The How-To of Pots and Containers
From a small garden or something bigger, a patio or simply a balcony, pots and containers give you an easy way to create instant and changeable displays that you can move around your garden or put right outside your front door.
Containers are a way of freshening your space up, adding a focal point or feature to a garden or being able to grow a plant that doesn't suit the soil type or climate in your wider garden. Being able to move a container around also means you can easily change the look of your space.
Loads of plants can be grown in containers, from bedding plants to bulbs, herbaceous plants, fruit and vegetables and even shrubs and trees. However, it’s worth thinking before you leap, as container-grown plants often need a little bit of extra care than those you’ve planted in your borders and flower beds.
These quick and easy tips will help you on your way to having the best pots and containers in your street:
1. Choose the right pot:
Select pots or containers that are suitable for your plants. Consider factors such as size, material, drainage, and aesthetics. Ensure that the containers have drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape.
2. Select the Appropriate Plants:
Different plants have varying needs, so choose plants that are suitable for container gardening. Consider factors such as the size of the mature plant, sunlight requirements, and compatibility with other plants if you plan to create mixed container gardens.
3. Choosing your plants:
Like the type of container, there’s no right or wrong answer to the plant combos you choose. Stick to a few golden rules however, and you’ll have amazing looking containers through the seasons:
Keep your planting simple, limit your plant choice and colour scheme.
Include foliage planting to mix with flowers to extend the interest of your pots through the seasons.
Vary the height, texture and shape of your planting, think thriller, filler and spiller.
Odd numbers of pots grouped together look fab unless you're in the symmetry game in which case 2 is the magic number.
Repeating planting and colour schemes in pots you're grouping together will unify the group.
4. Prepare the Container:
Before planting, clean the container thoroughly and make sure it is free from any debris. If the container does not have pre-existing drainage holes, drill a few holes at the bottom.
5. Use a well-draining, peat free compost.
5. Planting:
Fill the container with compost, leaving some space at the top to accommodate watering. Dig a small hole in the soil to accommodate the plant's root ball. Gently remove the plant from its nursery container, loosen the roots, and place it in the hole. Add more potting mix around the plant, firming it gently to secure the plant in place.
6. Watering:
After planting, thoroughly water the container until water drains out from the bottom. This helps settle the soil and ensures the plant's roots are adequately hydrated. Be mindful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Check the moisture level regularly and water the plants when the top inch of soil feels dry.
7. Ensure you’re pots have the right light:
Put your containers in a place that receives the right amount of light for your plant's needs. Consider your plant’s needs - full sun vs partial shade vs full shade.
8. Pruning and maintenance:
Regularly check out your plants for any signs of pests, diseases, or dead/damaged foliage. Prune or trim the plants as needed to promote healthy growth and maintain their shape. Remove any weeds that may emerge in the container Liquid feed or a slow-release fertiliser around every fortnight during the growing season will do the trick.
9. Monitor drainage and repotting:
Over time, the potting mix can become compacted, affecting drainage. Monitor the drainage holes to ensure they remain clear. If a plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container, it may need to be repotted into a larger pot.
If you need some help with planting or refreshing the pots and containers in your garden, check out my services.
Katie Townsend Garden Design is a small design studio in Edinburgh.
Working on a broad range of projects from courtyard gardens to small city gardens, and larger spaces, we cover Edinburgh, Glasgow and East and West Lothian. We also offer virtual design services throughout the UK.