Container gardening is one of the most fun and flexible ways to grow plants—whether you’re working with a small patio, a sunny porch, or just want to add some beauty to your outdoor space. But success with containers starts with a few key basics. Here’s what you need to know to set yourself (and your plants!) up for a thriving season.
CONTAINER: Before you even pick your plants, check your container. Does it have adequate drainage? Most plants can’t tolerate wet, low-oxygen conditions for long—hello, root rot.
Be especially cautious with self-watering containers. While convenient, they often hold water in the bottom, creating a humid, soggy zone that can quickly become a disaster for your plant’s roots. When in doubt, drill a few extra holes and use a layer of coarse material at the base.
SOIL: Remember—plants in containers only have access to what you give them. Soil is everything. For most annuals, a peat-based mix with perlite and bark is a fantastic choice.
Watch out for pre-fertilized soils. Fertilizer can settle unevenly during shipping, and that means some of your plants might get too much while others get too little. That uneven feeding can lead to some disappointing results.
And please—do not use topsoil in containers unless you’re aiming to make a brick. There’s a time and place for topsoil, but container gardening isn’t it.
FERTILIZERS: Plants in containers are captive. They only have what you give them! We recommend a time-release fertilizer – like osmocote that feeds for about 3 months.
Pay attention to dosage, and the plant you are trying to grow. Some are heavy feeders; others, not so much. Not sure what your plant needs? We’re here to help—come talk soil and nutrients with us anytime!
WATER: Watering is where most people run into trouble—and the answer to “how much?” isn’t so simple.
You need to think about:
-
Your container’s drainage
-
Your soil’s structure
-
And most importantly, your plant species
Some plants are total water hogs; others prefer their roots to stay on the drier side. Get to know your plant, and err on the side of checking moisture levels with your finger before you water.
PLANTS: There are so many options! From single species containers to fun combinations – you must consider how much sun the container will get, and what kind of care you expect to be able to give it.
Not sure what will thrive in your space? We’re here to help! Bring in your containers, photos, or measurements—we love helping you pick the perfect plant pairings.
Come Visit Us!
Whether you’re just getting started with container gardening or want to simply change up your annual pot combinations, we’re here for it! Stop by, check out our selection, and let’s chat about what you’re growing this season.
We love plants. We love helping. And we love seeing you succeed.