FIND YOUR IDEAL CONTAINER
INTRODUCTION
INGREDIENTS
- Bought containers
- Recycled containers such as old pots, barrels…
Choosing the perfect container for your urban Permaculture garden is like picking out the right outfit—there are so many options, each with its own perks and quirks! Let’s take a look at some popular container choices and weigh their pros and cons.
FULL SOIL
Pros: Mimics natural growing conditions, provides ample space for deep-rooted plants, supports diverse soil life, holds moisture well, can offer excellent drainage, promotes healthy growth.
Cons: needs sufficient ground space or access to open soil, may require more effort in preparation, may need soil amendments for optimal fertility, susceptible to weed growth, limited mobility for garden layout changes, potential for soil compaction over time without proper management.
PLANT POTS
Pros: Portable, versatile, come in various sizes, materials and styles; suitable for small spaces such as patios or windowsills, can be arranged creatively, easy to move around for optimal sunlight.
Cons: Limited root space for plants, can dry out quickly, may require more frequent watering, limited plant variety due to space constraints.
GROW BAGS
Pros: Lightweight, portable, good for limited spaces such as balconies or rooftops, breathable fabric promotes air pruning of roots, can be used on various surfaces, affordable, easy to store, flexible arrangement for optimizing sunglight exposure, flexible design, easy storage after the growing season ends.
Cons: Limited lifespan compared to other containers, may deteriorate over time, may require additional support to prevent tipping over.
RAISED BEDS
Pros: Lightweight, portable, good for limited spaces such as balconies or rooftops, breathable fabric promotes air pruning of roots, can be used on various surfaces, affordable, easy to store, flexible arrangement for optimizing sunglight exposure, flexible design, easy storage after the growing season ends.
Cons: Limited lifespan compared to other containers, may deteriorate over time, may require additional support to prevent tipping over.
WOODEN BOXES
Pros: Portable, versatile, come in various sizes, materials and styles, suitable for small spaces such as patios or windowsills, can be arranged creatively, easy to move around for optimal sunlight.
Cons: Limited root space for plants, can dry out quickly, may require more frequent watering, limited plant variety due to space constraints
VERTICAL STRUCTURE
Pros: Works well in limited horizontal space, maximizes growing space, suitable for vining plants like tomatoes and cucumbers, efficient use of space in small gardens, can provide shade for other plants.
Cons: Requires sturdy support, may limit access to sunlight for lower plants, may require regular pruning and maintenance, may need additional watering due to faster evaporation.
HANGING BASKET
Pros: Ideal for trailing plants and flowers, decorative, saves ground space, can be placed in sunny spots like balconies and windowsills.
Cons: Limited soil volume, requires frequent watering, may dry out quickly in hot weather, limited plant variety due to space constraints.
BARELLS/ DRUMS
Pros: Lightweight, portable, good for limited spaces such as balconies or rooftops, breathable fabric promotes air pruning of roots, can be used on various surfaces, affordable, easy to store, flexible arrangement for optimizing sunglight exposure, flexible design, easy storage after the growing season ends.
Cons: Limited lifespan compared to other containers, may deteriorate over time, may require additional support to prevent tipping over.
“Permaculture gives us a toolkit for moving from a culture of fear and scarcity to one of love and abundance.” Toby Hemenway
PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES
Use Small and Slow Solutions: Start with a container size that’s manageable, especially if you’re new to gardening or tight on space.
Use and Value Diversity: Different containers suit different plants, adding variety to your garden.
Design from Patterns to Details: Choose containers that fit your overall garden design, ensuring everything works together smoothly.
