How to Plant a Container Garden

Container gardening is gaining in popularity because it is fun and easy. Many inhospitable areas like deep shady yards, nasty clay hardpan, or sandy areas can be ignored and containers planted instead. Even apartment balconies can be graced with containers full of blooming flowers, tasty vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Outside areas that tend to get hot and ignored can be planted with cactus and succulents. Longing for a trip to the tropics? Plant a cool container with a lacy palm tree, colorful coleus and delicate ferns! In fall, take advantage of bulb sales and plant a container full of tulips, crocus and daffodils for bright spring color.

The list of possibilities is endless, as are the containers to use. Any and I do mean any container can be used. Even old toilets and bathtubs make interesting conversation pieces when planted full of colorful flowers. The only rule is to be sure that you have adequate drain holes drilled. This is important. The number one killer of container gardens is lack of drainage. Do not put pebbles or pottery shards over the holes, contrary to popular belief. They’re unnecessary and in many cases actually block drainage from holes.

Get the proper mix

OK, so you’ve got your plants selected—dig up some dirt from the yard right? Wrong! A plant in a container is cut off from the earth, just the same as a fish in an aquarium. Think of the special care that fish needs to survive and you will understand the stresses that container plants are under. They need a proper mix of ingredients to insure survival and vibrant growth. Sun Land Potting Soil (for larger containers), Sun Land Natural & Organic Potting Mix (for veggies and herbs that will be consumed), and Sun Land Premium Potting Mix (for hanging baskets, smaller containers) are all good products to use. Fill container to within a few inches of top and that’s it.

Dress it up

Plant the tallest plants in the middle, shorter ones to the outside, or if a long one that will be up against a house, plant tallest in back and shorter ones in front. It’s nice to have some plants that drape over the edge. Add garden characters or ornaments if you like.

Location

Place a large, heavy container where you will want to leave it to avoid having to move it! Check the requirements for the specific plants you are growing to be sure that you have placed your pots where they will get adequate sunlight or shade.

Watering

Remember plants in containers dry out faster than in ground ones, so keep an eye on the soil. Outside containers can be watered more often than inside ones. For inside plants, water only when soil seems completely dry. For year round plants, use a good all-purpose plant food following manufacturers directions.