Planting a Garden Tub

A garden tub is the perfect solution for gardeners who don’t have large lots, or who want to grow things but don’t have the time to maintain a standard garden. It is also an excellent solution for gardeners who want to vary the look and feel of their existing garden. A tub, or large container, can be used on patios, balconies, or porches, or placed strategically in a larger garden to add variety. It is then filled with water, which can be circulating or still, and aquatic plants and sometimes fish are added.

When thinking about starting a tub-style garden, some gardening tips can come in handy. You can find books about water container gardening at the library, go on-line, or talk to local gardeners. Probably the most important thing to remember about using your tub to grow plants is that the water will be heavy. Once the tub is placed, moving it is a serious challenge.

Levels of Tub Gardening

Like many other kinds of gardening, you can make this as simple or elaborate as you want. Plain plastic plant containers that only hold a gallon is at one end of the scale; at the other is a series of large wooden tubs (old wine barrels are excellent) with water flowing between them.

A large enough tub can hold goldfish. There are a variety of different aquatic plants available; which ones will prosper in your area will depend upon temperature, sunlight, and other conditions. Rocks or bricks in part of the tub will allow you to grow plants that need different depths. The Anarchis plant will help keep the water clean.

If you have goldfish, you will probably need a small pump to circulate the water in the tub. Circulating water also has a pleasant sound and prevents mosquitoes from breeding. Not much maintenance is involved. Enjoy!

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