Gardening with containersClaudio Rodriguez

Claudio• South Side Tucson Native

• Community Organizer

• 9+ years Urban food production

• School Garden Coordinator

• “Water is life, defend your life!”

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pots

Up cycled

Raised beds

Wicking containers

Seedling trays

Aquaponics

Thank you!