SETTING UP A SELF-SUSTAINING CONTAINER GARDEN

By Claire Sandow

Container gardens are a great way to start a garden, especially if you don’t have a lot of space. You can grow many of the same herbs and vegetables that you would grow in an in-ground plot with the convenience of containers that can be placed in the optimal spots in your yard. A container garden with an automatic drip irrigation system can turn an apartment balcony, porch or any area into a mini selfsustaining farm.

To get started, you’ll need to collect your containers. An economical way to get started is to check with stores for

Then, select your plants. What produce does your family like to eat?

Plant leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers to have a ready-made salad or some herbs like basil, mint or rosemary to add seasoning to your cooking.

All these plants need water to thrive. Some, like tomatoes, need lots of water whereas other types of vegetables may only need a little water. While you can water them by hand, you can save time by using a sprinkler system or setting up an irrigation system. An automatic drip irrigation system can be set up with timers to ensure that your plants get the water they need when they need it most

The garden can become a family project where kids can be involved with planting, harvesting and preparing the vegetables to eat.

To learn more about the types of plants that do best in our region and how to care for them, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service is a valuable resource. Their website is filled with great information about plant care, pest identification, a general calendar of when to plant certain crops and more.

Ready to grow? Head to a local nursery like Ebenezer Rose & Garden Nursery or Ijon Webb’s Farm Supply in Springfield and start exploring your