Sara Pellegrini first tried container gardening a few years ago because her city yard just never paved the way to a happy vegetable crop.

"There are so many reasons people try container gardening. But my reason is probably the most popular — space. I don't have anywhere to plant vegetables," said Pellegrini, who now is with Penn State Master Gardeners of Butler County who gives others tips on the topic.

Green thumb experts such as Pellegrini say container gardening can be the best choice for the hobbyist who wants that full flower and vegetable affect, but is short on time or yard space.

"Not to mention, you don't have to pull any weeds," said Pellegrini.

Becky McElhinny of Deener's Farm Market in Cranberry Township said container gardening is becoming more popular among her customers because of the convenience.

Especially popular, she said, are the groupings of flowers or vegetables for sale already picked and potted for summer.

"Customers like those because they don't even have to think about it," McElhinny said. "The ease of it all is appreciated."

Meghan Murdock of Quality Garden in Valencia advises her customers that the first step to creating a successful container planting is identifying the location for the garden to grow.

Different combinations will work better on a hot patio than a cool porch, Murdock said.

Select plants that are compatible in light, water and growth needs. Most plants grown in the soil can be grown in containers as long as enough space is available for their roots.

Container gardening also provides an easy solution for people who miscalculate on which is the sunny side of their porch.

"You can always move them," advises Pellegrini, who notes attractive wagons and garden dolleys are designed for just such a purpose.

Murdock said one of the most import elements of the process for her customers is picking a container.

Pots, Murdock said, can set a tone or create a feel.

There are sleek and elegant modern pots versus soft or traditional looking pottery.

Wood and terra cotta pots are preferable for vegetable planting because they hold moisture better.

But as far as those flowers go, Murdock said there are a world of different varieties in the stores.

Hanging baskets, wooden barrels and colorful resin and clay containers are sold empty or preplanted at many locations.

And Pellegrini said, don't be afraid to think out of the box ... or pot, in this case.

Flea market finds or items left forgotten in the garage such as old tires or children's swimming pools can be recycled into great container gardens.

Pellegrini this year is going to plant potatoes inside the burlap bags that normally hold the end product.

Experts say one thing to look out for when picking or prepping a pot is adequate drainage holes. Don't be afraid to drill a few in the sides of really large planters.

Raising the container an inch or two off the floor by setting it on blocks also can help alleviate drainage problems.

And, experts say, avoid wood products treated with creosote or penta.

Murdock advises container gardeners annually put new potting soil in their pots.

Don't, she said, use soil from the backyard to fill your pots because the typical ground of a Western Pennsylvania yard has a high clay content that can be difficult for the shallow roots of annual flowers to break threw.

Experts prefer store bought potting soil because it contains additives to help with drainage as well as slow-release fertilizer.

But for the all-around DIY'er, (do-it-yourselfer) Pellegrini said you can try making potting soil from equal parts of compost, peat, vermiculite or builder's sand.

Gardeners also should consider lining the bottom of their pots with packing peanuts or spreading mulch on top of the dirt to prevent moisture loss.

Pay close attention to watering your container garden daily, if not twice a day, and enjoy.

At year's end, gardeners who want to save their pots should clean them with a solution of water and 10 percent bleach, Pellegrini said.

McElhinny said she expects container gardening to become even more popular this summer because of the recession.

First, she said, more people will be enticed into having a little fresh food in their backyard.

And second, those people who put off pricey vacations will instead opt to make their stay-at-home vacation more beautiful.

"They want to pretty-up," McElhinny said.