Better drainage. Growing plants in raised beds is a logical choice for gardeners with heavy, poorly drained soils. Raised beds permit plant roots to develop in soil held above water-logged or compacted zones. This provides a more optimum soil environment for root growth. As beds are built up, compost or other forms of organic matter may be incorporated, further improving soil structure, drainage and nutrient-holding capacity.

Higher yields. Better root growth from improved soils leads to higher yields for food crops and lusher growth of ornamental plantings. Also, intensive planting in raised beds means more plants can be grown in a smaller area than with conventional row-cropping techniques. No space is wasted between rows.

Expanded growing season. Better drainage speeds soil warming and allows earlier spring planting. In wet seasons, soil dries out faster, permitting planting to proceed between rains.

Maintenance. Because plants are growing above the level of walkways, less stooping is required for weeding, watering and other chores. Intensively planted raised beds provide dense foliage cover, shading out much weed growth.

Using difficult sites. Raised beds make gardening possible on sites where growing plants would otherwise be impossible. Rooftop gardens and raised beds on top of solid rock are examples. Terraced raised beds turn hillsides into productive growing areas while reducing soil erosion potential.

There are many reasons for container gardening. Another one getting back to last month, the ease of going out and at your heights and planting - you did not have to lean down - get down on your knees. Everyone can container garden - for seniors - or people with disabilities - this is a fun and easy way to grow your own garden.

Everyone has their own reason for container gardening. Some like the idea of having a parade of different plants to admire collecting them. Others enjoy watching their collection unfold at close range. From city to county, people only have a paved area to beautify a limited space while others unable to get down and work the ground and enjoy garden from raised containers. Some just like to option of continual change and garden never becomes monotonous. Many people with large outdoor gardens use containers to create seasonal accents or party type star performers.

Container gardening also lets you create a tropical climate with a wide range of tropical plants. And possible wintering over to changing with new plants or ideas each year.

Understanding when you are growing plants in a container you need to see it from the plants point of view. For good looking healthy plants, factors that are taken for granted plant no longer able to roam about in search for life giving moisture, a steady water supply is crucial. Soil should be the best possible - organic matter, top soil, cattle manure, sand or perlite and vermiculite in various proportions is necessary or planting mixtures with some top soil or 2/3 ProMix and 1/3 top soil and 1/3 sand is what I like to use. Don't overlook the need for regular applications of a complete fertilizer during the growing season. In September fertilizing can be reduced. Good water soluble fertilizer such as Schultz - Instant Soluble Plant Food is great. I always add to these, Osmocoat - a growth fertilizer pellet that decomposes as the season progresses. From early spring to fall of continual daily watering causes leaching thus the need of continual replacing of nutrients for the plants.

One needs to remember the amount of air space, the container is surrounded by air and can dry out quickly/easily. Morning watering sometimes is not enough. Be especially aware with hanging baskets. Even though it's cool but windy the plants really lose a lot of moisture. At this point and time and need to be watered often.

Drainage - this is very crucial so the plant can be able to drain and the amount of air space remains after water has drained will also determine which plants survive.

You need to let your creative thoughts, ideas become relating, don't let silly ideas stop your way of doing something. Trial and error - school of hard knocks is the best learning. I am going to help you with some basic, fundamentals and ways I have been lucky growing things. I am going to show you and things others are doing, new and old ideas.

Many people have realized the enormous range of plants that can be grown in containers in St. Louis.

Everyone I know has a different reason for using containers to admire a plant up close, have a limited space, a way to add unexpected touches of foliage or color to backgrounds, or create seasonal accents. Water gardening for fun and ease along wit the sound of water movement. Many vegetables and herbs are easy to grow in pots, containers or raised planters.