Movable Gardens Using Garden Tubs

Not all gardening is digging up the ground. Gardening in containers is an option for all levels of gardeners, and is especially good when gardening with children, or for people living in buildings without access to regular gardens. Garden tubs are great for growing all types of plants, and are a good beginning point if you are just starting to garden. Larger than a pot, a tub is traditionally used to grow shrubs in. Favorites for tub gardening include camellias and azaleas which provide foliage all year round. Hydrangeas are also popular for tubs, but look bare in winter. Smaller citrus trees like limes and cumquats will easily grow in tubs, and larger varieties will too, though they may need regular pruning.

Flowers also grow well in tubs. Bulbs are the easiest flower to grow in a tub, but it is possible to use a tub if you are starting seeds for the first time, or are experienced at growing from seed. Annuals are attractive, and if grown in a pot make a mobile garden that can be moved wherever some color is wanted. Marigolds are particularly spectacular when grown in tubs, and will flower over a long period.

Tubs Are More Than Decoration

Herbs will grow in tubs, though they do best outdoors as they need sunshine each day. When planting a herb garden in a tub, make sure to use good potting mix, and provide good drainage. Herbs are easy to grow from seed. Once your herbs have started growing, never remove more than a fifth of the plant each time you cut it.

Your garden in a tub is still susceptible to pests and diseases. Use the same measures you would with a regular garden. If you can catch pests and weeds when they first start appearing, you can usually remove them all by hand.

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