In our tightly packed urban environments, sometimes our only yards are concrete patios or balconies. Considering our hectic lives and limited amount of time to give to gardening however, this isn't always a bad thing. Containergardens are the perfect alternative, offering a world of possibilities.

Containers come in all shapes, materials and sizes but can cost a small fortune if you don't know where to buy them. Instead of relying only on discount pots, be ingenious with your style, from old boots filled with character to interesting baskets. If they don't come with a drainage hole though, and you plan to use them outside, make holes in the bottom so the water can drain out. Take a hammer and large nail and punch right through the bottom, creating holes the size of a penny.
In addition to beautiful perennials and annuals, experiment with lesser known species like dwarf spruces and pineapple mist. No need to be limited by symmetrical arrangements, just so long as they look good together rather than randomly choosing plants that you like. You can pack them in also! Don't worryabout crowding - they'll love being huddled.

The first few days, you should keep them in the shade and water them daily. For better draining, a little gravel or small stones on the bottom two-thirds of the container can help a lot. Fill the rest with potting soil (choose the kind already filled with fertilizer), leaving a few inches unfilled at the top and start squeezing them in!

After their initial homecoming, water containers in full sun once a day and those in shade every other day. Be sure to keep dead blooms and leaves pinched off so they don't attract varmints.

Container gardens have been enjoyed since ancient times. Now you can continue the tradition with a little of your own ingenuity!