Container gardening is the practice of growing plants in containers. It is gaining popularity in small spaces and existing gardens to accent it. Limited space for plants can also make this option appealing to the Gardner.

Container garden is useful in areas where the soil is unsuitable for the plants. A small porch, balcony and terrace can boast a crop of vegetables or a garden of flowers and ornamental plants. Gardening in pots and containers has many advantages. These containers are portable and can be fitted anywhere. Here are given important considerations for container gardening.

Container Selection: There are numerous varieties of containers to choose from. Containers are available in different styles and materials like terracotta/clay, plastic, wood, glazed pottery, ceramic, metal and wire. All of them come in many shapes and sizes. While selecting containers make sure that they have wide opening and adequate drainage hole.

Be choosy in selection of   containers. If you decide to grow fruit plants in container, choose a terracotta container that comes with special holes. Small flower plants grow in small baskets or containers very well.

(Hanging Baskets for Your Garden)

You should be careful that the plants held by hanging baskets often made of wood or wire    won’t grow them too heavy.  Make sure wooden baskets are made of solid quality wood. Window boxes made of wood or plastic look attractive if flower plants are grown in them. You can use a pitchers, buckets and waste containers for growing plants.

(Window Boxes)

(Waste bins can be used as Plant Container)

Plants for Container: While choosing plants for container, keep in mind the scale of container and how quickly plant grows. Before selection of plants consider climate, garden layout and availability of space. Choose plants from colorful foliage, flowering plants and those with good texture and growth.

Flower plants for container are either annuals or perennials. Annuals are very easy; so why not try annuals for containers. Bulbs add style and beauty to your garden. Popular bulbs are daffodils and tulips. Daffodils are easy to grow as compared to Tulips. Some flowers plants are lily, day lily, marigold, sun flower etc.

Cactus and ferns also may add style to your garden. Herbs can also be grown in containers. Some herbs are basil, mint, garlic, ginger, lavender etc.

Vegetables like beans, Broccoli, Carrot, Garlic, Onion, Tomato, Radish, Spinach etc. which have a quick maturity period are ideal for containers. Beans, Carrot, Garlic, Onion, Radish and Spinach grow well in window box.  

Design Container Garden: There are certain design principles that can be followed to make effective container garden. Plants should be according to the size of pot. Small plants will be lost in large pots and large plant will not grow well in small pot. Go for different color flower plants. You can create a focal point with mixed container in different height, color and plants.

Thus container gardens are perfect place to experiment. Choose whatever plant you like. Mix perennials, herbs, trees, shrubs, ferns, vegetables and group them like big and small container plants.