Growing plants in containers is popular, whether you have large garden space or a little balcony in your apartment. The good thing about container gardening is that you can grow a lot of plants and even in small space. What are the best plants to grow in containers, though? Here’s a guide on how to get started from herbs and vegetables, to flowers and small trees.
Herbs
Containers are great for herbs – they’re easy to manage and compact so are perfect for stashing in a small pot. Some great choices include:
Basil: You’ll enjoy fresh basil leaves for pasta sauces, salads, and more by growing them in a sunny spot and in well draining soil.
Mint: The good news is that this herb can spread like CRAZY, so a pot keeps it in check. Partial shade and it’s great for teas and cocktails.
Rosemary: A resilient herb with deep sun loving roots, rosemary also thrives in containers and is happy to be brought indoors in cooler months.
Vegetables
Even if you don’t have a garden, countless vegetables grow well in containers. Here are some beginner-friendly options:
Tomatoes: Slightly different than other vining sunflowers, these are a favourite for container gardens! The best outcome for this experiment will be choosing smaller varieties, such as cherry tomatoes. Put them where they get some sun and help them grow a trellis or cage.
Lettuce and Spinach: Both are cool weather crops that grow well in containers, and you can get a number of harvests by harvesting the leaves while they are young.
Peppers: Peppers, like tomatoes, need lots of sun and heat. There are sweet and spicy varieties available, and they grow well in large pots in well drained soil.
Flowers
However, flowers give colour and scent to container gardens improving that small spaces. Some varieties ideal for containers include:
Petunias: Petunias are known for their vibrant colors and trailing habit, making them well suited to hanging baskets and window boxes and will add just a touch of color to any space.
Marigolds: These hardy flowers are perfect for areas of sunshine, also being excellent pest deterrents to grow with other plants.
Begonias: Begonias are a fine choice for container gardening in partial shade because of their colorful blooms and tolerance for shaded areas.
Fruits
Even fruits can be grown in container! There are certain varieties that are well suited to confined spaces and can live on patios or balconies.
Strawberries: They are compact, and fare well in containers, especially hanging baskets, where the berries hang freely.
Dwarf Citrus Trees: When placed in pots, lemon, lime, and orange trees can probably be grown well as long as they have enough sunlight and warmth. Choose dwarf varieties of this plant that are bred for container use.
Blueberries: Container blueberries can thrive if you choose the right acidic soil mix. Additionally, they also add attractive foliage that is great all through the year.
Root Vegetables
Although often overlooked for containers, root vegetables can provide satisfying harvests in deep enough pots.
Carrots: Pay attention to where your carrots are growing; choose a deep pot and loose, well draining soil to allow your carrots plenty of room to grow. They are also especially well suited to container gardening.
Radishes: Quick growing vegetables they do well in small, shallow containers, and are perfect for beginners.
Potatoes: There are many ways to have your own potatoes. Good root development takes place in a deep container and well draining soil. Succulents and Houseplants Explanation:
If you have Houseplants and Succulents, these types of plants offer tremendous indoor air cleaning benefits. Low-maintenance greenery is houseplants and succulents which work for indoor and outdoor container gardens.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a hardy succulent easy to grow in a container both indoors or outdoors. Plus, it’s a nice plant to have around for its soothing gel.
Snake Plant: And like that, this low-maintenance plant is perfect for container use and will endure even low light and little watering within indoor settings.
Jade Plant: The jade plant is an easy-to-care-for succulent popular for containers and its lush green colour.
Small Trees and Shrubs
Containers are fantastic for small trees and shrubs, especially on patios, or in urban areas.
Boxwoods: Boxwoods are perfect for ornamental, topiary or structural elements and do well in containers.
Dwarf Japanese Maple: This small tree has stunning foliage with which it graces containers adding seasonal interest.
Olive Trees: While olive trees cannot make it far in nasty soil or be relied upon to supply you with all the olive oil you want, they will be perfectly happy if you put them in a container with some decent light and soil and you will be rewarded with some Mediterranean charm to your patio or balcony.
