Container gardens are a simple, versatile way to add color to your garden or on your porch. Aesthetically, you’ll get much more beneficial results by varying plants’ height, color, and texture. Then, there are the needs of the plants themselves to consider. For example, some plants thrive well both in the sun and shade, while others are picky about their preferred light exposure. And when it involves watering, some plants require regular drenching while others can go a few days without water. These six tips will accompany you through creating a beautiful container garden that you’ll enjoy all season long.

Choose a Container-Based on Your Climate, Budget, Space, and Style

Much like plants, containers have their characteristics to consider, such as weight, sensitivity to weather changes, and appearance. You’ll also want to reconsider your budget, space, and style when picking a container. Have an understanding that the larger the size of your container, the less you will need to water. But whatever container you choose, always make sure it has holes in the bottom to allow extra water to drain out. Lack of drainage leads Plants to die when too much water in the soil causes the roots to suffocate and rot. 

Here are some common types of pots include the following:

  • Terra-Cotta: Versatile and low-priced, terra-cotta containers are also referred to as clay pots. You can get them plain or with colorful glazes on the outside. The only pitfall to using terra-cotta is that they are somewhat fragile. 
  • Concrete: Concrete containers can take any weather. Be cautious when placing your concrete planters because they are cumbersome and even more tough to move once they’re loaded with soil and plants.
  • Wood: Pick a long-lasting wood, like cedar or nontoxic treated pine. To help them last longer, clean all surfaces with a clear waterproofing sealer specified for use on outdoor wood.
  • Metal: Galvanized tubs and buckets are great selections for container gardens. However, be aware when using a metal container because they will heat up quickly in the sun and cook your plants. Line the container with the garden fabric and place it in a shady spot to protect the plants.
  • Plastic, Fiberglass, or Resin: These kinds of containers can seem like just around any other type of container (but at a lower cost and lighter weight). They aren’t as high class and won’t last forever, but they can accomplish a specific look.

Limit the Number of Plants You Use

  • Be careful not to overload a container garden. If the plants are overcrowded, the growth can be undersized above and below the soil. To reduce the chances of overfilling a container, you will generally need to follow particular pot size-to-plant ratios.

Think about Color Schemes and Plant Combinations

Having a color theme or idea for your container garden can help you decide on a good mix of plants. You can work off the color of your container or focus on the flowers and foliage of the plants. Try to plant in odd numbers, which can give your container a more designed, asymmetrical look. 

  • Thriller: These plants add height, drama, and a vertical component. Some selections include foliage plants, ornamental grasses, or upright flowering plants. 
  • Filler: Fillers lead to be more rounded or mounded plants and complete the purpose of getting the container to look full. These are commonly placed in front of or around the thriller. 
  • Spiller: Trailing plants that dangle over the edge of the planter are considered spillers. If the container is viewed from all sides, be sure that spillers are placed on all sides.

Add Small Rocks and Use Potting Soil for Proper Drainage

Once you’ve selected your plants and a container, it’s time to get planting. But first, set a few small rocks on the bottom of your container to support drainage, making sure not to clog up the holes so much that water can’t escape. Pieces of shattered clay pots laid over the holes work well, too. Then, stuff your container two-thirds full with a potting soil mix—garden soil is normally too heavy. In contrast, potting soil makes it easier for containers to drain while retaining enough moisture for roots to absorb.