Getting Started of Mini Farmer

 Growing a succulent container garden is easy and immensely satisfying. Having evolved in some of the world's harshest conditions, succulents are vigorous plants that require very little water. The biggest challenge when learning how to grow succulents is to avoid excessive nurturing. These plants don't do well if they are overwatered or overfed. This makes them perfect for the gardener who doesn't have a lot of time to spend on tending plants.

Before Getting Started

Planting and maintaining a succulent container garden is easy. The key is to select the right container, soil, and plants.

• Choosing containers: Succulent roots can thrive in a shallow container. Ensure that the container has drainage holes. If the container doesn't have drainage holes, drill some holes at the bottom. Standing water can kill a succulent.
• Using the right kind of soil: You can use any potting mix designed for succulents. Look for words such as "cactus mix" or "succulent mix" on the packaging. You can also make your own succulent potting mix. Blend equal parts regular potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice for an ideal mix.
• Selecting plants: When choosing your plants, be aware they might have varying light and care requirements. Check the plant tags for specific requirements to group succulents with similar needs in your container.

Some succulent species will remain fairly healthy even if you don't provide the optimal growing conditions they prefer. And other species are very sensitive to their conditions. It's important to do your research before settling on species for your container. Make sure they all will thrive with the light conditions, temperatures, and level of care you can provide. 

For instance, some succulents are hardy while others are tender. The hardy succulents can withstand cooler temperatures while the tender succulents will quickly succumb to cold weather. If you select tender succulents, bring them indoors when outdoor conditions are too cold. And they also must be protected from drafts and air conditioners. 

Some notoriously easy-to-grow succulents include aloe (Aloe spp.), jade (Crassula ovata), zebra cactus (Haworthia spp.), and hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum). Some trickier succulents to grow include living stones (Lithops spp.), string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), and donkey's tail (Sedum morganianum).