So I wanted to start gardening

alokin · Intermediate Crude Joined: Aug 24, 2007 Posts: 530

I won't start with container gardening because it does not teach you to build the soil properly. I would start right away, first the compost and some mulch and then growing some easy stuff. I would first try to get some seeds for free or cheap as it's almost for sure that your first harvest won't be much.
The library and your neighbors are great sources of knowledge.

uNkNowN ElEmEnt

When it comes to terra cotta pots, you just have to seal them, then they won't steal all the water away. just run a pot under the faucet for a minute and pull it out and you'll see how quickly the water disappears. Using them is nuts AFAIC.

As far as the topic here goes? pick three easy to do (preferably compatible type plants, if theya re going in the same plot) make sure they are ones you will eat.

If you are survival minded like many of us, make them ones that will be part of your food storage plan (it helps if you know what your food storage plan is first)

If you are doing tomatoes in containers its not unheard of to stop counting after 100 tomatoes between three or four plants. So know how many you wnat to do and how you will deal with the fruits of your labours.

Pick three easier ones (eg: not pickles) you can learn and master before you move on, and go for it.
_________________
LIfe is the journey. and I may resemble a worn out shoe by the end. but I bet I'll be just as comfy.

nocar · Intermediate Crude Joined: Nov 05, 2004 Posts: 661

The main drawback of container gardening is that you have to water frequently, even twice a day in really hot weather. If you can move the container into the shade when you will be away for at day or two you might save it.

I would also start small scale, but do both a couple of containers and a pile of dirt, or perhaps doing two piles in different spots, weat, dry, full sun, partly shade.
You learn more about what works if you vary conditions, doing an informal experiment.

nocar