There are so many good reasons to plant in containers rather than in the garden, from dealing with animals in the garden (more to follow in my next post about that) to sun, shade and space issues. One of the quickest ways to add a pop of color to your space is to plant a container. If you use smaller containers that are easily moved, you can find the right combination of sun or shade in your space. Also, they’re easy to protect if the weather turns nasty (never happens here, right?)
Multiple planters on an old step ladder
And remember to think outside the box—a container could be an old wheelbarrow, bike basket, watering can, stump in the yard or anything that will hold dirt and water. Containers can appear formal by using symmetrical pairs or nice urns, or very informal like using an old Schwinn bike basket.
A large composite planter filled with shade loving plants for a shady porch
If youwant to use a large container, there are some great looking lightweight composite materials out there, but they can still get very heavy if filled completely with dirt. Use packing peanuts or other lightweight filler material for 1/3 to ½ of the container, then plant as usual with your favorite potting soil.
For a lush, interesting container, plant numerous kinds of plants and pack them tightly into the container. Use some trailing varieties, one or two tall plants and some shorter flowering. I’ve used sweet potato vine with double impatiens, lobelia and a dwarf conical juniper for my large containers. A single flowering plant in a small container, clustered with other small contains is a good way to get more bang for your buck, or if you have a small space like a balcony or patio. I use annuals for the most part, but I also bring out all of my tropical and tender indoor plants for the summer. The fresh air and sunshine does wonders for them!
Use a good quality potting soil and remember that your containers may need frequent watering in the middle of the summer depending on sun and drainage. Wooden and clay pots dry out quicker than plastic or composite containers so check them daily. There are some great new products out there designed to retain water, so if you really can’t check your containers daily, then a trip to your local garden center to find one of these products will save both time and expense.
Fertilize every week—I like Miracle-Gro Bloom Booster—and enjoy your colorful planters all summer!
At the end of the season, a couple of things that will save time and money next year; discard all of the dead and dying plant material and save your potting soil. I transfer mine to a bit covered tub and store in the garden shed. Also, clean up and store your containers to bring out and re-use. If you’ve brought out your houseplants for the summer, it’s a good idea to repot and check carefully for mites, aphids and other insects before bringing back into the house.
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Thanks for your post, Karen! I truly love the ladder idea. How much fun it is to find new uses in the garden for old things. Watering has always been my biggest downfall with containers. Or should I say, LACK of watering!