Plant Container Basics

If you don't have a garden and enjoy blooming flowers and harvesting vegetables, consider planting containers. Anyone with a balcony or small patio can put together a container easily with a trip to the local hardware store or nursery.

Type of Container

Choose a large enough container that you are not constantly watering it during the hot Maryland weather. A pot with a circumference of at least 15 to 18 inches is enough to get you going with a selection of different types of plants, and enough room for them to grow throughout the summer.

I like light faux pots that look like real pottery. They don’t break, and retain water better than terra cotta ones. These pots will last for years and you can leave them out all winter. They are also inexpensive.

There are even self-watering pots available that have a water reservoir built into the container. But make sure there are drainage holes in your containers.

Soil

The soil that you use should be an organic mix of compost, spaghnum moss, and perlite. Be sure to also choose one with added fertilizer because container plants need a good boost of fertilizer to bloom all season long. 

Plants

Consider where the container will be located when you select your plants. Take note if the site will get all day or part day sunlight, or will be in mostly shade. 

Shady container plants can be just as colorful as sunny ones with careful selection for colorful foliage. Go to the nursery and ask a knowledgeable employee for suggestions on plant varieties.

Generally you will want tall plants for the back of the container, something shorter for the middle area, and a “spiller” to cascade down the sides. For a pot 18 inches in diameter, you would need approximately 5 plants.

If you are growing vegetables, make sure you have a full sun location.

Maintenance

Maintenance includes watering at least once a day when it is hot, fertilizing with a dilute or granular fertilizer at least once a week, and pinching back plants as they grow to maintain their shape.

One good idea is to elevate containers on bricks so they drain properly. Drip irrigation is an option if you have lots of containers that need regular watering. It is pretty simple to set up, with all the components available at a local nursery or hardware store.