How to container garden continues to grow popular and for good reasons. With food prices predicted to rise further due to gas prices, plus flooding and tornadoes in the Midwest. Starting a garden seems like a wise decision, especially if you live in an urban area.

More people, especially African Americans, look for solutions and answers to relieve the cost of feeding their families. An increasing number find starting a garden the answer. After all that's what got most of our ancestor through tight financial times.

You have a home, are you using all the space efficiently? Using empty spaces in your back yard, patio or side of your house to grow food could help save or reduce much of your food cost. With the increasing cost of food investing in a small garden could be the best investment you can make this year.

Container gardening is the fastest growing method of gardening, because it's quicker, easier and takes up less space than traditional in-the-ground type gardening. Now the smallest space around your home will allow you to grow delicious vegetables, have a nice herb garden, or even a small fruit tree.

With the sky-high cost of organic vegetables, you can grow your own for a fraction of the cost you'd pay at the average supermarket or one of those specialty food stores. Processors put pesticides, artificial coloring, and waxes on supermarket vegetables to make them last longer, look pretty, and keep bugs away. Knowing this makes more people consider starting a garden.

Here's a few tips on starting your first organic garden:

1. If you live in hot climate using white, tan or other light colored container reduce your plants absorption of heat and stimulate even root growth.

2. Make sure your pot has good drainage.

3. Avoid placing pot directly on ground, place raised on a brick or other riser to allow proper drainage.

4. Buy a good quality potting mixture, such as Miracle Gro or Ortho. More suggestions available in the average container garden magazine.

5. Make sure the pot has enough room for root to grow, the number and size of plants determine the size of the pot.

6. Your vegetables will need at least six to seven hours of sunlight, tomatoes and cucumbers need the most sun.

7. Remember most plants need watering daily, especially in the summer.

Whatever vegetable or fruit plant you plan to start, take advantage of the incredible number and scope of how-to books and videos available. You can also use Google to receive tons of information and tips. There's also forums available online that can answer your questions or concerns.

Yes, our ancestors instinctively knew having a garden not only reduced there families food cost, but they ate healthier. Consider starting a garden today. With the bulging cost of food, you'll enjoy the decision to grow your own food. Start educating yourself on container gardening today.