Small space? Small Container Growing!
2022-03-29
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1Gardeners, or people who grow plants and crops, typically use a part of land on their property.
2But for many people having a bit of land is just a dream.
3Some people have limited ability to move around.
4Others might be scared because they are new to gardening.
5There is a solution to these barriers.
6Jessica Damiano is an expert and educator in all things gardening.
7She invites people to start with small gardens.
8Even for people with a lot of land, if they start with small container gardening, they can avoid weeds and just care for a few plants.
9Many people who produce plants have decreased the size of plants we eat for food.
10That is because of the gardening renaissance.
11People are gardening on the tops of their homes, in fire escapes and on small outdoor areas for sitting.
12These places are best for planting vegetables in containers.
13Damiano suggests looking for small varieties of your favorite vegetable.
14Even though they are small, the plants will produce a lot!
15Crops that have the words little, mini and baby, like Patio Baby eggplants, Sugar Baby watermelons or Kitchen Minis tomatoes, will be perfect for small containers.
16Plants that grow towards the sky, and most herbs, also grow well in pots.
17After you select the type of crop you want to grow, you must consider the container, the type of soil or potting mix and where your plants will grow.
18This is an important step.
19Unlike plants that are grown in the ground, plants grown in containers need more water and fertilizer.
20Use deep pots made of metal or plastic to hold in the water.
21This can decrease the amount you have to water the plants.
22Be sure the containers have holes in the bottom to drain the water.
23Dirt from your land is too heavy and may house disease or insects.
24Instead, you can choose excellent, organic potting mix that does not have soil mixed in.
25You should also mix in organic fertilizer that can be used with water if the mixture does not include it.
26Keep using the fertilizer every week to 10 days throughout the time you grow.
27After planting, use mulch on top of the potting mix to decrease evaporation, keep the soil temperature even, and prevent weeds from growing.
28Most plants that grow food need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day,
29but if you have an area with little sunlight, try growing a plant that prefers less sun, like carrots, greens, or beets.
30Depending on what you are growing, use different size pots.
31Small varieties of plants do well in anything from 2 gallons to 5 gallons depending on the size of the plant.
32Cucumbers and peas require 2-gallon containers.
33Small carrots and peppers need 5-gallon pots.
34Larger plants like watermelons need 8-to-10 gallons.
35For potatoes, you can use a plastic liner with holes and small rocks in the bottom for water to drain.
36Herbs do not need extra fertilizer throughout the growing season, but they do need the smallest size container, no less than a half-gallon.
37The best way to check for water in the soil is by pushing your finger about 2 inches into the soil and if the soil feels dry by the roots of the plant, add water.
38Watering the plants less often, but more intensely at one time is better than watering a little bit every day.
39With these ideas, a little planning, and the correct plants, your small space can grow a lot of crops!
40I'm Faith Pirlo
1Gardeners, or people who grow plants and crops, typically use a part of land on their property. But for many people having a bit of land is just a dream. Some people have limited ability to move around. Others might be scared because they are new to gardening. 2There is a solution to these barriers. Jessica Damiano is an expert and educator in all things gardening. She invites people to start with small gardens. Even for people with a lot of land, if they start with small container gardening, they can avoid weeds and just care for a few plants. 3Many people who produce plants have decreased the size of plants we eat for food. That is because of the gardening renaissance. People are gardening on the tops of their homes, in fire escapes and on small outdoor areas for sitting. These places are best for planting vegetables in containers. 4Damiano suggests looking for small varieties of your favorite vegetable. Even though they are small, the plants will produce a lot! Crops that have the words little, mini and baby, like Patio Baby eggplants, Sugar Baby watermelons or Kitchen Minis tomatoes, will be perfect for small containers. Plants that grow towards the sky, and most herbs, also grow well in pots. 5After you select the type of crop you want to grow, you must consider the container, the type of soil or potting mix and where your plants will grow. This is an important step. 6Unlike plants that are grown in the ground, plants grown in containers need more water and fertilizer. Use deep pots made of metal or plastic to hold in the water. This can decrease the amount you have to water the plants. Be sure the containers have holes in the bottom to drain the water. 7Dirt from your land is too heavy and may house disease or insects. Instead, you can choose excellent, organic potting mix that does not have soil mixed in. You should also mix in organic fertilizer that can be used with water if the mixture does not include it. Keep using the fertilizer every week to 10 days throughout the time you grow. After planting, use mulch on top of the potting mix to decrease evaporation, keep the soil temperature even, and prevent weeds from growing. 8Most plants that grow food need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, but if you have an area with little sunlight, try growing a plant that prefers less sun, like carrots, greens, or beets. 9Depending on what you are growing, use different size pots. Small varieties of plants do well in anything from 2 gallons to 5 gallons depending on the size of the plant. Cucumbers and peas require 2-gallon containers. Small carrots and peppers need 5-gallon pots. Larger plants like watermelons need 8-to-10 gallons. For potatoes, you can use a plastic liner with holes and small rocks in the bottom for water to drain. 10Herbs do not need extra fertilizer throughout the growing season, but they do need the smallest size container, no less than a half-gallon. 11The best way to check for water in the soil is by pushing your finger about 2 inches into the soil and if the soil feels dry by the roots of the plant, add water. Watering the plants less often, but more intensely at one time is better than watering a little bit every day. 12With these ideas, a little planning, and the correct plants, your small space can grow a lot of crops! 13I'm Faith Pirlo 14Jessica Damiano reported this story for the Associated Press. Faith Pirlo adapted it for VOA Learning English. 15__________________________________________________________________ 16Words in This Story 17weeds - n. unwanted plants or flowers surrounding the main plant 18renaissance - n. a rebirth or renewal of something 19fertilizer - n. a substance that is added to plants to help them grow 20organic - adj. produced or treated without chemicals 21mulch - n. natural materials that is used for covering plants 22What vegetables would you grow in a small container? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.