10 Expert Tips for Container Gardens

I had the pleasure of meeting Southern Living Plant Collections, Carmen Johnston at the Haven Blogging Conference this year. She gave me 10 expert tips on container gardening that you will want to know.
Carmen asked for a volunteer during her session, but she needed someone with a black thumb..that would be me. She took us through all of her tips for successful container gardening. And then she sent me home with this gigantic plant to finish the job. But first here are her 10 tips.
10 Tips For Container Gardening


1) Have 3 T’s when planting a container garden (Tall, Trailing, and Thick)


2) Add a bright green plant and a white flowering plant for an elegant look


3)Proper drainage is essential ( no one likes being held under water.. not even plants)


4) Use really good soil (see her recommendation below)


5) Plant 3 inches below the rim of your container


6) Plant in a triangle (more details below)


7) Invest in big containers


8) White roots are a sign of a healthy plant


9) Plant fall containers in August


10) Herbs add great texture to container gardens and can smell amazing too
I wanted to do this right. I’ve had enough dead plants. I asked Carmen lots of questions like, “What type of soil to use?” She suggested Miracle Gro potting mix. It’s very important to use a potting mix in pots and a top soil mix for planting in the ground.
I have prepared roots before like when I planted my evergreen trees, but I didn’t realize you needed to do this when you planted small plants. If you are unsure, it’s very simple. You take the bottom of the root ball and rip it off. It’s just that simple.
Next cram all the plants into your planter. Plant them in a triangle shape. Your tall plants in the back, your trailing on one side in the front and your thick plant on the opposite side in the front. This container worked out perfectly for my front shady porch and so far I haven't killed it yet. For plant names and more details head over to my blog and check it out.
Chaotically Creative Co.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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