Container gardening is increasingly popular among apartment residents and homeowners who lack garden space. Container gardens allow gardeners to create their own garden without needing a full-size yard. Many types of containers for gardens exist, ranging from window boxes that can be placed on window sills or patio edges, to floor containers and hanging pots. A number of types of plants can be grown in containers, including herbs, flowers, vegetables and some small trees, allowing gardeners a variety of options for their home garden. Container gardening also allows gardeners to grow plants indoors during winter months, when outdoor plants might not survive.
The containers themselves are often the largest cost of container gardening. Some pots may be expensive depending on their size and the material used. Containers large enough to house small trees or taller vegetables may have a higher price tag than containers for smaller and lighter plants such as herbs or flowers. The type of soil used may also increase the price of container gardening because some soils are more expensive than others. Organic or lightweight soils often carry the highest price tags, but each has its benefits.
The most commonly chosen plants for container gardening are herbs and vegetables. Flowering plants and ferns are other popular choices for non-edible container gardening because they can quickly create a lush and vibrant atmosphere with just a few hanging pots or window boxes. Vegetable container gardening often features smaller versions of plants, such as baby carrots, or may include hanging pots with vine plants. Using hanging pots for vine plants allows for those with smaller spaces to enjoy the plants without the need for a large trellis. Herbs grown in hanging pots can also create a fragrant container-based garden easily and without the need for long rows of plants or high soil requirements.
Container gardening has the added benefit of being able to produce plants during winter months, since these containers are often easy to move. When the weather becomes unsuitable, plants may be moved indoors.