Space is not an issue with container gardening. Photo Credit: thomas pix

Small outdoor spaces are a common issue for many urban- and suburbanites. You might have a patio or deck, balcony or veranda, but little space exists for growing those vegetables that create a fun summer activity as well as feed the family. If you don't have the extra lawn area to plant a full-fledged garden, or if you enjoy mobility and easy access to your garden, then container gardening may be the way to go.

Container gardening consists simply of planting select vegetables -- tomatoes, peppers, herbs, whatever -- in pots or other containers and strategically placing them out in the sun on your patio, balcony, or stoop. Better yet, just about any container can be used for planting, so it's a great way to reuse some household stuff that might otherwise end up in a landfill.

Author Jeff Bredenberg , famous for his How-To-Cheat- books, has a new book coming out : How To Cheat at Gardening and Yard Work. This book offers tips and advice on all sorts of backyard projects, including several on container gardening:

• Convert all manner of found objects into containers for plants, but there must be drainage to prevent root rot. If the container doesn't have holes, either drill them or create artificial drainage with 2 inches of pea gravel or wood chips. Put a screen over the drainage substance to prevent the soil from washing away.
• Don't skimp on the size of your container and then cram too m...

Read the full article in the CalFinder Remodeling and Home Solar Power Magazine