Last week we discussed garbage. Although a smelly topic, I believe that we covered means by which one could decrease their annual bill garbage removal bill just as I had. Don’t forget, I managed to cut my bill by 40% over the past two years, even though the increase in gas prices and travel expenses had to be figured into that decrease. Enough on that topic, what are we talking about this week?
The topic this week is container gardening. That’s right, container gardening, something that everyone can do, or so it is said. I on the other hand have a hard time growing anything, the healthiest of plants that come into my home soon die, I definitely have a brown thumb, yet I decided to give container gardening a try. Why? Easy, it will cut down on my vegetable expenses if I am able to succeed, I can also give the access to those who may need it.
The first step in container gardening is easy; plant your seats, which I did. Unfortunately, I planted the seeds without marking what I had planted and I an extremely dense when it comes to deciphering the type of plants which are now growing for me. Step one, purchase potting soil when it is on sale; I purchased 6 bags of potting soil for this little experiment. They weighed 8 pounds a piece and cost me 69 cents per bag for an initial expense of $4.14 plus tax. I also went into a neighborhood dollar store and purchase thirty packets of seeds at ten for one dollar; another $3.00 investment. My investment therefore topped seven dollars and now the question is, can I produce more than that cost by growing vegetables. I suppose if things continue on track, I can definitely produce a savings here. In other words, you will be getting an update from time to time on this experiment.
As I noted earlier, my first mistake was not to mark the type of plants on each container; as some began growing, I was able to determine what they are, since I spent one full month planting new seeds, after the first seeds began to sprout, I realized and corrected my mistake.
I have learned that one must be extremely careful when planting, plant but three seeds top per container. Should you plant more than three, your time will be spent transplanting, or thinning out the plants which then become wasted. However, during transplanting you may also find that your plants perish, thus leaving you with wasted time. You should strive to use as few seeds as possible per container, and save yourself the trouble of transplanting too soon.
In order to transplant, you must have containers. I have kept everything I deemed usable from aluminum cans to plastic jugs. I wash them, storing them away until I find a need to transplant in a bigger pot. By recycling objects as containers, I have restricted the costs associated to this project. However, because I have been determined to allow every plant to grow to its fullest potential, and because I was not stingy with the seeds during first plantings, I have far more plants than necessary, and I am costing myself precious time daily, when I move the containers from window to window, allowing the plants to receive a differing sunlight daily.
I am also, at this point, experimenting with watering techniques; watering some plants daily, some plants morning, some afternoon, some evening. Some I water every other day, some every three days and a few on a once per week basis. The question I am attempting to answer for those of you who may find an interest in container gardening is; does watering pattern affect the plant?
Another question I wish to determine an answer to, is will plants which thrive in a garden, also thrive in a container; and how will they produce in a container. While this is an experiment for me; I hope that some of my readers will take an interest in container gardening and keeping a journal which they will be eager to share with others.
I am container gardening to assist myself financially as well as to assist others. This also allows me a hobby which I can maintain [do not forget with my disability a garden may be too much of a physical venture for me.]
My little experiment seems to be faring well to date. I have now included two of my grandchildren in my experiment; each has chosen items they wish to grow. Each of the two has labeled their containers, planted their seeds, watered their crops and left them for grandma to tend until their next weekly visit. This is not a time consuming venture, it is however, a means to spend quality time with each of the children on an individual basis and hopefully give them a bit of pleasure when they harvest the fruit of their labors.
I will give brief updates on this venture on successive Tips and Trips pages. Should anyone decide to attempt the same, please email me at webmaster@reallyfree.zzn.com [please put conatiner gardening in the subject line] to let me know how you are doing and any tips and tricks you have learned.
