As the cost of food from grocers skyrockets, many families are finding alternatives to their produce problems. Some are looking to farmers. Others are going to fresh, local markets. And the very ambitious are finding the time and energy to start a garden of their own.

Of course, many of us don’t have the land or the room to start a full-blown garden. If we did, we probably would have started one before now. But there is an alternative: container gardening.

According to the Clemson Extension office, container gardening has become more and more popular, even among those with the space to plant a traditional one. It can be used in landscaping or to “gussy up” a patio or deck area.

But there are a few things to consider first.

Containers

Almost anything can be used for container gardening. Barrels, flower pots, window boxes or even large cinder blocks provide great storage for produce. However, anything you use should: a) be big enough to support a fully grown plant; b) hold the soil without spillage; c) drain properly; and d) never have held anything toxic to people or plants.

Most containers should be at least 6 to 8 inches tall for proper root growth, according to the Clemson Extension Home and Garden Information Center.

Media

In the South, most soils are very clay heavy and, therefore, very heavy indeed. This soil holds too much water and can suffocate your plants. That’s why buying packaged potting soil is the best way to go.

If packaged soil seems too pricey, the Clemson Extension suggests using a mixture of one part peat moss, one part potting soil and one part clean, coarse builder’s sand and a slow-release fertilizer.

Planting

Planting probably should have started before now, but produce beggars can’t be choosers. Many planters will have to have purchased plants rather than starting their garden from seed. While this is a pricier endeavor, it also has the benefit of getting fruit faster.

Most plants have directions, so follow those. Then, put a label on your container with the name of the plant and variety.

Watering

In watering, container gardens can dry quickly and be overwatered quickly as well. In many cases, daily or twice-daily watering might be required. A general rule of thumb is to water until it runs out the drainage holes.

Make sure to check your containers once a day or more on hot, dry or windy days.

General Care

Insects are problems in almost any garden. Searches for harmful insects could be the difference between getting good produce from the plant or doing a lot of work for little return. If possible, protect your plants from high heat on pavement by moving them to a cool spot during the hottest part of the day. And during severe weather, shelter your plants.

From the Clemson Extension office and South Carolina Master Gardener Training Manual