What you’ll learn here:
- Understanding what container gardening is.
- How and when container gardening can add to your interior or exterior decor.
- Reasons why container gardening is a trend and probably one to stay for a while.
- A container garden can be surprisingly cheap, making it perfect for the gardener on a budget.
- What supplies you’ll need to get started.
Container gardening has always been a staple in the world of gardening, but it’s quickly become one of the trendiest ways to get creative with plants. From classic terracotta planters to vintage bathtubs and rustic half barrels, there’s virtually no limit on what you can use as a garden container – as long as it can hold soil, consider it a fair game!
There are many ways to use container gardening to create a garden display that’s as beautiful as practical. But before you can start shoveling soil into your container-of-choice, you might want to learn a little more about this fun gardening method. Like any form of gardening, the container garden method is best approached with a bit of knowledge.
In this handy guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to start a container garden, including what it is, why it’s such a great gardening option, what you’ll need to make yours, and tips for success.
What is Container Gardening?
Just as the name suggests, container gardening involves using containers to house plants. Instead of in-ground planting, your plants will take up residence in a container. Usually, the container is portable, but not always – especially because some gardeners decide on large or unusual containers.
Here are a few types of containers for container gardening:
- Pots and planters
- Boxes, including window boxes
- Baskets (with some sort of lining or inner container)
- Barrels
- Hanging baskets
- Teacups
- Faux clamshell bowls
- Antique bathtubs
The plants most commonly used in container gardening include herbs, flowers, fruit, vegetables, and succulents, though small shrubs and even dwarf trees can also be options.
Reasons Why the Container Garden Method is Flourishing
The many benefits of container gardening have made it a widely popular method for gardeners worldwide, including those at all experience levels and with varying plant interests. Here are just a few advantages to a container garden that could make it the perfect planting option for you.
Versatility
Because you can choose from such a diverse mix of container sizes and styles, container gardening can be as versatile as you’d like. Even if you already maintain a large garden or multiple raised beds, adding container gardens can be a fun way to switch up your style. Container gardening can be adapted to suit your space and style, taking on many different forms, such as:
- A cluster of small and large pots, either matching or in various colors, arranged on your porch, a stairway, on the terrace, or next to the door
- A single, oversized container for an eye-catching statement at your front door or the entrance to your main garden
- Two large matching planters flanking your driveway or entryway
- Window boxes hanging on your front windows for extra curb appeal
- Hanging baskets or planters indoors or out
- A standing shelf holding small pots with various herbs, for a convenient kitchen garden
Minimizing the risk of disease
Many skilled gardeners have been defeated by soil-borne disease, a formidable foe that can destroy even large, healthy plants. But because a container garden isolates the soil (and typically uses a fresh mix of soil and additive), there’s much less risk.
Ease of maintenance
If you aren’t ready to take on a large garden, then a compact container could be the perfect starting point. With less weeding, pruning, and overall maintenance, a container garden often requires much less time and effort.
Ideal for small spaces
Does your home have a too-small yard or one that’s already jam-packed with plants? Maybe you live in an apartment, or another place that doesn’t offer a yard. As long as you can find a spot with some sun, you can still have a garden – it will just be one that lives in a container.
Plants can be easily moved
Usually, gardens aren’t considered portable; that is unless you have a container garden. With a container garden, you can easily move plants around, giving you control over factors like sunlight, water, and temperature. For example, if you live somewhere with harsh winters, a small container garden can come inside to cozy up until the weather turns warm.
Inexpensive
Extensive gardens can be quite the investment, from buying large quantities of soil to purchasing all the plants and seeds to fill the space. However, a container garden can be surprisingly cheap, making it perfect for the gardener on a budget.
Choose an affordable planter (or reuse a recycled container), pick a few plants, and get your soil and other supplies. Since you’re working with a much smaller surface area, your initial and ongoing costs will stay reasonably modest.
What You’ll Need: Supplies to Create a Container Garden
Ready to get started on your container garden? Here’s a short and sweet list of what you’ll need to dig in:
- A container
- Enough plants to fill the container (allowing space for each plant to grow)
- Soil
- Soil additive/conditioner
Helpful Tips for Container Gardening
Choose your plant combination carefully
When selecting plants for a container garden, there’s a good rule of thumb that can help you create a beautiful blend: include at least one each of a “thriller, a spiller, and a filler.” The thriller will be the focal point of the container and be something with colorful blooms or unique leaves. Your spillers are plants that will grow up, and over the edge of the pots while are spreading plants, you can use to layer in colors, textures, and shapes.
Of course, the perfect container garden for you features all your favorite plants – so feel free to bend the rules!
Set your soil up for success
Don’t just grab a bag of potting soil and assume you’re ready to go, because it’s often not that simple. Instead, combine a high-quality soil with a good additive, like Harvest Gold Organics® Premium Soil Conditioner. An additive enriches the soil and provides critical nutrients so that your plants can grow beautiful and healthy.
Make drainage a priority
One of the most common pitfalls of a container garden is a container that doesn’t offer good drainage. The result? Waterlogged roots that succumb to rot, quickly killing the entire plant. Your container should have a proper drainage hole, or you can drill your own if you’re using an untraditional container.
Make Even the Smallest Container Garden a Big Success with Harvest Gold Organics® Premium Soil Conditioner
Container gardening is a flexible, fun, and fabulous way to enjoy gardening, often with much less work! Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, your container garden can flourish if you give it a good start.
Create a gorgeous container garden display that makes you proud by ordering a must-have gardening staple today: Harvest Gold Organics® Premium Soil Conditioner.
