Gardening isn’t a hobby people are as scared of anymore. The knowledge required for it is now obtainable for anyone thanks largely to books and the internet. Though it often isn’t handed down from mother to daughter or father to son like it was in the past, it has re-geared and changed to fit the lifestyles of today.

The newest trend in the gardening world is container gardening. People forget that containers can go anywhere and, thanks to this trend, we are being reminded that you can still do anything in however big or small of a space that you have. Container gardening opens up a large variety of options for whatever spaced limitations you may face. Patios, decks, rooftops, balconies, backyards, you name it and there is a container to fit.

Photo: iStockphoto.comIt is extremely simple for anyone from a beginner to a master gardener to garden through containers. Whether it is vegetables and herbs for your kitchen to lush color for your front step, containers offer an array of options. The first step is to choose what you want in your container. Then, select a container that measures at least three times the depth of the plant you want to grow at maturity (Example: If your plant will be 10 inches at full height, then you need 30 inches of depth. This is a general rule of thumb and isn’t always accurate, however, it’s a great guideline). This information is usually found on the plant tag with the care information.

Purchase a good soil or soil-type product suggested for your plant usage. For a more nutrient rich soil mix, add a compost (with a balanced pH closest to 7 for best results) or soil conditioner to your soil in a 50/50 mix. Drainage is also important so make sure to put a layer of bark on the bottom of your container a couple of inches deep so your roots do not sit in water after you water them.

Many garden centers are selling theme gardens. For example; pizza gardens, salsa gardens, hummingbird gardens, gourmet lettuce gardens, and pasta gardens. These are simple to put together, require few plants and fit anyone’s budget.

Grab a container and add some color to your life this summer!