Hey guys it’s JV. Did you know that over 75% of gardeners in the United States use container gardening? I know I do. A lot! This choice makes even small outdoor spaces look beautiful. In this cool blog I’ve put together , we’ll learn how to make your containers shine. You might even fall in love with container gardening like i have!
Many gardeners have enjoyed decorating their home with plants for a long time. They’ve picked up tips over the years on container design and care. To make your plants thrive, it’s important not to put too many together; they need space to grow. They suggest using the “thriller, filler, and spiller” method to design your containers beautifully.
The Art of Container Garden Design
Creating a fantastic container garden is like making art. It turns any outdoor area into a beautiful spot. This method of “thriller, filler, and spiller” is key. It helps you create container gardens that look amazing.
Thriller, Filler, and Spiller Plants
The “thriller, filler, and spiller” method uses three types of plants: thrillers, fillers, and spillers.
- Thrillers grab attention with their height and flair, including plants like Angelonia and Salvia.
- Fillers add a full look to the middle of your container. Think about New Guinea Impatiens and Fuchsia for this part.
- Spillers drape over the sides with style. They include plants like Calibrachoa and Lantana.
Combining these plants makes your container garden look well-rounded and beautiful. It catches the eye and brings joy.
A container that’s seven years old proves their lasting beauty. Designs with two-thirds evergreen give more structure all year. Use dwarf trees and shrubs for their small size and easy pruning.
“Specific plants like heuchera are great for containers because they donโt overpower others.”
Make sure thereโs a space between the soil and the container’s edge to avoid flooding. Trees and shrubs in pots should have their roots pruned every two years. Grasses need an annual root trim, and a deep root cut can benefit all container plants.
Choosing the Right Container
When starting a container garden, the size and material of your pots really matter. Although the shape is nice, size matters more for your blooms. Big pots are easier to keep up with and need less water, making them a top pick.
Synthetic pots, like fiberglass or ceramic, are great because they keep moisture in. Stay away from metal pots since they get too hot and can burn your plants. Don’t forget good drainage; make sure your pots have big holes at the bottom and are lifted off the ground.
Container Size | Suitable Plants |
---|---|
24-inch diameter pot | Large peppers, summer squash, indeterminate tomatoes with cage, cucumbers, and artichokes |
18-inch diameter pot | Broccoli, cauliflower, large cabbages, small eggplants, greens in multiples, small peppers, and determinate tomatoes with support |
14-inch diameter pot | Herbs, cabbages, collards, spinach in multiples, non-heading lettuce in multiples, and arugula |
10-inch diameter pot | Small herbs, strawberries, and lettuces |
Pick your pot based on what you plan to grow. Terracotta is a classic but heavy and cracks in the cold. Glazed ceramic is pretty and tough, but itโs not easy to move. Plastics are light, cheap, and strong. They’re a favorite for many. Wood pots or barrels look natural but get harder to move over time. Concrete pots last the longest but are very heavy.
Remember, the pot should fit the plant well. A good guide is the pot should be half the plant’s height or about a third if you count the whole height. Wide and not too deep pots keep water in better. Taller, narrower pots let water go through faster.
“Overwatering causes more container plants to die than underwatering.”
Getting the right container is key to a blooming garden. Think about size, what it’s made of, and how well it lets water out. This careful choice will help make your garden look amazing.
Soil and Fertilizer Essentials
The key to beautiful flower container gardening is the soil and fertilizer. Instead of regular garden soil, go for a potting mix that drains well. These mixes use peat, vermiculite, and perlite and are perfect for potted plants.
Slow-release fertilizers are a great choice. They feed your plants nutrients all season long with less work. You can also use liquid fertilizers every two weeks or with each watering.
- Unopened bags of potting soil can last six months before their quality diminishes.
- DIY container gardens typically require soil replacement every year or two due to peat moss compaction and nutrient depletion.
- Small plants in container gardens need 6-8 inches of soil depth, medium plants need 10-12 inches, and large plants like tomatoes require 18 inches or more.
Making your own potting mix is fun and easy. You can use loam soil, peat moss, sand, perlite, vermiculite, and more. Remember, it’s important to get the mix of aeration, drainage, and nutrients right.
Choosing the right container soil and fertilizer is crucial for a stunning flower container garden. With the best selection and care, your blooms will flourish.