Getting Started In Container Gardening
Generally speaking, most plants grown in garden soil can also be grown in containers, provided there is ample space and the right conditions for plants and roots to develop and grow.
Good drainage is essential when growing plants in containers, unless, of course, you are planting aquatic plants in containers that will be submerged under water in your garden pond. Otherwise, plants that do not like wet feet (consistently wet soil) will most likely decline and/or develop root rot if the container does not drain properly. Root rot develops when a plant is literally drowning in water and, therefore, its roots can no longer breath or absorb nutrients properly.
Equally important is soil media and fertilization. The planting soil or potting "mix", and fertilizers, will be selected based upon the type of plant and its growing requirements.
Container choice will be important as well. The size and weight of the container, and whether it has adequate holes for drainage will be things to consider if you want to be a successful container gardener.
Appropriate Containers
The first step in planning your container garden is to decide on a container. Just about anything that can hold soil and offers drainage qualifies. All containers, whether they be made of clay, wood, concrete, metal, plastic, or ceramic, should have an adequate number of holes in the bottom for proper drainage - unless, as mentioned previously, you are planting a container water garden.
The container's size will be determined by the plant(s) you intend to grow in the container. Select your plants first, then look for a container that is the appropriate size.
Mini Containers: Many types of annual or perennial succulent plants, sedums, cactus, hen's and chick's, and other small-growing plants that do not require a lot of attention to watering can be grown in mini containers that are 6 inches in diameter or less.
Small Containers: Many smaller growing annual bedding plants, perennial plants, succulents, cactus, herbs and vegetables such as lettuce, peppers, and radishes can be grown in a container at least 6 inches in diameter with an 8-inch soil depth.
Mid-Size Containers: Deep rooted, and larger-growing perennials and annual bedding plants, many dwarf shrubs, tomatoes and other vegetable plants such as squash, pole beans and cucumbers can be grown in mid-size containers that are 14 inches or more in diameter and 10 or more inches deep. Bushel baskets, half barrels, wooden tubs, clay pots, and 5 gallon buckets that are used when growing tomatoes upside down are just few examples of mid-size containers.
Large Containers: If you intend on growing a small to mid-size tree or shrub in a container, such as a Japanese Maple or upright Holly, keep in mind that high winds can tip them over. To prevent tipping, plant these taller growing specimens in heavy, large concrete containers or planters - or other types of planters that will be attached to a solid and sturdy surface. Know the mature size of the plant so that you can purchase the appropriate size container.
TIP: When growing taller plants or trees in outdoor containers, weight placed inside the bottom of the container can help to keep pots from tipping over from high wind.
Drainage Tips
Setting the container on a flat surface, such as a cement or patio floor, reduces drainage. Raising the container one or two inches off the floor by setting it on blocks of wood, bricks or pavers, or clay feet will solve this problem.
Holes should be drilled or punched in containers that do not have any, or drain insufficiently.
Gravel, rocks, or pieces of broken clay or concrete pots can also be placed in the bottom of larger containers to facilitate better drainage and serve as a reservoir.
As instructed below, use a soil media that drains sufficiently and holds water more evenly.
Planting Media
Typically, when growing in containers, most plants will prefer a light, professional or premium potting "mix" that holds moisture more evenly than cheap, "dollar-a-bag" potting "soils".
Vegetables, herbs, annual bedding plants and perennial plants prefer a lightweight premium potting mix. These plants are more prone to quickly contracting soil-born diseases, such as root-rot. A profession potting mix is the best way to start in prevention of these diseases. Professional potting mixes can be amended with small amlunts of compost as well to supply extra beneficial nutrients and micro-organisms to the plants.
On the other hand, many ornamentals may tolerate the soil a bit heavier. For these, you could add some of the cheap-grade potting soil to the mix at a 50/50 ratio; blending it well with the potting mix. Compost may also be added in small amounts.
Succulents, cactus and other plants that do not require much moisture, if any, will prefer growing in specialty mixes, or sandy, exceptionally well-drained media.
Aquatic plants prefer growing in containers that are filled with average garden soil.
SEE: Planting Aquatic Plants In Containers
Planting
With the exception of aquatic plants and succulents, most others, such as annual, perennial, ornamental, vegetable, herb, vining, and tropical plants will require the same or similar planting techniques for container growing.
SEE: Planting Instructions For Containers
Fertilizing Plants In Container Gardens
Methods of fertilization for container plantings will vary depending on several factors: indoors or outdoors, specific plant needs, and your own personal preference between synthetic or organic fertilizers.
Edibles: When growing edible plants in containers, such as vegetables, herbs and fruit, growing organically is one thing you might want to consider as you will be eating the fruits from these.
Annual Flowers & Perennial Plants: In containers, these are usually best fertilized at planting time with a slow-release, long-lasting flower food, or on a regular weekly to monthly basis with a water-soluble fertilizer. Always refer to product label for mixing and application instructions.
Ornamentals: Shrubs, trees, vines, groundcovers and other ornamental plants, growing in containers, can be fertlized with a slow-release, special "nursery-type" fertilizer. These specialty fertilizers will provide the basic essential elements, along with a micro-nutrient package containing iron, manganese, zinc and others needed for peak performance. Follow instructions on product label for application rates.
Tropicals When growing tropical plants in containers, such as hibiscus and mandevilla vines, fertilize then at planting time with a slow-release, long-lasting granular fertilizer for season-long feeding. Or, you can fertilize then every week or so with a solution of water-soluble fertilizer as directed an the product label.
Palms When growing palms in containers, there are special fertilization requirements. SEE: How To Fertilize Palms
Aquatic Pond Plants: These require a special method of fertilization SEE: Fertilizing Aquatic Plants
Houseplants:
Insect Control For Container Plants
Indoors: Plants growing in containers indoors will require certain methods for insect control. SEE: Insect Control For Houseplants
Outdoors: Plants growing in containers outdoors will require certain methods for insect control. SEE: Insect Control Home Page
Disease Control For Container Plants
Indoors: Plants growing in containers indoors will require certain methods for disease control. SEE: Disease Control For Houseplants
Outdoors: Plants growing in containers outdoors will require certain methods for disease control. SEE: Disease Control Home Page
Water Requirements
Pay particular attention to watering container plants. Because the volume of soil is relatively small, containers can dry out quickly during the hotter summer months, especially if they are on a concrete patio in full sunlight. Daily or twice-daily watering may be necessary. Apply water until it runs out the drainage holes.
Clay pots and other porous containers may need water more frequently, as they allow additional evaporation from the sides of the pots. Small pots also tend to dry out more quickly than larger ones. If the soil appears to be getting excessively dry (plants wilting every day is one sign), group the containers together so that the foliage creates a canopy to help shade the soil and keep it cool. You may also add a light layer of mulch to help slow evaporation.
Use the finger test or a moisture meter to check for soil moisture and water accordingly, if necessary.
Light Requirements
The amount of sunlight your container garden spot receives may determine which plants can be grown. Check light requirements for specific plants. Use the Advanced Plant Search to find just the right plant, for the right spot!
Additional Tips & Reminders
Plants growing in container gardens outdoors will require more fertilizer than those you grow indoors or under cover, as rainfall may leach more nutrients from the soil.
Unlike plants that are growing in the ground an exposed to the higher temperature of the soil, plants grown in containers above ground will be exposed to air temperatures, which are often much cooler. Plants that are known to be more senstive to cold, or labeled as "semi-hardy" or "tender:, should be brought indoors in the event of severe cold weather conditions.
Set your conatiner plants where they will receive the right exposure to sun.
Water your outdoor container plants occasionally with a solution of fish emulsion or compost tea to add beneficial trace elements and nutrients that you plants will appreciate,
Do not over-fertilize container plants. Doing so may cause accelerated growth that could compromise the health of the plant, making it weaker. Always refer to product label for appropriate mixing and application instructions.
Mulch your container plants with a thin layer of compost, wood chips or pebbles to insulate, retain moisture and feed.
See Related Topics
Planting Instructions For Containers
Growing Herbs Indoors
Growing Tomatoes In Containers
Organic Gardening
Cottage Gardening
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