Container Farming

Container Farming: Growing Green in Small Spaces

August 3, 20240

Container gardening: Explore container farming and learn how to transform small spaces into thriving gardens. Our guide covers everything from choosing the right containers and soil to selecting the best plants and using innovative techniques to maximize yields. Perfect for urban environments, container farming offers a sustainable and flexible way to grow your own food.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Container gardening is growing in popularity as a means of transforming urban spaces into green sanctuaries. It has emerged as an accessible and sustainable means of cultivating plants in small spaces but what exactly is container gardening and how does one get started?

What is Container Gardening

Generally speaking, container gardening involves growing plants in containers, rather than directly in the ground. Pots, tubs, and all kinds of recycled materials from bottles to crates can become containers for growing plants. Expanding the definition of container gardening, however, we can also make a garden in a shipping container. There are several benefits to be had in this approach, which we will discuss below.

Why Choose Container Farming?

Planting in small- and medium-sized containers is ideal for urban environments where space is limited. It allows plants to be moved to the perfect location based on sunlight and weather and provides greater control over soil conditions. Building a container garden in a portable shipping container also has the benefits of modularity and mobility, as well as a controlled environment suitable for year-round growing.

Choosing the Right Containers

Shipping containers come in various sizes but are most commonly 20-foot or 40-foot units. The size of your shipping container will depend on the available space and your production needs. Insulating the container will be necessary to maintain stable temperatures, especially in areas with extreme climates.

The plant containers should have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. Larger containers are best for deep-rooted plants, while smaller containers will work for herbs and small vegetables.

Selecting the Best Soil

Soil quality is a vital consideration. Be sure to use a high-quality potting mix tailored to the plant you intend to grow. It is recommended to use a well-draining mix with compost, peat, and perlite or vermiculite. If you are growing with a hydroponic system, ensure that you have the correct nutrient solutions.

Location and Placement for your Container Farming

Your shipping container should be placed in a way that maximizes natural light. Most plants require 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, so if you do not have sufficient exposure, you will need to install grow lights to supplement. Your container should also be conveniently located for ease of harvesting.

Best Plants for Small Spaces

Even with a larger shipping container, you will have limited space for your plants so it is important to select ones that can thrive in a confined area. Leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, and spinach are good choices, as they grow quickly with a small footprint. Other good choices for container farming are herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro. You may also wish to consider compact fruiting plants like dwarf tomatoes or strawberries.

Companion Planting

Companion planting involves growing specific plants together to enhance growth and help deter pests. Growing basil with tomatoes, for example, can improve flavour and repel insects. Certain combinations will provide natural pest control while enhancing soil health.

Planting Technique

When planting in your shipping container, ensure proper spacing to avoid overcrowding. Vertical gardening techniques such as stacking shelves allow you to maximize space.

When planting in containers, fill them with soil mix, leaving space at the top to prevent overflow during watering. Plant seeds or seedlings at the appropriate depth to allow for root expansion and development.

Watering and Fertilizing

Containers dry out faster than ground soil, so it is important to water regularly. Water your plants until they drain from the bottom, as this will ensure that the roots receive adequate moisture. The exact frequency will depend on the plant species and weather conditions. Remember to use a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks to provide the nutrients your plants need.

Pest and Disease Management

Common pests in container farming include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Shipping containers provide a controlled environment that can reduce pests and disease issues, but it is still important to monitor your plants for signs of potential threats. For minor infestations, you may try organic methods such as neem oil and insecticidal soap, but for more serious cases, you may want to consider chemical treatments. Maintaining cleanliness and removing dead plant material will help prevent diseases.

Maximizing Yield in Small Spaces

Vertical gardening is ideal for shipping containers. Shelves, trellises, and wall-mounted planters allow plants to grow upwards, maximizing space and allowing for greater air circulation. This is an ideal method for cucumbers, beans, peas, and other vining plants.

Plan for continuous harvesting by practicing succession planting. This method involves planting new crops as soon as old ones are harvested, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the year.

Innovative Container Farming Ideas

There is a lot of room for creativity in container gardening. You may wish to customize your shipping container with shelves, racks, and hooks where you can organize your tools and supplies. Old buckets, jugs, and wooden crates can be repurposed into planters. Reclaimed materials can be used to build trellises. Decorations can add a personal touch and you may want to paint the exterior to add a mural.

Hydroponics and Aquaponics

Hydroponics and aquaponics are very efficient means of farming that are well-suited to shipping containers. Hydroponics involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water, eliminating the need for soil. Aquaponics combines fish farming with hydroponics, with the fish waster fertilizing the plants. Both systems can significantly increase yield while reducing water usage.

Container Farming Axcess box mobile storage

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

Shipping containers are eco-friendly, repurposing the containers into productive gardens. Sustainability can be further enhanced by using recycled materials for planters and infrastructure. Upcycling household items can save you money and add charm to your garden.

Water conservation techniques such as drip irrigation can minimize water waste. Collecting rainwater in barrels for irrigation provides a sustainable water source for your plants and mulching can retain soil moisture, reducing the frequency of watering.

FAQ

  • What are the Best Plants for Container Farming in Small Spaces?
    The best plants include leafy greens, herbs, and compact fruiting plants. These plants thrive in small spaces, providing a bountiful harvest.
  • How Do I Start a Container Garden in a Shipping Container?
    Starting a container garden in a shipping container involves selecting a suitable container, ensuring proper ventilation and insulation, choosing high-quality soil or hydroponic solutions, and selecting appropriate plants. If you lack sufficient natural light, install grow lights to supplement. Add an irrigation system for consistent watering.
  • What Are the Benefits of Container Farming Compared to Traditional Gardening?
    Shipping container gardening allows year-round growing, efficient use of space, and environmental control. It is an ideal solution when space is limited.
  • How Can I Maximize My Harvest with Container Gardening?
    The easiest way to maximize your harvest is to use vertical gardening techniques and practice succession planting.
  • What Are Some Common Issues in Container Gardening and How Can I Solve Them?
    Common issues involve temperature control, nutrient imbalances, and pest infestation. Ensure that your container garden has proper ventilation and use organic or chemical pest control methods. Provide balanced fertilization and follow a routine of regular inspection and maintenance to detect and deal with problems quickly as they arrive.

Conclusion

Container gardening within shipping containers offers a practical, sustainable means of growing in the limited space of urban areas. Understanding the choice of container, soil quality, and methods of growing, will help you get started on your green journey.

If you’re considering container gardening, explore our container sales and rent-to-own options. For a quote, visit our quote page or contact us for more information. Learn more about innovative container farming on Urban Farm.