A shipping container garden is just a small example of so many DIY projects people can do to add something new to their homes. Without clearing up much land just to set up a new garden, a container only occupies so much space than regular gardens.
Even so, a shipping container garden needs regular maintenance. It’s only a matter of time before the container or the plants degrade due to neglect, meaning you must follow the best practices to maintain their condition and quality.
How to Preserve the Container’s Condition
To start things off, here are the best steps to keep your container in the shipping container garden safe and stable for your plants.
Inspect for Rust and Corrosion
Corten steel is a common material to construct shipping containers since it must withstand hard weather. But, corrosion and rust will always occur, particularly if the container’s owner leaves it outside.
Check your container for symptoms of rust regularly both inside and outside. Should you find any rust patches, sand them down and coat or seal them with a paint or sealer that resists corrosion.
Another way to slow down corrosion is to ensure the container’s base has enough drainage since water buildup can cause corrosion to accelerate.
Waterproofing and Insulation
Although the initial purpose of shipping containers was to keep goods dry, their joints and seals can deteriorate with time.
Therefore, keep your container waterproof to keep your growing environment conducive. Check the walls, doors, and roof frequently for leaks. Use caulking or other suitable weatherproof materials to seal any gaps.
Additionally, insulation is vital for managing the inside temperature of your container since stressful weather conditions can affect your plants.
Think of including environmentally friendly insulating materials like spray foam, cotton insulation, or sheep wool. By doing this, you can keep the interior climate steady and plants will stay safe from sudden temperature changes.
Ventilation
To avoid mold growth and excessive humidity buildup, there must be adequate airflow to do so. Humidity can build up quickly in a container depending on the climate, which is bad for the structure and the plants inside.
Improve ventilation by installing vents or even solar-powered fans. For more complex configurations, you might want to add louvered ventilation systems, which let air flow but keep pests out.
Maintaining the Foundation
Another consideration is placing the container on a level and secure foundation to prevent shifting and warping. This could involve putting in concrete slabs, timber beams, or concrete blocks depending on your surroundings.
Make sure the container stays level and there are no visible symptoms of erosion or cracking in the foundation regularly. Doing so can increase the container’s lifespan and avoid structural stress with a solid foundation.
Cleaning and Repainting
The shipping container’s exterior is prone to dust, filth, and weather damage. Cleaning it frequently helps avoid long-term harm in addition to improving its appearance.
To keep the surface clean, use a power washer or a straightforward hose with a mild detergent.
You can also repaint the container with UV-resistant paint to guard against fading and sun damage after giving it a good cleaning. This preserves the longevity of the container and prevents rust.
Steps to Protect the Plants
You can protect the shipping container garden’s plants and soils with these recommended steps.
Choosing the Right Soil
Good soil is the first step toward a healthy plant. It is important to use well-draining soil that holds moisture without becoming saturated because you can only grow plants in the container’s limited space.
You can combine compost, perlite or vermiculite, and peat moss to make an excellent potting mix. For your plants to get the nutrients they need, you should also add organic matter to the soil, like compost or worm castings.
Watering Techniques
Any garden must have regular irrigation, and container gardens are no different. Container plants are susceptible to rapid drying out, particularly in warm weather. Check the soil every day to keep the appropriate moisture levels.
Install a drip irrigation system or utilize self-watering containers to keep your plants hydrated while avoiding overwatering. Root rot is a prevalent problem in container gardening and can be caused by overwatering.
Sunlight and Lighting
Growing plants that need full sun might be difficult due to the limited natural light in shipping containers. Installing grow lights might be a good idea if your garden is indoors or receives little natural light.
As a solution, LED lamps are energy-efficient and capable of producing the light spectrum required for plant growth. To guarantee that all plants receive the same amount of light, position the lights to reflect the sun’s natural movement.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary regularly to replace nutrients because plants in containers only have a small amount of soil. To provide a consistent supply of nutrients, use liquid fertilizer or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
As an alternative option, you can use organic fertilizers like fish emulsion or compost tea to feed your plants. If you notice any symptoms of a nutrient shortage in your plants, such as yellowing leaves or slowed development, make necessary adjustments to your fertilization schedule.
Pest Management
Even in a controlled environment like a shipping container garden, pests can still get in. Keep a frequent eye out for common pests such as spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies on your plants.
Apply neem oil sprays for organic pest control or introduce helpful insects like ladybugs. Keeping your container clean and free from dirt also helps lessen the danger of bug infestations.
Conclusion
Implementing the proper maintenance steps to maintain the condition of your shipping container garden will keep the garden functioning like any other garden. Furthermore, using the finest containers like Tradecorp’s offerings can help stabilize the garden in the long term. Find the convertible container you need for your garden on our website and we’ll help you design your own container garden!