Container Gardening Complete: Creative Projects for Growing Vegetables and Flowers in Small Spaces

by Jessica Walliser

Container Gardening Complete  has everything you need to know to successfully garden in a small space, including step-by-step directions, photographs, and information on more than 125 plants.

The ideal book for urban gardeners , indoor gardeners , and vegetable gardeners ,  Container Gardening Complete  is a thorough visual guide that will get you growing quickly! Whether you are growing vegetables, fruits, or flowers on an apartment balcony ; creating a small vegetable garden for personal use; or decorating steps and walkway s, this hard working book is your go-to resource.

The methods described in this book are foolproof and easy to follow , with step-by-step directions and photographs, scalable projects for differing needs, and many great ideas for upscaled containers from things you have around your home. You’ll get to know the ins and outs of gardening in a small space , from the importance of drainage, irrigation, and other watering concerns to ornamental combinations of plants, and the very best vegetables, fruits, and non-edibles for container gardening.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Reference, Nature

272 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2017

About the author

Jessica Walliser co-hosts “The Organic Gardeners” on KDKA-Radio in Pittsburgh, PA. She is a former contributing editor for Organic Gardening magazine and a regular contributor to many national gardening publications. In addition, Jessica is the Acquisitions Editor for Quarto Publishing Group’s gardening imprint, Cool Springs Press.

Her two weekly gardening columns for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review have been enjoyed by readers for over ten years. Her fourth book, Attracting Beneficial Bugs to the Garden: A Natural Approach to Pest Control, was released by Timber Press in January of 2014 and was awarded the American Horticultural Society’s Book Award. Jessica’s 2018 title, Container Gardening Complete, teaches gardeners how to grow anything and everything in containers.

The former owner of a 25-acre organic market farm, Jessica received her degree in ornamental horticulture from The Pennsylvania State University. She’s taught a diverse array of gardening topics for over 25 years and is a former faculty member of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

She is author of the Amazon best-seller Good Bug, Bad Bug: Who’s Who, What They Do, and How to Manage Them Organically, and her forthcoming book, Gardener’s Guide to Compact Plants, is slated for publication in June of 2019. Jessica is a co-owner of the popular gardening blog SavvyGardening.com where you’ll find her writing about a wide diversity of gardening subjects.

Jessica lives and gardens northwest of Pittsburgh with her husband and son, six chickens, two cats, two hermit crabs, and billions and billions of very good bugs.

Reviews

[Laura M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly enjoyable book - especially on a cold, snowy, Minnesota night when I just want to dream about gardening. This is a comprehensive book - not only about container gardening, but about gardening in general - that discusses everything from the correct soil to use when planting, garden pests, and garden projects to make. Specific to container gardening are plant selection (including annuals, perennials, bulbs, etc.) and choosing the right container. I love all of the full-color pictures in this book and the ideas shown, from rustic to cottage gardening, from flowers to veggies. This is a handy reference book (and I assume a great coffee table book, but I read it online so I have no idea what the printed size is). Highly recommend for gardeners (and garden dreamers).

[roxi Net · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this simple and beautiful book! Who would have thought to put plants in a toaster, a toolbox, or a bathtub? (not me!). Not only does it include tips & tricks of making a container garden, it gives descriptions on how to make your own container ('how to make a cedar planter box'). This was right up my alley since I do not have an outdoor garden but have to make do with in-house plants and containers. It's a great quick-guide that I'll definitely keep as a reference book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Container Gardening Complete: Creative Projects for Growing Vegetables and Flowers in Small Spaces by Jessica Walliser is simply written and contains beautiful photographs. The book discusses everything from the correct soil to use when planting, garden pests, and garden projects to make. I loved how the book gives descriptions on how to make your own containers.  I love all of the full-color pictures in this book and the ideas shown, from rustic to cottage gardening, from flowers to veggies. This is a handy reference book. 

There are 6 chapters in this book, and each one is full of useful information. The chapters cover Getting Started, Designing & Planting your Containers, Caring for your Containers, Troubleshooting, Harvesting & Seasonal Considerations and More Container Concepts.

This book covers the basics, which include pot drainage, choosing the right soil and harvesting to name but a few. In the Troubleshooting chapter, the author has taken the time to explain the different garden pests and how to deal with them along with beneficial insects.

There are a number of projects that could be taken on, such as a Gutter Garden, a Beginner's Berry Garden and a Good Bug Wheel-Barrow Garden. Each project includes the tools you require along with lots of photographs showing you how to go about it.

This is a great book to get you started in container gardening, and just about anything that can hold soil can be used as a container . 

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group - Cool Springs Press and Cool Springs Press for the ARC copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Container Gardener Complete is a colourful book, full of projects, ideas and tips on how to turn even the smallest garden into a wonderful container filled area. It is full of photography and excellent knowledge.

There are only 6 chapters in this book, but each one is full of useful information. The chapters cover Getting Started, Designing & Planting your Containers, Caring for your Containers, Troubleshooting, Harvesting & Seasonal Considerations and More Container Concepts.

This book covers the important basics, including pot drainage, choosing the right soil and harvesting to name but a few. In the Troubleshooting chapter, the author has taken the time to explain the different garden pests (they are labelled as North American pests but I'm pretty sure we get a fair few here in England too) and how to deal with them along with beneficial insects.

Included in the book are a number of projects that could be taken on, such as a Gutter Garden (recently saw similar being made by Jimmy Doherty on Channel 4's Jamie & Jimmy's Friday Night Feast TV series), a Beginner's Berry Garden (blueberries and strawberries planted together) and a Good Bug Wheel-Barrow Garden (for the beneficial insects). Each project includes the tools you require along with lots of photographs showing you how to go about it.

This is a great book to get you started in container gardening, and just about anything that can hold soil can be used as a container - there was a lovely selection of tiny succulent plants nestled in an old toaster!

I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers a wide variety of topics for the aspiring gardener. A lot of the focus is on backyard gardening, or in small spaces and how you can customize your space to fit the plants you want. As an apartment dweller, I could adapt some of the ideas for self made containers, and most ideas would be easy to make for a house or townhouse. Also helpful was the guide to common pests and the clear pictures depicting them. Recommended plants varies from standard home gardening staples to an interesting idea for a carnivorous plant display. If you want a book that contains ideas for containers, guides for crafting, common pest controls, water gardening, fairy gardening, overwintering care, table displays and much more, this may be the book you want. A very informative read.

[JustHB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked this book. It was full of inspirational projects, covering a wealth of ornamental and edible options, cheap and more expensive. Useful lists of annual, perennial, vegetable and herbs that can be grown in containers. I really enjoyed this - would make a great gift for a gardener looking for inspiration.

[Sheryl Normandeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Container gardening isn’t something I’ve done a huge amount of, so I am particularly excited about Jessica Walliser‘s new book. As “complete” as its title suggests, Container Gardening Complete is a goldmine of excellent information, from design and sowing of a wide range of plant selections (perennials, annuals, vegetables, fruit, even trees and shrubs), to cultural maintenance and dealing with potential pest and disease issues. Suggestions and detailed directions for the creation of themed and seasonal container designs are sprinkled throughout the back half of the book and are guaranteed to inspire. A clean, attractive layout, beautiful photos, and above all, clear, precise, and useful information from a knowledgeable expert make this book a fantastic resource for anyone interested in container gardening – whether you’re just getting started, or have a bit of experience under your belt.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just the basics. Lots of great pix. Was hoping for even more pix identifying plants

[Merry Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers all of the basics for container gardening for beginners. It talks about container size, soil types, and which plants grow in each. There are also a ton of DIY instructions to make all sorts of containers for your garden.

It mostly covers the basics of gardening, including troubleshooting pests and other growth problems. It doesn't go into much detail about any specific plants or foods, but does a great job at describing what it says it will.

While this wasn't exactly what I was looking for, if you are new to gardening or gardening in small places, this is a great book that covers ALL of the basics. And I mean all. It's very thorough with tons of useful information for the newbie. More seasoned gardeners likely won't get much new information out of it (unless you're looking for some great DIY containers).

[Dna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will be coming back to this useful little book in early Spring!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Container Gardening Complete by Jessica Walliser I love plants of all types. Fruits and veggies, flowers, and greenery are all my favorites. I was raised around plants and have them all over my house and yard now. I do know a lot about plants but I also feel you are never to old or to good to learn more, and I did learn more.
 
This book is packed full of information and tips on Container Gardening. It will teach you how to choose the right size and type of pot, how to get your drainage correct, and so much more. I loved everything about this book. 
 
I really loved the sections on mixed plants in the same pot. I love when puts are filled with different types of plants. but I usually end up putting in at least one pot that over grows or root system takes up to much room, or needs more water then the other plants in the pot and they do not do well. With this book I can now solve that problem. 
 
With Spring almost here I am excited to get started on my house, porch, and yard plants. 
 
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this book is full of container gardening ideas for the container itself as well as combinations of plants and vegetables. Helpful for all gardeners but especially for those who have small spaces or are leasing space and want to be able to move without leaving behind treasured foliage. I was fortunate to carefully read the section on pests and problems and will not be able to save my photinia wall. Black spot has nearly wiped it out this year...…………...

[Nadine Morawski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for container gardening. Teaches about what types of contâmes can be used even in small space design. I’m using some of the ideas to create decorative bee gardens this year, companion planting and those sorts of things. The book will become a resource for years to come in this garden!

It was borrowed from the library I have starred it as I would like to purchase a copy I can use and make notes in.

[Gay Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

You'll want to read this text if you're container gardening. There are several unique ways to make space for plants, if you are handy. The potato bin using fencing, stacking crates or other containers and other vertical wall ideas are doable. Take a look inside this book and find you way to small-space growing.

[Amberwench · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that promises "complete' and 'in small spaces' that carries through! How-to with good inspiration photos, lists of plant options, care, problems, and projects. Excellent all-in-one for the amateur gardener.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to container gardening. Walliser provides the basics and manages to make a complex subject unintimidating while also encouraging even new gardeners to add artistry to their garden creations.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really creative ideas!

[Gaby]

DNF @pg 14

[Amanda Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was excellent … had some great creative ideas and lots of good information.

[Harlie Shuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

probably one of the best gardening books I've read. I highly recommend this book for all new gardeners, even if they have no intention of container gardening.

[Books In Brogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book with a ton of information on growing plants in containers beginners or even experienced gardeners.  This will be one you keep on your reference shelf.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book of photos and ideas meant first to spark the imagination and only second to provide instructions. Most of the projects start with the assumption that you have creative skills and the ability to scrounge leftover materials to make your projects. I do like, though, that it starts with simple ideas and encourages the reader to grow from there.

[Kerrific Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book on how to start with container gardening! Easy to follow with great ideas and helpful hints on how to make your container garden the best it can be. Great read and awesome handbook!

[Mills College Library]

635.986 W2148 2017