Container gardens are a great alternative to those of us short on space, or who don’t want the commitment of a large garden. Container gardens are going to make a dramatic, and sometimes wildly and colorful impact on your front porch or back patio. They are portable, easy to care for, and easy to create! It’s agreed. Little Container Gardens are a Big Deal.
What Sort of Container is Best to Create a Container Garden?
Aside from choosing a container that best complements the style of your home, you want to be sure your container allows for good drainage. Proper drainage will keep your plants from “drowning.” Once you settle on a style, you should have no problem coming up with creative ideas. Choose from large, clay pots, to 5-gallon buckets, to half barrels. “Many plants thrive in containers. The most important thing is good drainage,” says Barbara Wise, author of Container Gardening for All Seasons. “Make sure there’s a hole in the bottom of your pot, so plants don’t drown, and read the tag or talk to the nursery to learn which plants do well in your specific conditions, such as full sun or shade.”
What Plants Work Best in a Container Garden?
As long as you take into account your climate and sun exposure, you will find more choices for planting your container garden than you can shake a stick at. The most popular plants include flowers, grasses, and succulents. Here are some of our favorite flowers and ornamental plants to grow in containers. SouthernLiving.com has a list of beautiful plants to grow in your container garden is pretty long.
Marigolds
Zinnias
Wax Begonias
Geraniums
Daylilies
Ornamental Peppers
Violas
Petunias
Ferns
What About Growing Vegetables in a Container Garden?
Growing vegetables in a container is simple, beautiful, and practical. Nightshades thrive particularly well – like eggplant and peppers, however, try these favorites:
Cherry Tomatoes
Basil
Chives
Parsley
Sage
Radishes
Varieties of Lettuces
Summer Squash
What Other Things to Consider When Creating Your Container Garden
Think “variety” when you create your Container Garden. Mix textures, size, and color for more impact. Use plants of different sizes as well. Also, get creative when you choose your container. When choosing your container, go bigger than you may expect to allow for large root mass. You will want to make sure your plants get plenty of sunlight, but most morning sun. Hot, direct, afternoon sun can burn the leaves and dry out the soil. We offer some great tips on how to get started gardening in our article The Best Gardening Tips for Beginners.
With a little planning and a few supplies, you will have a beautiful Container Garden to call your own. If you find you want to move your pots around to add color to your front porch, just pick them up and go. Between your dazzling flowers and your fragrant herbs, you’re going to find out for yourself why Little Container Gardens are a Big Deal!