CONTAINER GARDENING 101: TIPS AND TRICKS TO GROW BEAUTIFUL PLANTERS

Melissa Russo
by Melissa Russo
Container Gardening 101: Tips and Tricks For Growing The Most Beautiful Planters On The Block!
Whether you have the largest yard on the block or just a small area that plot of land, flowers have a wonderful way of making any size space inviting. If you don’t have time to garden or fear you don’t have a green enough thumb but love a pop of color in your landscape, a container garden is perfect for you. I love my container gardens. In fact, I am a little obsessed with them. I have them all around our pool and yard.
HERE ARE SOME BASIC TIPS – A CONTAINER GARDENING 101 TUTORIAL OF SORTS, TO HELP GET YOU STARTED.
Location..location…location: Before you begin, figure out the perfect space or area for your planter.
If the vessel fits: Which planter or container will you use? Yes, you can use pots but you can also get creative by using other types of vessels like urns, barrels or even old sinks. Let your imagination run wild. As long as the “vessel” has some sort of drainage, you are good to go. If your “vessel” doesn’t have any drainage, you can add a layer of pea gravel to the bottom. Also, the size of your container will determine how many plants are needed. If you overcrowd your pot, then your plants will not have enough room to grow properly.
Decisions…decisions: Choose plants wisely. There are sun-loving plants, shade-loving plants and “a little bit of both”-loving plants. You won’t have much luck if you plant a shade-loving plant in the hot sun or vice-versa. Trust me on that one! Also, determine how much time you have to care for your plants. Some vegetables, like tomatoes, or flowers like geraniums, require a little more TLC. If you don’t have time, choose a plant that requires little maintenance. Check the plant tage or seed packet for care instructions!
Soil is everything!: Use a light potting soil, not a heavy garden soil. Often you can also purchase soil that has fertilizer mixed in as well.
Have a drink on me!: Just like humans, plants need water and nourishment. If you water your plants accordingly you will have wonderful results. The same goes for fertilizing your plants. I like to use a good fertilizer like Miracle-Gro every three weeks so my plants stay healthy and thrive!
Get colorful!: Think of the color wheel and choose colors that compliment each other.
Add Dimension.: Add height and dimension by planting different size plants and flowers either in center or towards back. Plant spillers on outside edge so they cascade down.
Make it edible!: Herbs and vegetables are perfect for containers too. Vegetables like lettuces, tomatoes, peppers, as well as herbs of all kinds are perfect for growing in containers. It’s a great way for folks that only have small patios or little yard space to grow their own vegetables. Stay away from vegetables that creep like watermelon, pumpkins and cukes. These types of vegetables need a lot of ground space to spread out.


Are you ready to dig in (see what I did there) and start you container garden? I have a little confession, I am a little behind with my container gardens this year. It’s on my agenda though! I love my container gardens and hopefully, these simple gardening tips will help you plant yours!agenda though! I love my container gardens and hopefully, these simple gardening tips will help you plant yours!
Happy Gardening!
Are you ready to dig in (see what I did there) and start your container garden? I have a little confession, I am a little behind with my container gardens this year. It’s on my agenda though! I love my container gardens and hopefully, these simple gardening tips will help you plant yours!
Happy Gardening!
Melissa Russo
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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