Container Gardening for Beginners: How to Start Container Gardening
Not everyone has access to a large backyard or plantable land, which is why container gardening for beginners is such a great option. Growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs in pots allows you to enjoy fresh, healthy produce all summer long. Even if you only have a patio, balcony, or small outdoor space!
For where I’m currently at in life, container gardening has been the perfect solution. It’s much more manageable than a traditional garden because there’s very little weeding involved and no need to till up the ground. Really, the biggest maintenance task is simply keeping everything watered regularly!
Not only is container gardening convenient, but it can also help save money, which is especially important with grocery prices constantly increasing. Even growing a few vegetables at home can help stretch your food budget during the summer months.
While I’m definitely not an expert, I’ve picked up a few helpful tips along the way that can make container gardening for beginners feel a lot less overwhelming.
The first year I tried container gardening, I got a little too ambitious. Instead of starting with just a few plants, I bought nearly every variety labeled for small spaces. At first I was excited, but as the summer went on, it became harder to keep up with everything and many of my plants ended up neglected.
Since then, I’ve learned that one of the best container gardening tips is to start small. Think honestly about how much time and energy you’ll have to care for your plants throughout the season. Starting with just a few containers is a great way to build confidence and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.
Buy your seeds and plants
One of the great things about container gardening for beginners is that it’s become incredibly popular, which means there are now a lot of seed and plant varieties specifically designed for compact spaces.
I’ve found special “Urban Garden Collection” seeds that are meant for pots and small gardens, and there are plenty of compact vegetable varieties available at garden centres as well. Even Amazon Canada carries seeds now, making it easier than ever to get started.
If you’re unsure what grows best in pots, vegetables like lettuce, herbs, radishes, peppers, tomatoes, peas, and beans are all popular choices for container gardens. For a more in depth look at the types of plants that do best in containers, see my post The Best Vegetables for Container Gardening.
Get the right pots
Starting a container garden doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, many of my containers were free! I used large black 5-gallon buckets that trees and shrubs originally came in. Garden centres and greenhouses often sell used containers cheaply, and you can also check places like Facebook Marketplace for affordable options.
Grow bags are another excellent option for beginner gardeners because they’re lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to store during the off-season.
When choosing containers, make sure they’re large enough for the plants you want to grow. Larger vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, peas, and beans need deeper pots with lots of room for roots. Smaller plants like lettuce, herbs, onions, and radishes can grow well in shallower containers.
Find the right light
Sunlight is one of the most important factors in successful container gardening. Most vegetables need several hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive.
I keep most of my containers on our back patio where they receive lots of afternoon sun. However, I place my lettuce containers in a cooler area that only gets morning sun because lettuce tends to struggle in extreme heat.
Always check your seed packets or plant labels to see how much sunlight each plant prefers.
Use good potting soil
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is using regular garden soil in containers. For healthy plants, it’s important to use a good quality potting mix instead. Potting soil is specially designed to provide proper drainage and airflow, which helps prevent root rot and other problems.
If you’re filling large containers, the cost of soil can add up quickly. To save money and reduce the weight of heavy pots, try filling the bottom portion with lightweight materials like crushed pop cans, empty milk jugs, packing peanuts, or old plastic nursery pots before adding soil on top.
Plant, Water, Wait
Now comes the fun part. Planting! Follow the directions on your seed packets or plant labels for spacing and planting depth. Once everything is planted, water your containers thoroughly.
For tiny seeds like lettuce, using a spray bottle or gentle watering can help prevent seeds from washing away.
After that, all that’s left to do is keep watering regularly, enjoy watching your plants grow, and wait for harvest time!
I hope these simple tips for container gardening for beginners help you feel more confident about starting your own garden this year! Have you ever tried growing vegetables in containers? What would you love to plant first?
I find decluttering my clothing one of the hardest decluttering tasks to do. I get this weird attachment to certain pieces. Like the ones I remember wearing on a golf date with my husband 15 years ago. Or the ones I think I'll fit into again one day. Or even the ones that I spent a pretty penny on but hate the way they fit. It's silly really, to hang on to clothing that doesn't fit properly, you don't like, or is outdated. It's easy to replace those things on a budget with items you actually love!
I was talking with my mom the other day about how I was going to be ruthless during my upcoming decluttering session. In a sense, I want to start over. Keep the pieces that I love and that fit me well, but finally say goodbye to the things that make me feel frumpy.
7 Simple Ways to Declutter Clothes
So in a new effort to add only pieces that I LOVE here are 7 questions I ask myself when I declutter clothes:
1. Does it fit?
If the shirt pulls in entirely the wrong areas, it doesn't fit. If I can't do up the zipper on my jeans easily, they don't fit.
2. Have I worn this in the last 12 months?
Chances are, if you haven't worn a piece of clothing in a year or more, you're not going to wear it again.
In order to determine if you've worn something in the last 12 months, you could try the backwards hanger trick. When you're hanging up your clothes, flip the hanger around so it hangs (with the clothing on it) backwards on the rack. Every time you pull something out and wear it, hang it back up with the hangers facing the proper way. That way at the end of 12 months, you can see if there's anything you didn't wear because the hangers are still hanging backwards!
3. Will I ever wear this again?
Maybe you bought something for a special occasion you were attending, but don't have much, or any, opportunities to wear it again. It might be time to consider selling it in a consignment shop or even on Kijiji/Craigslist.
4. Is it currently in style/does it represent my style?
I'm sure we've all got those sentimental pieces in our wardrobe that we wore in the "good 'ol days". Well, new "good 'ol days" are upon us and it's time to get with the times by getting rid of those outdated pieces. If it's just too hard, put them in the dress up box for the kids to enjoy!
5. Do I feel good when I wear it?
This is becoming one of the most important questions I ask myself. If I just don't feel confident when I put something on, it's time to really consider putting it in the purge pile. As I mentioned above, it's doesn't do my postpartum body and ego any favours if I'm just wearing something for the sake of getting dressed. Even the hoodies I purchase have to make me feel "cute"!
6. If it's damaged, will I actually find time to fix it?
Enough said. If you don't have time to fix something, whether you want to fix it yourself or go out of your way to take it to a professional, it's time to part ways. That piece of clothing will just nag on you anyways as it taunts you from the depths of your closet!
7. If I were shopping right now, would I buy it?
Often times, I've looked at a piece of clothing and wondered what I was thinking when I bought it. (Most likely it was cheap! Ugh.) So, if you look at your current clothes and see things you wouldn't buy today, maybe it's time to say goodbye.
I sure hope these questions help you decide what to keep and what to let go as you declutter clothes and simplify your wardrobe. From now on, I’m focusing on buying only the pieces I truly love. The ones that fit well, feel comfortable, and make me feel confident every time I wear them.
Sometimes that may mean spending a little more on quality items that actually work for me, and honestly, I’m okay with that. In the long run, buying fewer random $10 purchases here and there will likely save money, reduce clutter, and leave me feeling like a million bucks every time I open my closet.
Do you have any other ways to declutter clothes that you can share with us in the comments? What sort of outrageous clothing are you storing in your closet?
Do you ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? Like your to-do list keeps growing while your energy keeps running low? If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin, it may be time to focus on working smarter instead of harder. The good news is that a few small changes can make a big difference. Take a look at these 7 simple tweaks for a more productive day so you can feel less stressed, more focused, and get more done with less effort. Here’s how to get started:
Before heading to bed, take a few minutes to write out your to-do list for the next day in a notebook or planner. Getting everything out of your head can help you relax at bedtime and avoid that “what am I forgetting?” feeling. It also gives you a clear plan for the morning so you can start your day with focus instead of scrambling to figure out what needs to be done.
2. Use Helpful Apps to Stay Organized
There are so many free apps that can help simplify your day and keep your life organized. From shared calendars and grocery lists to reminders and meal planning, the right app can save both time and mental energy. Our family has been loving the Cozi app because it keeps everyone’s schedules in one place and makes it easier to stay on top of appointments and activities. Try experimenting with different apps to find what works best for your routine.
A newer thing that many families are loving is a Skylight calendar. You can mount it on a wall where everyone will see it. It is a touch screen digital calendar and chore chart!
3. Let Natural Light In First Thing
As soon as you wake up, open the curtains or step outside for a few minutes. Natural light helps wake up your body and signals to your brain that it’s time to start the day. Even this tiny habit can help boost your energy, improve your mood, and make it easier to feel productive.
4. Keep Small Tasks in the Car.
Waiting in the school pickup line or sitting outside activities can add up to a lot of wasted time. Keep a small basket or tote in your vehicle with quick tasks you can tackle while waiting. This could include paperwork, a book you’ve been meaning to read, a journal, coupons to organize, or even your planner. It’s an easy way to make use of spare moments during busy days.
5. Carry a water bottle.
Staying hydrated can help improve focus, energy, and productivity throughout the day. Keeping a reusable water bottle with you also saves time and money since you won’t need to constantly stop for drinks. Using a measured water bottle can help you keep track of how much water you’re drinking each day.
6. Set realistic goals.
One of the quickest ways to feel overwhelmed is by expecting yourself to do too much in one day. Instead of creating an impossible to-do list, focus on setting realistic goals you can actually accomplish. Start with 5–7 important tasks and build from there. Finishing your list feels far more motivating than constantly feeling behind.
7. Finish One Task Before Starting Another
It’s easy to bounce between tasks all day long, but constantly switching gears can leave you feeling frazzled and unproductive. Try focusing on finishing one task before moving on to the next whenever possible. Completing tasks fully helps create a sense of accomplishment and keeps loose ends from piling up.
8. Prep for the Morning the Night Before
Lay out clothes, pack lunches, gather school bags, or prep breakfast ingredients before bed. Even spending just 10–15 minutes preparing for the next day can make mornings feel much calmer and less stressful.
9. Use Timers for Chores
If you struggle to stay motivated while cleaning or tackling projects, set a timer for 10–20 minutes and focus only on that task. You’ll often get more done when you race the clock, and chores feel less overwhelming when they have an end point.
10. Batch Similar Tasks Together
Try grouping similar tasks together to save time and mental energy. For example, make all your phone calls at once, run errands in one trip, or prep several meals at the same time. Batching tasks helps you stay focused and reduces constant switching between activities.
11. Reduce Distractions
Constant notifications and interruptions can make even simple tasks take twice as long. Try silencing unnecessary phone notifications or setting aside focused work time without distractions. Even short periods of uninterrupted focus can make a huge difference in productivity.
12. Create Simple Routines
Having routines for mornings, evenings, cleaning, or meal prep can help your day flow more smoothly. Routines reduce decision fatigue because you already know what comes next, which saves time and mental energy.
13. Keep a Donation Bin Handy
Clutter can quickly make your home and your mind feel chaotic. Keep a basket or bin somewhere convenient so you can easily toss in items you no longer use. Decluttering a little at a time is much easier than waiting until things pile up.
14. Build in Buffer Time
Try not to schedule every minute of your day. Leaving small pockets of extra time between errands, appointments, or tasks can help reduce stress when things don’t go exactly as planned.
15. Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Productivity isn’t about constantly being busy. Rest is important too. Taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and slowing down when needed can actually help you stay more focused and productive in the long run.
What are your favorite simple tweaks for a more productive day?
Isn’t it time to get a little more organized? You keep putting it off, but now is the time to buckle down and really get to it. These 25 organizing tips will help you get organized in no time, on a budget.
#1. Use old snack containers - If you’re strapped for cash, then using old containers is an excellent way to get a little more organized in your junk drawers or in your computer desk.
#2. Use a white board - Do you often forget to use your calendar? Try writing your important to-dos on a chalkboard or a white board instead. Place it somewhere you can see on a daily basis. I like this magnetic white board for the fridge!
#3. Keep like items in one spot - Instead of storing like items in various spots around the house, keep them all in one spot. Finding magazines everywhere? Store them all in a magazine file on a shelf.
#4. Create a charging station - Don’t play the "find your charger" game. Create your very own charging station within your home. I like this DIY Charging Station from Four Generations One Roof. If DIY isn't your thing, or you want something with a smaller footprint, a charging station like this is genius.
#5. Use a Magnetic strip - Place magnetic strips throughout your home to hang items like: knives, spice jars, and even nail clippers.
#6. Use old suitcases for storage - Using old suitcases as home décor will give you a vintage feel, but you can still store items within the suitcase. Double purpose!
#7. Use ice cube trays to store small items - Whether you have smaller toys or office supplies, consider using ice cube trays to store these items in.
#8. Use wine boxes to store your shoes - Maybe this organizational idea isn’t so conventional, but it sure is brilliant. Here's a picture for your reference.
#9. Leave reminders on or in your fridge - One place you know you’re heading today is to the fridge, so leave your most important reminders there.
#10. Use an organizer for the shower - Instead of having items fall everywhere as you use the shower, buy a shower organizer. I recently picked one up for $3.50 from Dollarama!
#11. Start recycling - If you’re trying to clear out some of the trash, you can get a little more organized by recycling some of your items.
#12. Clear out the clutter daily - Some people only clear out clutter once a year, stay organized by getting rid of clutter on a daily basis.
#13. Only keep a couple of your kids papers - School papers can really add up. Keep just a few of your child's papers and put them on display on a cork board or a mini clothesline.
#14. Utilize hidden storage - Put your items into a hidden storage bench in the mud room, living room, and even outside.
#15. Put a grocery bag in your car for garbage - If you are tired of having garbage in your vehicle, then keep a grocery bag in there to collect garbage as you finish with it. Or an empty disinfectant wipe container would also be great!
#16. Organize by color - Make your house a little more fun by organizing everything by color. You might take your family and guests by surprise!
#17. Use mesh bags around your home - Instead of trying to put socks and undergarments in the laundry basket, have your family put them in mesh bags. If they're all together in a mesh bag, there's less chance to losing some.
#18. Use a shoe organizer for multiple purposes in your home - A shoe organizer can be used for bathroom items, little kid’s clothing, or even crafting items. Let your imagination run wild with this one.
#19. Organize your priorities - Everyone says organize your time a little better, but organizing your priorities makes more time for the things that matter.
#20. Ban clutter in your house - If you are tired of seeing clutter all over the house, then make a rule that no one can bring clutter into the house. If you bring something in, you have to get rid of something else.
#21. Sell your unwanted items - As you declutter, put the items of value up for sale so you can earn a bit of cash for your savings account. Donate all the other items if they are in good condition.
#22. Utilize under the bed space - A lot of storage can be found underneath beds. You can buy bed risers to raise your bed if you need more room underneath it.
#23. Donate your magazines - You may have a lot of magazines lying around the house. Instead of throwing them away, keep the pages you want and donate the rest.
#24. Utilize hallway space - If you have a long hallway in your entryway; utilize the wall space as much as you can. Try baskets for mail, slim shoe racks, storage shelf with hooks underneath.
#25. Use one basket per person for laundry - Mixing everyone’s laundry together can make more work for you. Make it easier on yourself using one basket per person.
I hope these brilliant organizing tips help you get a little more organized this year. What organizing tips would you add to this list?
How To Make Your Own DIY Mosquito Planter. If you're tired of battling mosquitos, a DIY mosquito planter might be the solution you've been waiting for!
I mentioned in my first container garden update that I would do a separate post detailing the plants I have in the planter I deemed my 'DIY Mosquito Planter'. While we don't get a ton of mosquitoes, we do live by a creek (damp) so we do see them around and they are not my favourite bug to live with. In one of my Pinterest escapades, I discovered that I could create a container full of plants that mosquitoes don't like. Namely, plants of the citrus scented variety.
Not only does the scent of the plants keep mosquitoes at bay, I can even tear off a leaf and rub it on my skin if I'm finding they're getting too close. I may even bring a leaf or two along on any hikes we might be doing!
Here's what I put in my DIY Mosquito Planter:
Citronella Geranium (I would use these leaves on my skin)
Marigold 'Lemon Gem'
Catnip
Lemon Thyme (can be used in cooking too!)
Gazanias (only because I had extra from another flower pot)
I was looking for lemon grass but I couldn't find any before I got tired of driving to all our local nurseries.
You could also try:
Citronella Grass
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Basil: Especially the lemon and cinnamon varieties.
I'm excited to see how this works as the summer goes on. I hope it fills out nicely and that pretty flowers appear!
Have you ever made a DIY Mosquito Planter? Did it help ward off the mosquitoes?
You might be itching to get your garden going, but chances are the outdoor sowing season is still a ways away. Well no worries, here's how to start seeds indoors several weeks before the final frost of the season!
By starting your seeds indoors, you can get a jump on the growing season while saving some money in the process. Here is what you need to know on how to start seeds indoors.
I've linked to some items on Amazon for convenience, but you can gather supplies from anywhere to fit your budget.
A good rule of thumb for when to start your seeds is 4 weeks before the last frost of the season. This will vary depending where you live, so consult The Farmer’s Almanac to find out when the perfect planting time is for you.
DIRECTIONS:
Begin by placing the seed starter cups on the cookie sheet or tray. This way, the surface under the cups is protected and you can easily move them if you need to. Also, make sure the containers you choose have drainage holes.
Fill each cup 3/4 of the way full with nutrient rich potting soil. Seedlings need a light, airy soil mix that drains well. You can buy a seed starting mix at a garden center or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.
Plant the seeds: Follow the instructions on the seed packet for planting depth and spacing. In general, plant the seeds twice as deep as their diameter.
Cover the seeds with soil and mist the area with your spray bottle. Misting is easier and cleaner than a watering can, plus it will keep you from over watering.
Use the wood craft sticks and marker to make plant markers for the seedlings so you know what they are once they start growing.
Pull a sheet of plastic wrap over the top of the seed starters. This will allow light in but will help the plants retain heat. NOTE: You will need to remove the plastic wrap every few days to mist the soil to keep it moist. Just be sure to return the plastic when you are done.
Place your seed starters in a window where they will get at least 6 hours of sun per day. If you don’t have an area where this is possible, a sun lamp will work.
As soon as you see sprouting, remove the plastic wrap. Continue to water every few days and keep the soil moist at all times.
In just a few weeks, your seeds will be seedlings and soon they will be ready to get transplanted outside. Be sure the threat of frost has passed and you follow package directions when transplanting.
See how simple starting seeds indoors can be? Give these tips a try and get a jump on the growing season now!
