Container gardening is a versatile and convenient way to grow a variety of plants in small spaces, such as balconies, patios, and even indoors.
Choosing the right plants for containers can enhance your garden’s beauty, provide fresh produce, and create a relaxing outdoor environment.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the seven best plants for containers, including their care requirements, benefits, and tips for successful container gardening.
1. Tomatoes
Why Grow Tomatoes in Containers?
Tomatoes are a popular choice for container gardening due to their productivity and the availability of compact varieties that thrive in confined spaces. They can provide a bountiful harvest of fresh, juicy tomatoes perfect for salads, sandwiches, and sauces.
Best Varieties for Containers
- Cherry Tomatoes: Varieties like ‘Sweet 100’ and ‘Sungold’ are compact and prolific.
- Dwarf Tomatoes: Varieties such as ‘Tiny Tim’ and ‘Patio Princess’ are specifically bred for container growing.
- Bush Varieties: ‘Bush Early Girl’ and ‘Celebrity’ are determinate varieties that stay compact.
Care Requirements
- Container Size: Use at least a 5-gallon container for each tomato plant.
- Soil: Use high-quality potting mix with good drainage.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.
- Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
- Support: Provide stakes or cages to support the plant and prevent it from sprawling.
Tips for Success
- Place containers in a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Rotate the container occasionally to ensure even sunlight exposure.
- Prune suckers (side shoots) to encourage better air circulation and fruit production.
2. Herbs
Why Grow Herbs in Containers?
Herbs are ideal for container gardening because they are compact, easy to grow, and can be kept close to the kitchen for convenient access. Growing herbs in containers also allows you to control their growth and prevent them from taking over your garden.
Best Varieties for Containers
- Basil: Great for cooking, and varieties like ‘Genovese’ and ‘Sweet Basil’ thrive in pots.
- Mint: Easy to grow but can be invasive, so containers help contain its spread.
- Thyme: Varieties like ‘English Thyme’ and ‘Lemon Thyme’ are perfect for containers.
- Parsley: Both curly and flat-leaf parsley grow well in pots.
- Rosemary: An evergreen herb that does well in containers.
Care Requirements
- Container Size: Most herbs do well in containers that are at least 6-12 inches in diameter.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.
- Watering: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilization: Herbs generally need minimal fertilization. Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer every 6-8 weeks.
Tips for Success
- Place containers in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Regularly trim and harvest herbs to promote bushier growth and prevent them from flowering, which can reduce flavor.
- Consider bringing containers indoors during the winter to continue enjoying fresh herbs year-round.
3. Strawberries
Why Grow Strawberries in Containers?
Strawberries are perfect for container gardening because they have shallow root systems and can produce a delicious harvest in a small space. Growing strawberries in containers also helps protect them from pests and diseases that are more common in ground beds.
Best Varieties for Containers
- Ever-bearing Strawberries: Varieties like ‘Ozark Beauty’ and ‘Seascape’ produce fruit throughout the growing season.
- Day-neutral Strawberries: ‘Tribute’ and ‘Tristar’ varieties produce continuously from spring to fall.
Care Requirements
- Container Size: Use containers at least 12 inches in diameter with good drainage.
- Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix rich in organic matter.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Strawberries need regular watering, especially during fruiting.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and then monthly during the growing season.
Tips for Success
- Place containers in a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Mulch the soil surface with straw or pine needles to retain moisture and keep the fruit clean.
- Rotate plants annually or replace them every few years to maintain productivity.
4. Peppers
Why Grow Peppers in Containers?
Peppers are a versatile and colorful addition to any container garden. They are relatively easy to grow and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, from sweet bell peppers to spicy chili peppers.
Best Varieties for Containers
- Bell Peppers: Varieties like ‘Mini Belle’ and ‘California Wonder’ are compact and productive.
- Hot Peppers: ‘Jalapeno,’ ‘Cayenne,’ and ‘Thai Hot’ varieties grow well in containers.
Care Requirements
- Container Size: Use at least a 3-gallon container for each pepper plant.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
Tips for Success
- Place containers in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Provide support for taller varieties with stakes or small cages.
- Harvest peppers regularly to encourage continued production.
5. Lettuce
Why Grow Lettuce in Containers?
Lettuce is a cool-season crop that grows quickly and is ideal for container gardening. It’s perfect for small spaces and can provide a continuous harvest of fresh, crisp leaves for salads and sandwiches.
Best Varieties for Containers
- Leaf Lettuce: Varieties like ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ and ‘Red Sails’ are fast-growing and perfect for cut-and-come-again harvesting.
- Butterhead Lettuce: ‘Buttercrunch’ and ‘Tom Thumb’ are compact and flavorful varieties.
- Romaine Lettuce: ‘Parris Island Cos’ and ‘Little Gem’ are upright and space-efficient.
Care Requirements
- Container Size: Use shallow containers at least 6 inches deep.
- Soil: Use a well-draining, rich potting mix.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Lettuce needs regular watering to stay crisp and tender.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Tips for Success
- Place containers in a location that receives partial shade to full sun. Lettuce can tolerate some shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Sow seeds directly in the container and thin seedlings to allow proper spacing.
- Harvest outer leaves as needed or cut entire heads when mature.
6. Cucumbers
Why Grow Cucumbers in Containers?
Cucumbers are vigorous growers and can produce abundant harvests in containers with proper care. They are great for small spaces and can be trained to grow vertically, saving space and making harvesting easier.
Best Varieties for Containers
- Bush Varieties: ‘Bush Champion’ and ‘Spacemaster’ are compact and well-suited for container growing.
- Vining Varieties: ‘Patio Snacker’ and ‘Marketmore’ can be grown with support from trellises.
Care Requirements
- Container Size: Use at least a 5-gallon container with good drainage.
- Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cucumbers need regular watering, especially during fruiting.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Tips for Success
- Place containers in a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Provide support with trellises or stakes for vining varieties.
- Harvest cucumbers regularly to encourage continuous production.
7. Flowers for Pollinators
Why Grow Flowers for Pollinators in Containers?
Growing flowers in containers not only adds beauty to your space but also attracts beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators are essential for the health of your garden and the productivity of your fruit and vegetable plants.
Best Varieties for Containers
- Marigolds: Bright and cheerful, they repel pests and attract pollinators.
- Zinnias: Colorful and easy to grow, zinnias are butterfly magnets.
- Lavender: Fragrant and beautiful, lavender attracts bees and butterflies.
- Salvia: Long-blooming and nectar-rich, salvia attracts hummingbirds and bees.
- Cosmos: Delicate and airy, cosmos attract a variety of pollinators.
Care Requirements
- Container Size: Use containers appropriate for the size of the mature plant. Most flowers do well in containers 12 inches or larger.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Tips for Success
- Place containers in a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
- Combine different flowers in one container to create a vibrant and diverse display.
Conclusion
Container gardening offers endless possibilities for growing a variety of plants, from vegetables and herbs to fruits and flowers. By choosing the right plants and providing proper care, you can create a beautiful and productive container garden that enhances your space and provides fresh, homegrown produce. Whether you have a small balcony or a large patio, these seven best plants for containers are sure to thrive and bring joy to your gardening experience.
FAQs
What size containers should I use for container gardening?
The size of the container depends on the plant. Generally, use at least a 5-gallon container for larger plants like tomatoes and cucumbers, and smaller containers (6-12 inches) for herbs and flowers.
How often should I water my container plants?
Watering frequency depends on the plant type and weather conditions. Generally, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water early in the day to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal diseases.
Can I grow vegetables and flowers together in the same container?
Yes, you can grow vegetables and flowers together in the same container. This practice, known as companion planting, can enhance growth, improve pest control, and create a beautiful display.
What are the best soil mixes for container gardening?
Use high-quality potting mixes designed for container gardening. These mixes provide good drainage, aeration, and nutrient content. Avoid using garden soil, which can be too dense and lead to poor drainage.
How do I prevent pests in my container garden?
Prevent pests by practicing good sanitation, using physical barriers like netting, encouraging beneficial insects, and using organic pesticides like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests and diseases.
