Growing in Containers

Containers are not just for annuals! You can grow anything in containers. Use container gardens to make a statement, add some color, introduce fragrance or grow edibles or even shrubs.

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There are so many reasons you might want to garden in containers. Even when I had a very large property and several garden plots I still grew annuals, perennials, fruits, vegetables and herbs in containers. Now that I have a smaller property I have smaller garden plots and my reasons for growing in even more containers have changed just a bit. For all the many reasons you might grow in containers there are even more advantages, but also a few disadvantages. Before you decide how to garden, evaluate the option of container gardening so you can make the best choice for your specific needs, preferences and budget.

Why Garden in Containers?

  • An easy way to start, learn and get experience gardening.

  • No space for in ground garden plots

  • Physical limitations that prevent bending, kneeling or digging

  • Add life, color and fragrance to a deck, balcony or patio

  • Grow herbs, greens and vegetables close to the kitchen

  • Allows for experimentation with a great variety of plants with different requirements

Advantages of Container Gardens

  • Position containers exactly where you need them

  • Herbs can be right outside the kitchen door

  • Use raised containers or potting shelves to eliminate bending or kneeling

  • Portability allows greater control of sun, shade and wind conditions

  • Exact soil and nutrients can easily be customized for specific plants

  • Watering and feeding is easily customized for different containers

  • No labor intensive soil prep or correcting poor soil issues

  • No weeding (almost)

  • Fewer disease and pest problems (except for squirrels!)

  • No big garden tools

  • Smaller containers can be brought indoors if frost threatens and the large ones are easy to cover

  • You can tuck in a pot full of something special literally anywhere

  • Make a design statement with unusual containers or striking colors

  • You can grow a shrub on an apartment deck

  • You can grow a cactus or palm tree in the north

  • You can grow invasive plants

Disadvantages of Container Gardens

  • Containers can be costly

  • Small, lightweight, very portable containers may blow over

  • Large, stone, or ceramic containers are very heavy and not portable

  • The soil dries out faster than a garden plot

  • Nutrients are depleted quickly with limited soil space or washed out, so more fertilizing is necessary

  • You have to buy potting soil, sometimes different mixes for different plants

  • Shrubs and large perennials may outgrow their container and need to be transplanted

If you do decide to garden in containers, always use the largest containers you can manage. There will be more room for deep roots and more soil to hold moisture. Use a wheeled plant dolly under the container if you can so that it is easy to move when necessary. Also be cautious selecting a container for edibles. Many gardeners recycle a variety of items for containers, don’t use anything that has held or been treated with chemicals on the interior. And of course, good drainage is essential. Cover drainage holes with fines mesh screen or coffee filters so the soil does not wash out.

Try custom making your potting soil for a natural and nutritious medium for your plants. And remember, you can grow anything in containers: annuals, perennials, roses, herbs, fruits, vegetables, shrubs and even small trees. Determine which varieties perform best on containers to be sure they thrive. And of course, select an appropriate size container.

Sharon Dwyer