Container Gardening: Growing Plants in Pots and Planters

Container gardening opens growing possibilities for those with limited space, poor soil, or the desire for portability. Almost any plant can grow in a container with proper care, from herbs on a windowsill to small fruit trees on a patio. Understanding the unique considerations of container growing—from pot selection to watering frequency—helps ensure success with this versatile growing method.

Why Grow in Containers

Benefits of container cultivation.

Enables growing without garden space.

Mobility allows chasing sunlight or moving indoors.

Control over soil quality.

Easier weed management.

Accessible for those with physical limitations.

Decorative and functional simultaneously.

Choosing Containers

Container selection affects plant health.

Size: Match to plant's mature size; bigger generally better.

Material: Terracotta breathes but dries fast; plastic retains moisture.

Drainage: Holes essential—no exceptions.

Depth: Consider root requirements of your plants.

Color: Dark colors absorb heat; light colors reflect.

Weight: Consider if container will be moved.

Container Materials Compared

Different materials have different properties.

Terra cotta: Attractive, breathes, heavy, dries faster, can crack in frost.

Plastic: Lightweight, retains moisture, less attractive, affordable.

Glazed ceramic: Beautiful, heavy, moderate moisture retention.

Fabric pots: Excellent drainage and aeration, dry faster, portable.

Wood: Attractive, insulates roots, may rot over time.

Metal: Modern look, heats up quickly, may need insulation.

Potting Mix for Containers

Proper growing medium is essential.

Never use garden soil alone in containers—too heavy, drains poorly.

Quality potting mix designed for containers.

Should retain moisture but drain well.

Consider adding perlite for additional drainage.

Refresh or replace mix annually.

Different plants may need specialized mixes.

Planting in Containers

Proper technique for container planting.

Fill container 1/3 full with potting mix.

Position plant at same depth it was growing.

Fill around plant, firming gently.

Leave 1-2 inches below rim for watering.

Water thoroughly after planting.

Add mulch to retain moisture.

Watering Container Plants

Most critical aspect of container care.

Containers dry faster than ground soil.

Check moisture daily in warm weather.

Water thoroughly until it runs from drainage holes.

Don't let plants sit in standing water.

Self-watering containers helpful for consistency.

Smaller pots need more frequent watering.

Fertilizing Container Plants

Nutrition in limited soil volume.

Nutrients deplete faster than in-ground.

Regular feeding essential during growing season.

Liquid fertilizer every 1-2 weeks is common approach.

Slow-release fertilizer mixed into potting mix helps.

Follow product directions—container plants sensitive to over-feeding.

Reduce or stop feeding during dormant periods.

Container Size Considerations

Matching container to plant.

Small containers (6 inches or less): Herbs, small lettuces, seedlings.

Medium containers (8-12 inches): Most herbs, peppers, compact tomatoes.

Large containers (14+ inches): Standard tomatoes, larger vegetables.

Half barrels or larger: Small fruit trees, large plants.

Err on larger side—plants handle more room well.

Root-bound plants struggle and need more frequent care.

Plants Suited for Containers

What grows well in pots.

Herbs: Almost all herbs thrive in containers.

Vegetables: Tomatoes (determinate/patio varieties), peppers, lettuce, beans, eggplant.

Flowers: Marigolds, petunias, geraniums, and most annuals.

Fruit: Strawberries, dwarf citrus, blueberries.

Houseplants: Most are already grown in containers.

Look for varieties bred for container growing.

Location and Moving Containers

Optimizing container placement.

Position for appropriate light for plants.

Monitor conditions—containers can move to better spots.

Protect from extreme wind.

Move tender plants indoors before frost.

Wheeled platforms help with heavy containers.

Mobility is a major advantage of container growing.

Seasonal Container Care

Year-round container management.

Spring: Clean and prep containers, start planting after frost.

Summer: Regular watering crucial; feed actively growing plants.

Fall: Harvest; move tender plants indoors; plant cool-season crops.

Winter: Protect outdoor containers from freeze-thaw; reduce watering.

Perennial plants in containers may need winter protection.

Empty and store containers in harsh climates.

Common Container Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid.

Containers too small for plants.

No drainage holes.

Using garden soil instead of potting mix.

Underwatering (or overwatering).

Forgetting to fertilize.

Ignoring temperature extremes affecting roots.

Container gardening offers flexibility and control for growers of all experience levels. With proper container selection, quality potting mix, and attention to watering, almost anything can grow in a pot.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Match containers and care to your specific plants' needs.