If you're looking to get started or expand your garden with potted plants, window boxes or hanging baskets, we're here to help. This guide will teach you how to design, plan, plant, and care for your potted plants.
WHAT IS CONTAINER GARDENING?
Container gardening is growing plants in containers, instead of directly in the ground. There are many containers for plants such as ceramic pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes. You can grow many different types of plants in containers, including flowers, shrubs, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and trees.
WHY CONTAINER GARDENING?
Container gardening is beneficial and advantageous for even individuals with ample outdoor space. The most important thing is that porches and patios look better with a few well-placed planters filled with beautiful flowers and interesting foliage.
Another benefit of containers is the convenience they lend. Some people would rather grow vegetables and herbs in pots and raised beds where they have more control over the growing conditions. You can grow a wider variety of plants by using containers, which will protect them from the elements if the climate is too extreme. If deer are a problem, try putting plants on elevated porches or in hanging pots where they can't reach them.
TYPES OF CONTAINERS
It's important that you choose the right container and growing plants for your site.
There is a wide variety of containers that you can use for your garden. The traditional terracotta pot comes to mind! There are many things you can plant flowers in. Here are just a few examples…
- pots
- tubs
- baskets
- stationary structural containers
- hanging pots
- barrels
- metal containers
- concrete containers
- galvanized tubs
- birdbath
- wooden box
- raised beds
- more!
The plantings should be put in a pot with enough room for them to grow. Most container plants have longer root systems that prefer not to be restricted by a pot.
Choose a container for your micro garden that will allow the plants enough room to grow in height and width.
CONTAINER CONSTRUCTION
The container that you choose to plant your small garden in should be able to withstand the sun, wind, and other elements.
The less a container is exposed to the elements, the more impervious it should be.
Here are a few popular materials for a planter…
- heavy-duty plastic
- terracotta
- fiberglass
- fiberglass blends
- concrete
- hypertufa (light concrete)
- dark plastic bags
- metal
- wood
- bucket
- polyurethane foam
- ceramic
- more
Each type of pot has its own advantages and disadvantages. You need to make sure the container you use is appropriate for the temperature zone in your area.
Be creative! There are many different types and sizes of pots and containers for plants.
TYPES OF CONTAINERS FOR DIFFERENT USES
POTS
Pots and planters are containers that can be used for decoration, regardless of their shape. They are synonyms!
To make things easier, we will use the common meaning of the word “pot.” Any round container for a self-contained garden.
The main advantage of a round container is that it is always aesthetically pleasing. Pots that are round work the best on patios where they can be seen from all angles.
But, don’t limit yourself! A pot is a great way to achieve a round pot look at your front door. Round pots are one of the most versatile garden containers.
I painted an old grey pot with chalk paint to give it the appearance of being old and weathered.
When I think of a “pot,” I think of a container that can be moved around.
You can turn any small outdoor space into a living area.
PLANTERS
A planter can be any shape other than round and is usually not moved.
Planters make great “dividers” or natural screens for patios, etc.
I have three large black self-watering planters on the patio that separate the porch from the patio.
RAISED BEDS
Raised beds are planters that are raised off the ground at a comfortable height for planting. They can be mobile or not.
They are referring to containers, which are popular right now and often used for patio vegetables and herbs as well as flowers!
HANGING BASKETS
Hanging baskets are containers that are hung from posts, iron hooks, porches, trees, and more. They are usually planted with a variety of flowers or other plants.
The flowers in their pots are spilling over the sides, adding color and height to our outdoor living spaces.
SELF WATERING
I personally, LOVE self-watering pots and planters! If all the plants in the pot need the same amount of water, the pot can water itself from a reservoir at the bottom of the container!
These containers need little care and will keep your flowers watered for a long time!
Self-watering pots are especially nice when a container is in full sun and water from the soil evaporates quickly. They are also perfect for “thirsty plants”!
TOWER GARDENS
Tower gardens are a great way to grow produce in small spaces. They use vertical space and hydroponic conditions to their advantage. They are organic and oh, so delicious!
I love how productive a tower garden is, even though we have the space to grow vegetables.
PAINTING CONTAINERS
Many types of pots and planters can be painted to work with the flowers and other color schemes in an outdoor space.
I have experience with both chalk paint and spray paint, having used them to paint numerous containers.
The two rectangular planters in the images in this post were originally a terracotta color. I painted them with black primer that had a built-in spray. Who knew, right? So easy!
HOW TO PLAN A CONTAINER GARDEN
There are so many different plants and container styles to choose from that planning your container garden can seem daunting. Follow these simple steps to plan your container garden:
- Select a location. We recommend starting with location to help narrow down your options for plants and container types. How much light does the space receive? How much space do you have for your container? These are all important factors that will impact your container garden choices.
- Choose a container. Consider factors such as appearance, cost, and size when selecting your container. Some popular options include:
- Clay (terra cotta) pots. These classic options look great with most décor, and some clay pots have glazes or decorative designs to add to their visual appeal. Terra cotta pots may be fairly delicate and prone to chipping or cracking, especially in colder temperatures. Note that plants in terra cotta pots—which are porous—will need more frequent watering than those in other types of containers.
- Stone or concrete pots. These heavy-duty containers are extremely durable, but depending on their composition, their weight makes them difficult to reposition, especially when they are full of soil. Consider our lightweight Lavastone planters as an alternative.
- Wood barrels. Wood provides a rustic, natural feel to container gardens. For best results, choose a container made from hardy wood such as cedar, which should stand up to the elements for many years.
- Plastic or Fiberglass. Pots made from synthetic material are lightweight and available in a variety of styles to match your décor. Some plastic pots feature self-watering systems for easier plant maintenance. Plastic and fiberglass containers can typically withstand freezing temperatures, but they will need to be replaced when they eventually crack or chip.
- DIY container. Just about any bucket or other receptacle can become a container garden. Some options include repurposing bird baths, watering pails, metal buckets, rope baskets, and more. If your repurposed container does not have drainage, you’ll have to add drainage holes to avoid root rot.
- Decide what you want to plant. Most plants fall into one of two main categories: annuals and perennials. Annual plants are planted in the spring and generally die with the first in the fall, so they need to be re-planted each year. By contrast, perennial plants go dormant in the fall and re-emerge the following spring. To help your perennials survive cold winter temperatures, they should be transplanted into the ground to overwinter, and then dug up and replanted in the container, if desired, the following spring. While some perennials are suitable for container gardening, most people prefer annuals to create exceptional potted plantings for patios, decks, terraces, porches, and front entries. Annuals work hard for your container garden since many provide either a continuous show of colorful blooms or attractive foliage; some even offer both. There are annuals that will suit virtually any color scheme, gardening style, and setting. Annuals offer instant gratification and their display lasts all summer.
- Select your plant or plants. Choose plants based on their light requirements and individual preferences. Avoid overcrowding by limiting the number of plants you place in each container. Plant care instructions on spacing vary, but generally, annuals should be planted 12” apart. Some of the best plants for container gardening include:
- Impatiens
- Coleus
- Geranium
- Angelonia
- Begonia
- Starflower
- Petunia
- Violet
- Zinnia
- Fountain Grass
The “thriller, filler, and spiller” formula is a popular choice among gardeners when deciding on which plants to put together in a container. A “thriller” is a tall plant that stands out, a “spiller” is a plant that hangs over the edge of the container, and a “filler” is a plant that fills in any empty space. Some of our favorite plant combination ideas for container gardens include:
- Cabbage Palm, Coleus, and Impatiens
- Petunias and Fountain Grass
- Coleus, Impatiens, and Ornamental Grass
- Agastache, Verbena, and Coleus
- Mandevilla, Spurge, and Plectranthus
- Dwarf Papyrus, Lantana, and Creeping Zinnia,
Here are a few design tips to keep in mind when planning your own container collections: Do your best to have fun while you work and remember that you can easily change your plans with annuals. A color scheme with similar hues features plants that are in the same color family. This could be a mix of pastels or hot colors. Colors that are close together on the color wheel will usually create a pleasing harmony. Colors that are opposite on the color wheel can be paired together for a striking effect. Try complementary colors like yellow and purple, blue and orange, or red and green. One way to create harmony with different colors is to use lighter and darker versions of each color. When in doubt, keep it simple.
CARING FOR YOUR POTTED PLANTS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON
Having a planted container garden will give you a season of beauty and color, with just a bit of care.
FEEDING
Watering the plants in a container is the best way to ensure growth and blooms.
Different plants need different types of fertilizer in order to grow properly. Make sure to use the correct fertilizer for the plants you are trying to grow. It makes a difference! Follow the directions on the fertilizer exactly.
I only need to fertilize my plants once because the potting soil I use has fertilizer already in it.
PRUNING AND PINCHING BACK
Pinching off and deadheading flowers will encourage them to grow back.
As the summer gets hotter, many plants start to suffer and become leggy. Do not pinch the plants too close to the base, as this will prevent new growth from occurring.
WATERING
Water your plants according to the needs of each plant. It is important for container gardens to be watered thoroughly so the roots of the plants can grow deep.
Take a clue from the plants in a pot. The leaves and flowers will droop if they don't get enough water. If the leaves turn yellow, they are likely overwatered.
Keep container gardens happy by regular watering.
A pot benefits most from a good soaking rain. I keep an eye on the weather and water my plants often during a dry spell, and let them dry out when it's raining a lot!
SELF WATERING CONTAINERS
There are many ways to keep a container garden watered all season long.
I have a few pots of this type and they're my faves! I add water to a reservoir, and as the soil dries out, the water in the reservoir is released. I keep an eye on the water supply, adding more when necessary.
If you need help watering your plants that are not self-watering, try a self-watering plant stake. Watering globes are a great way to water plants when you're busy or away.
PESTS
Pest-free container gardens usually result from using healthy plants and potting them in clean soil.
If you see a plant that appears to be diseased or dying, remove it from the pot and replace it with a healthy one.
REPLACING PLANTS
Removing unhealthy plants from your container garden and replacing them with healthy plants is a great way to improve your garden's overall health.
My potted petunias seem to come to the end of their rope around July. I will frequently swap out these plants for healthier ones from my local nursery.
I love planting herbs in ball jars and as I use them I replace them. So easy and the herbs stay happy!
CHANGING SEASONS
I usually change out plants that are looking less than pretty when summer turns into fall.
If you want to keep your container garden going until frost, pull out the spent summer plants and replace them with fresh fall-loving plants.
I only pull out plants that look bad. If I cut some of my summer plants back, they can thrive straight through fall! And they look lovely mixed with traditional fall plantings.
Here are some pretty fall replacement plants…
- ornamental cabbage
- ornamental kale
- mums
- ornamental pepper plant
- sedum
- pansy
- dusty miller
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