Container Planter Ideas

Containers can be any size, shape or material, depending on the plants within it.

A garden enthusiast who wants a garden, but faces circumstances that do not allow a traditional garden, can build one in a container. Problem soil and lack of space are among the reasons for considering container planting. Tiny spaces can come alive with an assortment of plant types displayed in a container. A gardener can be imaginative in choosing an interesting planter, as long as it has holes in the bottom for proper drainage.

Ideal Container

Use any size or shape of container, made of any material. The ideal container needs to be large enough for the selected plants' root growth and expansion. Plants with shallow roots, such as peppers, herbs and most annuals, require a container at least 6 inches across and 8 inches deep. Deep-rooted plants, such as tomatoes, need larger containers, like whiskey barrels. For decks or patios, strategically place pots around seating areas or in empty spaces. Smaller containers lining a small set of steps can dress up an entryway.

Flower Gardens

For a container filled with blooms, several colors and varieties of flowers and foliage can create both harmony and contrast. For a pink-and-white planter in full sun, pink begonia, white nicotiana, rosy-colored geraniums, white petunias, white snapdragons and vinca blend well. For a shady spot, dusty miller lends a silver accent to a medley of impatiens, begonia and alyssum.

Vegetable Gardens

Carrots, radishes and lettuce are options for a vegetable planter because they do not take up a lot of space in the container. Plants that have a long growing period, such as tomatoes and peppers, also work in containers. Standard vegetable varieties are preferable to dwarf varieties.

Water Gardens

Create a container garden with water instead of potting soil. Arrange pond plants in a plastic container, 12 to 24 inches wide by 12 to 16 inches deep. Place the plants in individual pots filled with packed clay, then submerge them in the water-filled plastic container. Go for contrast in plant combinations, with a spiky plant, such as sweet flag iris, a broad-leaf plant, such as calla lily and a cascading plant, such as water mint or parrot feather. Floating plants, like water lettuce, create a finished look. After submerging the plants, use bricks to raise the containers so the leaves and flowers sit above the waterline.

Considerations

Whatever your design for a container, use plants with similar light and water requirements, and plant them in a lightweight potting soil mix. Container plants should receive the recommended amount of a water-soluble fertilizer once every two to three weeks. Planters will need to be watered more often than those in soil, because they can dry out quickly, especially if located on a concrete patio or in full sun.

Meeting Needs

Gardeners who have special circumstances can enjoy gardening with containers. Individuals with disabilities and the elderly are able to enjoy gardening and the outdoors in a small, easily-accessed space. Place a container on a table adequately elevated so a person can sit while working or someone in a wheelchair can access it.

References

• University of Arizona: Vegetable Garden: Container Garden
• West Virginia University: Container Gardening
• Colorado State: Container Water Garden
• University of Illinois Extension: Tips for Great-Looking Container Gardens