Best Container Gardening Kits

Container gardening ‑- the latest green-thumb trend ‑- just got easier. Now, you can buy kits that come with almost everything you need to start a small indoor or outdoor garden, so you save time and money. To find the best planting packages, the Good Housekeeping Institute got its hands dirty. Here, its recommendations:

The EzGro Outdoor Hydroponic Kit ($59.95; 800-651-1701; www.theezgro.com) lets you stack up to five pots on a vertical pole so you can grow a cascade of plants in a small space. Plus, the easy-to-assemble system includes fertilizer, flower packets and vegetable seeds. Note: The container was heavy to move around, so think carefully about where you want it to go.

Ready to grow your own organic patch? Check out the 4' by 4' Gardens Alive! Organic Garden kit ($74.95; 513-354-1483; www.gardensalive.com). Since it has a fabric barrier to prevent grass and weeds from growing through, it can go anywhere ‑- even on the lawn. The kit took longer than the others to assemble (and be prepared to get lumber cut to size).

For a fast way to add color to your deck or patio, try the Jackson & Perkins decorative kits ($59.95 for the Medallion Planter and $79.95 for the"

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