Gardening with containers

1. Gardening with containers Claudio Rodriguez

2. Claudio • South Side Tucson Native • Community Organizer • 9+ years Urban food production • School Garden Coordinator • “Water is life, defend your life!”

3. Community food bank of southern Arizona • “Through education, advocacy, and the acquisition, storage, and distribution of food, we will anticipate and meet the food needs of the hungry in our community.” • The Community Food Resource Center • Works to build a community where all people at all times have access to sufficient food for a healthy life—a food secure community.

4. Farm to Child • Help kids get an early start on healthy food! • The Farm-to-Child Program helps develop children's access to healthy food in schools. • We partner with teachers and parents to help support and maintain organic fruit and vegetable production. * FACT: Kids involved in gardening show an increased preference for fruits and vegetables, increases in scientific achievements, overall improved attitudes, and academic achievements.

5. Why container gardens? • You can test drive your gardening skills • Small and limited space • It’s late in the season • Small starts make big differences

6. Basic container needs • You can use practically anything • Guarantee proper drainage by adding drainage holes • Keep in mind plant size requirements • Must be food grade and free of toxins • The bigger the container the better it will hold moisture

7. location • Weather it be a location for an in ground or a container garden the requirements are roughly the same • You must receive 6 – 8 hours of sunlight • If garden will be indoors invest in grow lights • The garden must be close to a water source • It must be easily accessible and visible • Tip – when using containers it is best for the plant to be exposed to the sun but have the container shaded • Tip – use tall plants to create shade and a microclimate

8. Soil • Potting soil is best, always go with organic • Hydroponic stores have a better selection than big box stores • You can always make your own to cut down on cost • 1 part potting soil • 1 part peatmoss • .5 part perlite • .5 part vermiculite • 1 part compost or worm castings • . A lot of people say not to use top soil, but I add 1 part to the mix

9. Watering • You want your soil to be moist not soggy! • A dry top layer does not mean a dry root zone. • Tip use a popsicle stick, ruler or your finger as a dip stick to check moisture level. • Clay worms are great! • Best times to water are early mornings or in the evenings, • mulching and location will help with water

10. Types of containers • Pots • Upcycled containers • Raised beds • Wicking beds • Wicking containers • Seedling trays • Aquaponics

11. Pots

12. Up cycled

13. Raised beds

14. Wicking containers

15. Seedling trays

16. Aquaponics

17. Thank you!