Image by LollyKnit via Flickr

Container gardening for children is a wonderful way for them to learn about growing things. It is an activity that can be done, both, inside and outdoors. It is suitable for children of all ages. Of course, younger children will require the most supervision.

This project is suitable for the classroom, for scouting groups and for homeschooling families. Container gardening fits into almost any budget and basic supplies are really quite affordable.

If you are working with a group of students, for example, you can easily request that they bring a container from home. You might even consider giving a small prize to the child that comes up with the most unique container idea.

When choosing a container, for this activity, there are several things to keep in mind. Plants that have larger roots will require more drainage and will need a container with small holes to allow the water to escape.

Containers constructed out of pre-treated wood should be avoided. There is a possibility that the toxic chemicals, in this type of wood, might be transferred to the soil and plants. Should you decide to make your own wooden planters, utilize a wood such as cedar. It will not rot.

If you will be gardening outdoors, think about using old tires as your containers. They work very well for container gardening and you will be helping the environment, because you are recycling.

When considering the best plants to use for container gardening, consider using dwarf varieties. Children are especially intrigued by these smaller plants, which produce mini flowers and vegetables.

Plants which thrive in these gardens include but are not limited to: carrots, green pepper, eggplant, tomatoes, sage, chives, petunias, marigolds, pansies, coleus, mums and dwarf sunflowers.

Container gardening allows children to be creative and have fun, while learning about nature. What are you waiting for? Start a gardening project, today!

Container gardening enables you to easily vary your color scheme, and as each plant finishes flowering, it can be replaced with another. Whether you choose to harmonize or contrast your colors, make sure there is variety in the height of each plant. Think also of the shape and texture of the leaves. Tall strap-like leaves will give a good vertical background to low-growing, wide-leaved plants. Choose plants with a long flowering season, or have others of a different type ready to replace them as they finish blooming.

Experiment with creative containers. You might have an old porcelain bowl or copper urn you can use, or perhaps you’d rather make something really modern with timber or tiles.  If you decide to buy your containers ready-made, terracotta pots look wonderful, but tend to absorb water. You don’t want your plants to dry out, so paint the interior of these pots with a special sealer available from hardware stores.
Cheaper plastic pots can also be painted on the outside with water-based paints for good effect.  When purchasing pots, don’t forget to buy matching saucers to catch the drips. This will save cement floors getting stained, or timber floors rotting.
Always use a good quality potting mix in your containers. This will ensure the best performance possible from your plants.

If you have steps leading up to your front door, an attractive pot plant on each one will delight your visitors. Indoors, pots of plants or flowers help to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Decide ahead of time where you want your pots to be positioned, then buy plants that suit the situation. There is no point buying sun lovers for a shady position, for they will not do well. Some plants also have really large roots, so they are best kept for the open garden.

If you have plenty of space at your front door, a group of potted plants off to one side will be more visually appealing than two similar plants placed each side. Unless they are spectacular, they will look rather boring.
Group the pots in odd numbers rather than even, and vary the height and type. To tie the group together, add large rocks that are similar in appearance and just slightly different in size. Three or five pots of the same type and color, but in different sizes also looks affective.

With a creative mind and some determination, you will soon have a container garden that will be the envy of friends and strangers alike.

Jerry J. Jansen
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