If you lack the space for a traditional backyard or Garden, you could consider a Container Garden as an alternative. This allows you to enjoy the same great garden freshness and natural beauty inside your home. Not a problem I have personally, however a friend has had great success with this, so I thought I'd have a look into it.

Acontainer gardenis very useful regardless of its size; they'll fit just about any home with just one pot for some herbs and greens. Tomatoes, peppers and spring onions can also be grown to test one’s green thumb skills as small-space farmers.

Some simple planting tips and tricks to get the home garden going.

Choice of Potting Soil

A container garden requires good Organic Potting Soil that encourages growth. It's not sufficient to put on top soil from the garden as potting soil has added nutrients besides being specially formulated to be light and airy to encourage good drainage. Organic potting soil is the best choice for the best outcome as most commercial varieties have been treated with chemicals. This may prevent weeds from growing but its composition is harmful to the stuff we like to grow and eat as well.

Added Component

Since a container garden is limited in its natural growth capacity unlike that of a garden or backyard with Mother Nature’s assistance, the pot of soil should have some added component like perlite to promote growth. Perlite balls are naturally-occurring volcanic glass that are instrumental in enabling plants to breathe and grow properly. Perlite works to prevent soil from being compacted besides aiding in good filtration.

Types of Tools

Gardening tools are essential to every good gardener for successful gardening. One handy gardening tool is the spade. For a container garden, a little hand spade or trowl is sufficient to enjoy a bit of gardening.

Another tool for a successful container garden is a pair of shears as regular pruning promotes the proper growth of plants. Every gardener knows the necessity of snipping off twigs, branches and leaves here and there, every so often to promote plant growth.

For tomatoes in particular, the undergrowth needs to be cleared for stronger main branches to come out and hold the fruit up. Sheers are very useful during harvest, especially when growing and maintaining some herbs like fresh parsley and chives.

Stakes

Stakes are extremely useful for propping up plants such as tomatoes and peppers as these need some support up until their roots and stem are strong enough to do the work independently.