Container Gardening: No-No or Eco?

A few weeks ago, in Gardening in Containers or in the Ground: What Do You Need to Know?, Serge Fortier explained that, while container gardening has its advantages for those short on space, it also comes with ecological challenges, such as the increased use of water and artificial soil. Instead, he recommends growing in the ground for those who have the space. I couldn’t agree more.

Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to have a garden in the ground. I don’t! I already consider myself lucky to have a large second-floor terrace in the middle of the city. Like many of you, container gardening is my way of reconnecting with nature on a daily basis.

Faced with the ecological impact of this practice, I asked myself: is it worth it? Do the benefits of container gardening outweigh the negative effects on the environment? Let’s take a look at the pros, the cons, and some solutions for making this practice more environmentally friendly.

The Advantages of Container Gardening

Who doesn’t appreciate a little spot of greenery in a concrete courtyard or on a balcony in the middle of the city? Gardening in pots has many advantages, both for us and for the environment.

1. The Urban Jungle
   One of the greatest advantages of container gardening is that it can green up urban spaces that would otherwise remain gray and sterile. Whether on a building balcony or in a small courtyard, pots bring nature to places where it’s impossible to plant in the ground. This beautifies the surroundings, provides a refuge for pollinators and urban wildlife, and reduces the heat island effect, that stifling heat that builds up on concrete and asphalt in urban environments.
2. Cleaner Air
   Plants help to purify the air by filtering pollutants and releasing oxygen. Adding pots of greenery to our cities helps improve air quality. Of course, a few pots on a balcony won’t have the same impact as a tree, but every plant counts. For a significant improvement in air quality, it would be necessary to integrate more plants into green infrastructure projects or larger-scale greening initiatives.
3. A Boost for Morale
   The benefits aren’t just environmental. Potted gardening also has positive effects on our well-being. Studies show that the presence of plants reduces stress, improves concentration and can even stimulate creativity. If you grow your own vegetables in pots, the satisfaction of a small harvest can encourage you to adopt healthier eating habits while strengthening your connection to nature.
4. Grow Local
   Container gardening provides fresh, locally grown produce. This practice supports food sustainability, reduces the carbon footprint from food transport, and promotes self-sufficiency.

With all these benefits, container gardening seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not quite that simple. There are also a few ecological drawbacks to consider before saying it’s good for the environment.

Ecological Costs

1. Tap Water Galore
   If you garden in pots, you probably use tap water to water your plants. However, regular use of this water has a significant environmental impact. Drinking water has to be treated and purified, which consumes energy, and transporting it to your home requires even more resources. What’s more, if your pots aren’t well drained, overwatering can cause nutrients to run off, leading to nutrient loss and pollution of the surrounding water.
2. Plastic Everywhere
   The majority of containers on the market are made of plastic, and we all know that plastic is far from being environmentally friendly. With growing awareness of the microplastics present in our environment, our food and even our bodies, it’s becoming urgent to limit the use of plastic, including in our gardens. The production and degradation of plastic generates a significant carbon footprint, and many inexpensive pots degrade in the sun after just a few seasons, generating even more waste. Even the more durable ceramic pots have environmental costs associated with their manufacture and transport.
3. Peat: A Hidden Enemy
   Peat, often used in commercial potting soils for its ability to retain water and provide good growing conditions, also poses a problem. It is extracted from peat bogs, vital ecosystems that store large quantities of carbon. Peat extraction releases this carbon into the atmosphere, destroying ecosystems that have taken centuries to form. At a time of climate crisis, peat harvesting is a much more serious issue than many gardeners realize.

How Can We Make Container Gardening Greener?

Don’t despair! Container gardening doesn’t have to be so damaging to the environment. With a few simple, thoughtful tricks, you can green your urban spaces reducing harm to the planet.

1. Be Water Smart
   One of the most effective ways of reducing the environmental impact of container gardening is to improve water management. Install a rainwater harvesting system – your plants love it, and it’s free! DIY enthusiasts can even create rain barrel irrigation systems, complete with pump and timer. Choose drought-resistant plants that don’t require daily watering. A good layer of mulch (such as shredded leaves) on the soil also helps reduce evaporation and maintain humidity. Drip irrigation systems are also very effective, as they water directly to the roots, limiting wastage.
2. Reuse and Recycle Your Pots
   Rather than buying new pots, why not reuse what you already have? Old buckets, baskets, wooden crates or even bathtubs can be transformed into original containers for your plants. If you must buy new pots, opt for those made from recycled materials, or choose biodegradable alternatives such as coir, bamboo or wood.
3. Say Goodbye to Peat
   Maybe it’s time to phase out peat moss. Fortunately, there are alternatives! Coconut fiber, a by-product of the coconut industry, is one of the most popular. Although it requires processing and transportation that have an ecological impact, it remains a better option than peat. Studies are also underway to evaluate the use of decomposed leaves as an environmentally friendly alternative to peat moss. Why not try it for yourself!
4. Plant Local
   When choosing plants for your pots, consider native species. They are adapted to local conditions, which means they generally require less water and care. What’s more, they support biodiversity by providing food and shelter for local wildlife.
5. Opt for the Long Term
   Try to grow plants that will last more than one season. Perennials are an excellent choice, as they avoid having to buy new plants and potting soil every year, reducing the overall environmental impact of your gardening.

Balancing Benefits and Impacts

I’m not aware of any specific studies that definitively demonstrate that container gardening has more ecological advantages than disadvantages. That said, it’s always a good idea to try and reduce your environmental impact.

Although container gardening may have certain ecological costs, such as water consumption and the use of unsustainable materials, its benefits in urban environments can potentially outweigh them, especially if the practice is eco-responsible. Bringing nature into cities not only helps to improve air quality, reduce urban heat and support biodiversity, but also enhances our personal well-being. So, gardeners, let’s continue to green our spaces, one pot or flowerbed at a time, while taking care of the planet!