The Best Guide for Newbies to Container Gardening: Grow Anything, Anywhere
Do you like the idea of fresh herbs, bright flowers, or even homegrown tomatoes, but don’t have a regular yard? Or maybe you want to add some color to your patio or entryway even though you have a yard? Welcome to the world of container gardening, a great way to grow beautiful things almost anywhere.
You don’t need a lot of land. You can turn your balcony, porch, or windowsill into a beautiful garden with the right pot and some knowledge. This is everything you need to know to get going.
1. It All Begins with the Right Pot
There are so many different kinds of pots at a garden center that it can be hard to choose. But there are a few simple things to think about when picking the right one.
Things that matter:
Terracotta (Clay): Timeless and lovely, but they are porous and dry out quickly. Good for plants that like dry weather, like succulents.
Glazed ceramic comes in pretty colors and holds moisture better than terracotta, but it can be heavy and cost a lot.
Plastic/Resin: Light, cheap, and great at keeping moisture in. A great choice for beginners in every way.
The Rule That Can’t Be Broken: Your pot must have drainage holes at the bottom, no matter what material you choose. Without them, water will collect and damage the roots of your plant. No exceptions!
2. Use the Right Soil (This Is Very Important!)
This is the mistake that most beginners make. Don’t take dirt from your garden and put it in a pot. Garden soil is heavy and packs down easily, which makes it hard for roots to breathe and keeps water from draining properly in a container.
A bag that says “Potting Mix” or “Container Soil” is what you need to buy. This is not soil at all; it is a light mix of ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and compost that has been made just for this purpose. It should stay fluffy, hold the right amount of water, and give your plant’s roots a lot of room to breathe.
3. Design Like a Pro: Filler, Spiller, and Thriller
Want to make those beautiful pots that are full to the brim that you see in magazines? Just keep in mind this easy three-step recipe that professional designers use.
Thriller: This is the main plant in your pot. It’s tall and eye-catching, and it adds vertical drama to the center or back of the pot. (Think of a spiky Dracaena, Fountain Grass, or Canna Lily.
Filler: These are medium-sized plants that grow in mounds around your thriller and make the container look full and green. (Petunias, Coleus, and Geraniums are examples.)
Spiller: These are plants that hang down from the sides of the pot, softening the edges and giving it a touch of class. (For example, Sweet Potato Vine, Creeping Jenny, or Wave Petunias)
Putting these three things together in one pot always makes a balanced and professional-looking arrangement.
4. Learn how to water well
Plants in pots have their own little ecosystem, and they dry out a lot faster than plants in the ground. You might even have to water them every day in the summer heat.
Stop following a set schedule for watering. The “finger test” is the best way to tell if your plant needs water. Put your index finger about two inches into the ground. It’s time to water if it feels dry. Check again tomorrow if it’s wet.
Water Deeply: When you water, make sure to do it well. Slowly pour water over the whole surface of the soil until you can see it running freely out of the drainage holes at the bottom. This makes sure that the whole root ball gets a good drink.
You can start your container gardening adventure now that you have these simple tips. You can see how easy and rewarding it can be to grow your own little oasis by starting with one or two pots.
