Container gardening

The heat and humidity in the South are great for growing plants!  Unfortunately, the weeds and grass love it, too, frustrating many who try to row-garden.  Guest blogger and master gardener Amy avoids the weed problem by using containers to grow her fruits and vegetables.

Hi Nancy,

When I had my camera out this morning, I thought you might enjoy some 
pictures of my different containers.  I love containers because I can 
control the soil and the plant is off the ground which saves my knees.  
I do have to water a little more, but to me it's worth the extra time.  
Over the past few years, my husband and I have tried to think out of the 
box on the types of containers to use.  I get ideas from magazines too.  
Here are some pictures with an explanation below.  

Amy

We use a lot of 50 gallon drums (these had soda products in them).  
We cut them in half and drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage.  
After planting season, I take some of the dirt out of the top and put 
that in my compost pile. I use potting mix (sometimes my own) to replenish.

In  picture number #1 you'll notice some grape vines planted in 
tires.  This picture has blueberry plants in tires where we made the 
tire hole bigger (I like this way better).

Makeshift strawberry containers....cinder blocks and an old 
bookshelf found at a dumpster.

Old cedar tree trunk. 

Jake's old 1979 Ford Truck.  I have planted corn in the back of the 
bed and they did quite well until the goats decided to jump on top and 
eat the leaves.  You'll notice I have it fence protected now and I'll 
plant something in it this year, just not sure what yet.

An old washing machine  with some flowers. I planted herbs in it 
last year.

Old cast iron sink......one of antique cheap treasures.

Austin stopped using this feed trough for his goats, so I put it to 
use this spring and planted onions.  I just made sure there were 
drainage holes on the bottom.

Jake made this box 5 years ago.  Yes, the wood is treated, but we 
lined  the inside with plastic before putting dirt inside.  I have 
garlic in it right now that I planted in the fall.

A bucket of lettuce

An example of how I plant my tomato plants.

Great ideas, Amy!  Thank you so much for sharing!

So, how does your garden grow?

Nancy