Create a Container Garden

When you create a container garden, think about using a theme that’s fun, beautiful or serves a purpose. Plants can be grouped together in any size container and are as suited to a tabletop as to a porch, deck or yard. Container gardens are not only easy to make and maintain, they also make great gifts. Use your imagination to design a container garden that complements your decorating style.

Shelley WigglesworthSucculents Container Garden

Container Garden Ideas

Italian Chef: An Italian herb container garden planted with oregano, chives and basil is a fragrant and useful way to grow compatible cooking herbs. Enhance the theme by planting the herbs in a wood crate, or take this look to the next level by planting the herbs in a vintage tomato crate.

Tea Time Theme: Varieties of mint such a peppermint, curly mint and spearmint grown in an old teapot with drainage holes is a charming way to display a tiny mint garden. And what a refreshing way to sample a snippet or two of different mint leaves in your summer iced tea.

Color Theme: Use colorful combinations of blue and yellow flowers such as pansies, violets and forget-me-nots to add a splash of color to your doorstep. Or, go all white for understated elegance with peonies, snow drops and creeping phlox in an old tin watering can or white washed terracotta pot for a shabby-chic effect.

Herb Container Garden

Instructions to Create a Container Garden

1. Drill drainage holes in a clean container to allow proper soil aeration.
2. Fill container ¾ full of rich soil. Plants will need a soil depth that allows roots to spread.
3. Dig 3-5 holes that are deep enough to cover the roots of the chosen plants. Place plants close together, but be careful not to cramp them.
4. Plants should be selected for soil condition compatibility, light requirements and visual interest. For example, herbs will do well together, but flowers that thrive in direct sunlight should not be mixed with shade loving plants.
5. Plant the tallest plant in the center and smaller plants to the sides where cascading is possible.
6. Cover only the roots of the plants and water enough to moisten the soil.
7. Place in a bright sunny spot and water as needed—typically when the soil begins to dry out.