Small garden solutions: Gardening in containers

Gardening in containers is ideal for those with little or no garden space.

In addition to growing flowers, gardeners limited to a balcony or only a patch of sun on their driveway can produce a wide variety of vegetable crops in containers.

Container plants also add versatility to gardens large and small.

They provide instant colour, are a focal point in the garden and tie in the architecture of the house to the garden.

One easy guideline for choosing the plants to combine in a container is to include at least one focal-point plant, such as coleus or a geranium with multi coloured leaves, combined with several plants that spill over the edge of the pots, such as petunias, and the fillers, which are plants with smaller leaves and flowers that add colour and fill in the arrangement all season long.

Size

When choosing a container, keep in mind that it’s easier to grow plants in large containers than small ones.

That’s because large containers hold more soil, which stays moist longer and is less subject to rapid temperature fluctuations.

Drainage

Whatever container you choose, drainage holes are essential.

Without drainage, soil will become waterlogged and plants may die.

The holes need not be large, but there must be enough so that excess water can drain out.

Plain concrete containers are very heavy, so they are difficult to move and not suitable for using on decks or balconies.

Preparing your containers

Since containers are heavy once they are filled with soil, decide where they will be located and move them into position before filling and planting.

If keeping them watered during the day is a problem, look for sites that receive morning sun and are shaded during the hottest part of the day, even if you are growing plants for full sun.

Premoisten soil either by watering it before you fill containers or by flooding the containers with water several times and stirring. Be sure the soil is uniformly moist before planting.

Caring for your plants

Water container plants thoroughly.

How often depends on many factors such as weather, plant size, and pot size.

Since containers are focal points in the garden, you will probably want to give them special attention to keep them looking their best.

To keep mixed pots attractive, dig out or cut back any plants that don’t grow well or that clash.

You can add something else or let other plants in the container fill the space.