For the Garden Discusses Container Gardening

When planning spring programs, I always schedule an activity that includes children and gardening. Several years ago I decided to host “Plant a Salad Bowl” for kids ages 3-12, which involved planting a container with peppers, tomatoes, several types of lettuce and some marigolds. Our young guests had a great time planting and looked forward to watching their small gardens produce food for family meals that they grew themselves. It was a fun, successful event.

A few days after the kids' workshop, I met some friends for dinner where we talked about this workshop. This led to a discussion on why haven’t I hosted a planting session for adults. My friends all had containers that needed filling and wanted me to have a planting party just for them. So, feeling the pressure of a table full of desperate friends, we set a date for the following Tuesday evening and decided who would bring the wine and snacks. I had no idea they felt so left out!

On Tuesday evening, everyone arrived on time with quite an assortment of containers ranging from large and small clay pots, to wicker baskets, wood planters and even an old crock. I wasn’t sure if I should offer some guidance or just enjoy their company as they planted. But, after a short time it was obvious some basic help was what they were looking for.

Gardening with containers is not difficult. There is an art to combining plants that grow happily together—an art that with a bit of information can be mastered by everyone. It’s simply a matter of a few general rules and the desire to create your own masterpiece! We started with the basics, then had a great time planting. So, what are the basics?

Just about anything you can think of can be used for a container—from a shiny new pot to an old, cracked fountain. Regardless of the container you select, the most important requirement is that it has good drainage. If there is not a hole in the bottom of the container and it’s not possible to drill a hole, then fill the bottom with rocks or broken clay pot pieces. This will prevent your plants from drowning during long periods of St. Louis summer rain.

“Junk” soil (top soil, organic peat) can be used to fill the bottom of a deep container, but be sure at least the top 10-12 inches is filled with premium potting soil. This is a critical detail for success. A nice loose soil is needed for tiny roots to grow into a strong foundation for beautiful plants above. Adding a time release fertilizer is also a good idea to improve the overall quality of the planter for the entire growing season. 

Next, consider where your containers will be placed. Check out the location to see if it’s hot and sunny, shady and cool, or somewhere in between. Matching plants to its sun requirements is important for success. Nonstop begonias will burn with just a half day of sun, while wave petunias will become lanky and stop blooming without direct full sun. This is the time to become a matchmaker in order to get great results.

Also, think about the viewing position of each container. Do you want a fantastic show of color from far away? Or will your container be viewed where finer details like texture, contrast or subtle color combinations can be appreciated? Typically, a monochromic color scheme stands out from a distance, as does simple contrasting colors (red and white or purple and yellow for example). The idea is not to get too complicated with planters that will be viewed from far away. Now, for a close-up view simple combinations will work, but what a great opportunity to try new combinations of colors, bloom sizes and textures.

Now that the basics (containers, soil, fertilizer and location) have been considered, let the fun begin! Plant selection options are endless—or overwhelming in some cases. To simplify your choices it may be helpful to categorize plants into three groups. 

The first are the “thrillers,” or the taller plants that are a focal point for the container. Next are the “fillers,” meaning the medium height plants that fill in to become the main attraction. Next are the “spillers,” which are plants that are low growing, or trail to go around the edge of the pot. 

Color may be the most important decision for successful containers. Often the color of the container will suggest the color of the plants that will look best in it.  Picture a deep purple ceramic bowl brimming with flowers blooming in various shades of blue with silver foliage accents. A WOW is almost guaranteed when bloom colors subtly echo the color of their containers. Look at your containers for inspiration when deciding on what you want to plant. If you’re working with pots and window boxes made from neutrals such as wood, stone or terra-cotta your color choices are endless!

Container gardening is too much fun to become sidelined by a lot of details. Just keep in mind the few basics I’ve discussed and let your imagination be your guide.  Select a spot that is crying out for color, and get busy planting your masterpiece that will put on a show all season long!