Hands in the Soil, Soul in the Garden

This week we shift more into soil—though soul is always part of any growing.

Let’s take a look at container gardening. I believe after the twilight year of mandatory staying at home, many people turned to gardening with whatever was available, and where ever they were. It became a focus or purpose—a way to ground ourselves in an upended world, to lift spirits and share in the quiet joy that gardening brings.

Not many of us had the luxury of land to plant in. For many, it was a porch, a balcony, an area out the front or back door. It did not matter. What mattered was to have hands in the soil.

Why a Container Garden?

Container gardening opens up the possibility of growing in limited spaces. Maybe you don’t have time to care for a full garden, or to be part of a community garden, which may not be accessible either in your area. Perhaps physical limitations, like back issues, play a role.

The beauty of containers is flexibility. They can be set at any height; on a wood bench, hung on a wall, clustered in different sizes on the ground. It’s adaptable to your life. And yes, you can still be water-efficient! With the right set-up, containers can support wicking methods that help conserve moisture, especially important in our climate. We’ll journey more in-depth before planting season begins, but know that container gardens can be both beautiful and sustainable.

Container Types

Any container will do. As a plant designer or botanical stylist, I lean into the beautification of any space. I want joy not just in what’s growing, but in the visual poetry of the containers themselves and how they are placed.  

You might start with a basic plastic pot but pull a burlap coffee bean bag over it and tie it off—suddenly it’s a statement. Maybe you’re drawn to shades of terra cotta, or a mix of vintage finds. Perhaps some colorful Talavera planters have found their way to you. Let your garden be a reflection of you.

A very important feature along with beauty, it to ensure you have drainage holes. Though, if you are handy, then you can add them, then test them before planting.

Plant Plan in Place!

Before rushing off to source planters, make sure you have a plant plan in place. Yes, it can be organic and fluid, but the size of the containers matters!

Tomatoes, for example, have deep roots—a 15-gallon container will serve them far better than a 5-gallon one. Broccoli, too, needs depth. Beans or beets, on the other hand, are perfectly happy in smaller 5-gallon pots. Remember—containers don’t have to be round! Rectangular planters are perfect for lettuces, mustard greens, and herbs. Get creative. Trust your intuition.

When We Garden..

When we garden,

we become nature’s growers.

We are a part of a living system.

We are following an ancient path

laid out before us,

where hands have turned the soil

In every corner of the world.

Through this act

we are tied intimately with the land —

and to each other.

A Season to Plant Upon Us

Fall, I believe it truly the best time to plant in Texas. There’s a shift in the air—toward cooler days, a festive season, a different rhythm. Cooler weather brings delicious varieties: leafy greens, root veggies, and hardy herbs. But don’t stop at veggies—include herbs and flowers. In small spaces, beauty is essential. What you plant may also nourish more than you—pollinators, birds, and creatures preparing for winter may all benefit.

Just imagine: if you have your planters, and a few neighbors do too, you’re creating tiny green corridors. Pathways for life. And maybe, just maybe, your gardens connect in other ways—being a steward of someone's garden while their away, trading extra veggies, creating seed banks, or offering a bouquet to a neighbor who needs a lift.

To garden is to nurture.

To provide not only sustenance,

but a reminder of our deep connection—

with nature, and with each other.

Grounded in Gratitude,

Christina