Enjoy The Benefits Of A Pet Friendly Container Garden

A pet-safe container is a garden consisting of plants in containers like pots, raised beds, planters or recycled items instead of planting directly into the earth. I have made good use of a lot of things that many might view as trash. What would make it pet safe would be filling those containers with nontoxic plants so that your pets could be free to roam without the threat of getting ill. You can even take it a step further and make it truly pet friendly by designing it to stimulate and entertain your pets with something creative like a sensory garden. You can check out our articles about indoor sensory gardens for indoor cats and and outdoor sensory garden for dogs.

One of the great perks of growing plants in containers is that you can move the pots and planters around and experiment with different levels of sun exposure until you find something that best suits a particular plant. Another benefit of container gardening is that you can put plants just out of reach for animals that you do not want to have access to something, and that applies to your pets or pesky visitors like squirrels, etc.

There are lots of benefits to container gardening: (1) no to low weeding and when you do have to weed, they cannot root as well in a container, so you can easily pull them without breaking a sweat. (2) You do not need a lot of space which works out well for people in apartments, condos, townhomes or just those with small yards. (3) You can experiment with where to place a plant based on varying degrees of sunlight. (4) It is a fun way to spread a plant through propagating cuttings.

Three Rules of Thumb For Successful Container Gardening As A Pet Owner

The rule of thumb for pet-safe and pet-friendly container gardening is to (1) carefully select non-toxic plants that won’t harm your pets if they eat it or get it on their fur and lick it off later. It’s crucial to research and ensure that every plant you include in your container garden is safe for the specific pets you have, whether dogs, cats, or horses. We created an extensive list of nontoxic plants below based on a cross-section of the ASPCA’s list of nontoxic plants and cross-referenced them to make sure they grow well in containers. Aim for a mix of thrillers, fillers, and spillers, strategically arranging them to create interest and balance. Thrillers provide height, fillers add fullness, and spillers cascade gracefully over the edges, softening the container’s outline. Additionally, it’s advisable to (2) elevate or secure the containers to prevent them from falling on an unsuspecting pet. (3) Proper watering, fertilizing, and pest management practices that avoid harsh chemicals are also essential for maintaining a pet-friendly container garden.

What Is The Cheapest Way To Make A Pet Safe Container Garden

The cheapest way to make a pet-safe container garden is to repurpose and upcycle materials you already have or can obtain for free. I have reinvented and restored a lot of things including: old sinks, cabinets, buckets, baskets, fencing, pallets, fridge bins, file and milk crates, and even an old papasan chair. I find that plants that like good drainage love the airier items. I just line them with weed cloth or even old breathable car covers. It is amazing how much money you can save when you commit to being resourceful and creative, not to mention how you are helping to save the planet.

How To Avoid The Most Common Mistake Made With Container Plants

The most common mistake with pet-safe container plants is forgetting they still require regular care. While they may not be toxic to curious pets, these plants can suffer if underwatered, overwatered, or placed in incorrect lighting. Just like any houseplant, they need attention to thrive. Be sure to check the soil moisture regularly, provide enough light for the specific plant type, and fertilize according to the package instructions. With a little awareness, you can keep your pet-safe plants healthy and your furry friend out of harm’s way.