Events, Gardening Tips, Informative
What to Plant in your Containers?
As the weather warms up and the days get longer, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your spring garden. Container gardening is a great way to get started if you don’t have a lot of space or if you’re new to gardening. All you need is a container (or multiple containers), some potting soil, and your choice of plants.
There are a wide variety of flowers and plants that you can grow in containers. Some of the best plants for container gardening are annuals, which will bloom all season long. Examples of annuals include impatiens, petunias, and marigolds.
If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, try growing a tropical plant like a hibiscus or an exotic-looking succulent.
Keep reading for a list of 35 fabulous flowers and plants that you can grow in containers this spring!
Perfect for Small Spaces
For those gardening in a particularly small space, there are several perfect options for container gardening. Many of these flowers and plants are low-growing and can be started off in pots, hanging baskets, or more intricate containers. Here are some of our favourite options:
- Ivy- Ivy is a classic staple of container gardening, as it grows quickly and spreads in all directions.
- Bacopa- These low-maintenance blooms come in bright shades of blue, white, or lilac.
- Cascading Lobelia- This bright purple flower loves warm weather and will cascade beautifully from a hanging planter or window box.
- Nepeta- Otherwise known as Catmint plants are lovely and aromatic, and will attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Petunias- these pretty flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white and are favourites for container gardening.
- Verbena- Verbena plants are drought-tolerant and bloom in shades of pink, purple, lavender, and more.
No matter your gardening space, there’s always a fabulous flower or plant perfect for container gardening this spring!
You Can Grow Flowers and Herbs
Those with access to a balcony, patio, or yard have the unique opportunity to grow their own herbs and edible flowers this spring. Here’s a few you can grow in containers:
- Basil- An essential ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, basil is a flavourful and attractive addition to the garden.
- Thyme- This fragrant herb comes in many varieties, is easy to grow and hardy.
- Oregano- Oregano is a classic kitchen herb, and can also be used medicinally.
- Sage- A slightly sweet taste, this purple flower is a favourite for chicken dishes.
- Borage- Borage is a unique, star-shaped flower that has a cucumber-like flavour.
- Calendula- Also known as “pot marigold,” calendula has a peppery flavour and comes in yellow and orange.
These edible flowers and herbs are a great way to take your container gardening to the next level.
Vegetables Make Great Container Plants
Vegetables make great container plants too. These veggies can be planted on a patio or balcony, or even indoors under the right conditions. Here are a few container-friendly veggies to choose from:
- Tomatoes- Tomatoes are a flavourful and versatile ingredient. Plant them in large containers, and be sure to stake them up so the fruits don’t damage the vines.
- Peppers- Peppers come in many shapes, flavours, and colours. They will need bright light and lots of warmth to grow.
- Cucumbers- Cucumbers are a summer favourite. They will need warm temperatures and lots of humid air to fruiting.
- Beans- All types of beans will grow well in containers and can be harvested throughout the season.
- Carrots- Carrots need lots of sun and warm temperatures to mature. Plant them in a long, shallow pot to ensure the carrots don’t grow too long.
- Lettuce- Lettuce is a cool-season crop that does best when planted in the spring. You can plant a variety of lettuce for a salad mix.
- Radishes- Radishes mature quickly and don’t need a lot of space or care. Plant them in small pots for a quick harvest.
Try your hand at growing some of these vegetables, and you may end up with fresh and flavourful ingredients all summer long!
Fruits for Container Gardens
Fruits can also be grown in containers on patios, balconies, and indoors. With a little care and the right conditions, you can enjoy a variety of flavourful fruits all summer long. Here are three fruits that are ideal for container gardening:
- Strawberries- Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits for container gardens. Choose a planter or tub that is deep enough for root systems and provide daily water and an occasional fertilizer.
- Blueberries- Blueberries are a great choice for containers since they won’t need as much space and aren’t as heavy as a tree. Keep the soil damp and fertilize monthly and you’ll soon be enjoying a harvest of sweet, flavourful berries.
- Cherries- Cherry trees can be grown in containers. They will require larger pots than smaller fruits, but with a little care, you will have delightful cherry harvests throughout the season.
These three fruits are sure to add flavour to your container garden, and with a little care, you will enjoy successful harvests throughout the summer.
We hope this advice inspires you to make your own containers bustle with lots of wonderful plants that you can enjoy in your garden this spring!
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