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Container Gardening Any container can be used as long as it is well drained. Containers need to drain easily so the roots of the plants won't sit in water and rot. If the container is large, add some plastic chips or Styrofoam peanuts inside the container around the drain so the pot will be lighter if you need to move it during cooler weather or out of the hot sun. You can also use a coffee filter over the drain holes to keep the dirt from washing out. If the container must be moved often, you can even buy plant stands with wheels attached. Be sure your containers are close to a water source. It's much easier to use the hose on a hot day than try to haul water. Fertilize with either a water-soluble fertilizer at half strength once a week or use a time-released fertilizer such as Osmocote (14-14-14.) If your container is large and you are using it for vegetables, or something that requires extra care, be sure that it's the correct height so you won't strain your back. Pests like gophers can't get in containers and if leaf-cutting ants decide to start harvesting the leaves, you can simply move the container. Fire ants can be doused with a mixture of spinosad or citrus oil. Herbs are wonderful additions to containers and most are perennial. Thyme, Mint, Rosemary or Chamomile are good examples of fun herbs to grow. I've found that scented geraniums make outstanding potted plants. They get very large, stand tall and also spill over the edge. Everything you could want in a potted plant. And, they smell delightful. Don't forget native grasses for a different texture in the garden. Growing vegetables such as lettuce or spinach where you can take a few leaves every day work well. If you are thinking about fall tomatoes, be sure to look for the determinate bush, or patio varieties such as Roma that don't grow into large vines. Fall tomatoes are planted in July. Vinca and zinnias, especially the shorter and disease resistant profusion series are a good choice for containers in the heat of the season. They are cheap too, so when you come back from vacation, you can rip them out and start over for fall. When planting a container, put what will be the tallest plant in the middle, or if you are placing the container against a wall, put the tallest plant toward the back. Then, add the plants around the edge that you want to spill over and create a more dramatic effect. Last, add the mid level plants between the edge and the tall plants. Water it all in well and remember that flowering plants will continue to look fresh if you dead-head them, which means removing spent blooms. Don't forget to add mulch to the top of the soil in your container to give it a finished look.
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Gardening in containers can be an easy and fun way to garden. It doesn't take up a lot of room and is a great way to add color and diversity to your yard or garden. If you are a renter who doesn't want to spend much on a landscape, have a busy schedule, or if you have trouble getting around, container gardening is for you. Containers are also easy to care for during dry periods, but will need to be watered more often than if the plants are planted in the ground.
