Video:Custom-Build Garden Containers

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Transcript:Custom-Build Garden Containers

Hi, I'm Danielle Lessovitz for About.com, and today I am going to show you how to custom-build containers for a container garden. Container gardens can live anywhere - on rooftops, sidewalks and patios - which makes them the perfect solution for any gardener or aspiring gardener living in a city.

Why Build Your Own Garden Containers?

However, collecting enough ceramic pots for a container garden can cost a small fortune and since almost any type of container will work such as old baskets, bathtubs, boots and football helmets it pays to be creative. Today I am going to show how transform old objects in to pots, make a hanging basket out of a colander, and custom-build a widow box for a very charming container garden

Basics of Custom-Built Garden Containers

When choosing a container it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, the container must hold soil, second it will need to have good drainage. Finally, it must be large enough to hold the number and type of plants you wish to grow.

Make a Garden Container Out of Ceramic Objects

The most common problem with found objects is that they lack proper drainage. For instance this ceramic caterpillar is perfect for mint, but the bottom is solid and the water can not seep through. Our first step is to drill holes into the bottom of the found object. With your power drill, drill half-inch holes into the bottom of your object. I am drilling five holes. Fill the bottom of the container with pieces of Styrofoam or broken terra cotta pieces. Fit the plant into the container and fill in soil around the edges.

Recycle a Colander Into a Plant Container

Now that I have my mint caterpillar, I am going to make a hanging basket out of an old colander. For this you will need a colander, a hook and two, two-foot pieces of steel wire. Thread the steel wire through the highest point on the colander. Tie it in knot and pull taut. Now thread the other side through the opposite point on the colander and secure. Repeat this with the second wire forming a cross with the two. Pour in the soil and plant. Now take the hook and collect two wires at the top. And now we have a lovely and quirky hanging basket. Overtime the tomatoes will cascade over the edges.

Use a Bucket to Grow Multiple Container Plants

Let's move on to a container that is perfect for growing multiple plants. For this, I am using a bucket. Buckets are perfect for growing anything from carrots to potatoes to chard.

Today I am going to plant sage, arugula and basil. Drill holes in the container, place crocks at the bottom, I am using terra cotta. Fill the bucket half-way with potting soil. Position the plants. Now fill in potting soil around the herbs, leaving 3/4 of an inch at the top. For the arugula I am using seeds. Sow the seeds by hand, by dropping them into the soil. Cover with a thin layer of potting soil and water.

Almost anything can be used as a container for you garden. The only limitation, is your imagination. Thanks for watching. To learn more, please visit us on the Web at About.com.