead. Some of these only pertain to this year (so far), but others are just great pros of containers. So here are a few reasons as to why we decided to go this route this year, though there are tons of other benefits, such as space saving, which is a concern for many.
1. Weather - Nature was being a bit more indecisive this year than usual. Any time we planned to get busy working on garden beds, another wave of "Texas winter" would hit. By the time we could safely put plants outside, it was already overdue and we didn't have much of anything prepared.
2. Soil Issues - We do not have the greatest most desirable soil here. There are a few patches here and there that plants would be overjoyed with. However, most of our yard is made up of rocky sand or hard pack clay, neither of which is suitable for much of anything you would want to grow. This being said, there are many ways to improve and fix these types of problems, we just simply did not have the time or resources this year. I'm hoping to work on this during the off season this year so we have more space to plant next year.
3. Kids - If you have kids, you will understand this one. Regardless of how many times you tell them to watch where they step, they're going to trample your plants if they're in the ground and don't have a neon flashing sign attached! People mowing are also going to be an issue, I've already lost one newly planted blackberry to a rider this year. Also, like raised beds, it is almost impossible to over water! And when you have kids helping, this is a major bonus. Our nieces were here this past weekend and between them and our youngest two, they watered the plants for at least an hour lol! They had a great time, got to help and no harm done.
4. Portability - I love the fact that if need be, we can just pick them and move them. So, if something isn't getting enough sun or is getting to hot in the killer summer afternoons, someone is mowing, bad weather is rolling in, maybe you need to avoid a fire ant bed. Whatever the reason, they are easily moved and quick to do even if you have a ton like us.
5. Weeds - Though it is possible to get weeds in containers, it's not as likely. So this alone makes the gardening process so much simpler and easier to maintain through the season. You also won't have to worry about plants competing for nutrients and water.
I hope this helps answer any questions and maybe even inspires some to get planting. With containers you can grow anywhere and it's a great way for people with limitations to still be able to garden. In my next post I'll tell you about everything we have in the containers (so far) this year!
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