April is the perfect month to begin creating a green oasis on your balcony or patio. Many people think that because they live in an apartment or condo they can’t enjoy gardening, but nothing could be further from the truth. With just a few inexpensive supplies, you can become a container gardening pro. And, most importantly, you can enjoy your own herbs and vegetables in meals and drinks in the months to come.

Selecting the Perfect Container

Before you buy containers, you need to decide what you want to grow. For example, one herb that thrives in containers is mint. The ideal container for mint should be 8 inches or more in diameter and 10 inches deep. It should have adequate drainage, and it’s a good idea to place a saucer under your container to collect excess water. Also, mint is best when it’s the only herb in the container because it will take over all available space.

Many lettuce varieties also do very well in containers. A 6- to 12- inch clay pot, again with adequate drainage is ideal. Using a clay pot is important because lettuce likes to be well-watered, but does not do well if its roots get soggy. Clay provides a permeable surface that can evaporate any excess water.

Choosing the Right Supplies

In addition to using good potting soil, you’ll need to get a few more supplies to help you become a container gardening aficionado. So, if you’ve planted mint or beans or anything else that can grow upright, you need bamboo stakes. Tie them to your plants using string or twine and it will help give them the added support they need to continue to grow.

Another important, but often overlooked item, are garden markers. If you get really enthusiastic and start planting lots of herbs and vegetables, you may forget what is growing in each container! It’s also great if you can get markers like these:

Chalk markers allow you to erase and start over again as you experiment with different plants from year to year. Also, some herbs like parsley and dill are annuals and will not grow back unless you replant.

Good luck with your container garden, and if you need basics like a watering can, garden gloves, and a soil scoop, come in and see us!