Container Gardening: How to Grow Plants in Pots and Containers

Container gardening is popular because it allows you to grow plants in almost any space, from balconies and courtyards to verandahs and patios. It is also a great way to add colour, texture and interest to a garden, making containers both a practical growing solution and an attractive design feature.

Whether you are growing flowers, foliage plants, succulents or even herbs and vegetables, choosing the right container, potting mix and position will help your plants thrive.

There are many theories about growing plants in pots and containers. Here, we look at some of the basics of container gardening, common mistakes to avoid and a few helpful hints for growing healthy plants.

Basic Facts About Containers and Pots

1. Are Larger Pots Always Better Than Smaller Pots?

Larger pots are often a good choice because they provide more room for roots to grow and allow the potting mix to hold moisture for longer. However, this does not mean that every plant needs a large container.

Some plants prefer a more restricted root system, and many orchids and succulents fall into this category. For these plants, a smaller pot may be more suitable.

For mass planting, a larger container can be a good option, particularly when combining plants with similar growing requirements. Some plants, such as peonies, do not like being moved, so choosing a slightly larger pot can give them room to grow for several years without disturbing the root system.

The important thing is to choose a pot that suits the plant, rather than assuming bigger is always better.

2. Does Adding Crock Improve Drainage?

Adding crock, gravel or stones to the bottom of a pot is a common gardening practice, but it does not necessarily improve drainage.

In fact, a layer of coarse material can cause water to collect higher up in the potting mix, reducing the depth of soil available for roots and potentially creating conditions that lead to root problems.

Good drainage depends on having adequate drainage holes and a suitable, free-draining potting mix. Rather than filling the bottom of your container with stones or broken pottery, use a quality potting mix that allows excess water to drain away freely.

3. Can a Pot Be Too Large for a Plant?

Yes, choosing a pot that is too large for a plant can cause problems. A large volume of potting mix holds more moisture, and when the plant’s root system is too small to use that moisture, the mix can remain wet for too long. This increases the risk of root rot.

If you need to use a larger container, choose a free-draining potting mix suited to the plant and take care not to overwater. You may also need to protect the container from excessive rain during winter, particularly if you are growing plants that prefer drier conditions.

When repotting, it is generally better to move up to a suitably sized pot rather than choosing one that is much larger than the existing root system requires.

4. Why Is Garden Soil Not Suitable for Containers?

Once you have chosen your container, the next step is selecting the right growing medium. Ordinary garden soil is generally unsuitable for pots because it can become compacted and does not provide the drainage and aeration that container-grown plants need.

Instead, use a quality potting mix formulated for containers and suited to the type of plant you are growing.

For example, use a succulent and cactus mix for succulents and cacti, an orchid mix for orchids, and an appropriate mix for acid-loving plants such as camellias and rhododendrons. Other plants may prefer a different growing medium, depending on their individual requirements.

You can purchase specialist potting mixes or make your own, provided the finished mix offers the right balance of moisture retention, drainage and aeration.

Four Helpful Hints for Better Container Gardening

Choose the Right Container for Your Plant

When choosing a container, consider the plant’s mature size, root system and growing requirements. Make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes and is large enough to accommodate healthy growth without holding excessive moisture.

The material also matters. Terracotta pots are porous and tend to dry out more quickly, while plastic and glazed containers generally retain moisture for longer. Solid, UV-resistant containers are a good choice if your pots will be exposed to the weather.

Consider the appearance of the container as well. The right pot can complement your plants and help create an attractive display, whether you are growing a single feature plant or arranging several containers together.

Position Your Container Carefully

As well as considering the plant’s sun and shade requirements, think about where the container will sit. Some plants need full sun, while others grow better in partial shade or a sheltered position.

The surface beneath your pot is important too. Containers should not sit directly on soil or lawn, as this can block drainage holes and contribute to root problems.

If you are placing a container in the garden, sit it on a paver, bricks or pot feet to raise it slightly above the ground. This helps excess water drain away and allows air to circulate beneath the pot.

Water Your Plants Correctly

Watering requirements vary considerably between plants and will also depend on the container, potting mix, weather and position.

Some pots dry out much more quickly than others, particularly in hot, sunny or windy conditions. Rather than watering every plant on a fixed schedule, check the moisture level of the potting mix by pushing your finger into the soil.

Water thoroughly when the plant needs it, allowing excess water to drain freely from the bottom of the container. Avoid leaving pots sitting in water for extended periods, as this can lead to root problems.

Where practical, water the potting mix rather than the foliage. This helps keep leaves dry and can reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Always consider the individual requirements of your plants, as some prefer consistently moist conditions while others need the potting mix to dry out between waterings.

Choose Plants with Similar Requirements

When planting several plants in one container, choose varieties that have similar requirements for sunlight, water and soil conditions.

For example, succulents generally grow well together because they prefer free-draining potting mix and less frequent watering. Combining plants with very different watering needs can make it difficult to keep all of them healthy.

It is also worth considering the mature size of each plant. Give roots enough room to develop and allow space for foliage to grow without overcrowding.

A little research into individual plant varieties will help you choose suitable combinations and create a container garden that looks good throughout the growing season.

What Is the Most Common Mistake with Container Plants?

One of the most common mistakes with container plants is overwatering, particularly when the potting mix does not drain well. When roots sit in constantly wet soil, they may struggle to get the oxygen they need, increasing the risk of root rot.

Using the wrong potting mix, choosing an oversized container and failing to provide adequate drainage can all contribute to the problem.

To avoid these issues, use a suitable potting mix, make sure the container has drainage holes and check the moisture level before watering. Remember that different plants have different requirements, so a watering routine that works for one plant may not be suitable for another.

What Grows Best in a Container Garden?

Many plants grow well in containers, provided you choose the right pot, potting mix and position.

Some popular options include:

• Succulents and cacti: Ideal for containers with good drainage, as many varieties prefer drier conditions and allow the potting mix to dry between waterings.
• Flowers: Seasonal flowers can add colour and interest to balconies, patios and courtyards. Choose varieties suited to the amount of sunlight your container receives.
• Herbs: Many herbs grow well in pots, making them a practical choice for small spaces. Most Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, prefer sunny positions and well-drained soil.
• Vegetables: Lettuce, radishes, spring onions and many other vegetables can be grown in containers. Larger plants, such as tomatoes, need a suitably sized pot and sufficient sunlight.
• Foliage plants: Plants grown primarily for their leaves can provide texture, shape and year-round interest, depending on the variety and climate.
• Orchids: Many orchids are well suited to container growing when planted in an appropriate orchid mix and given the right light, moisture and airflow.

The best plants for your container garden will depend on your climate, available space and the conditions you can provide. Always check the plant’s individual requirements before choosing a container or planting combination.

What Do You Put in the Bottom of a Container Garden?

In most cases, you do not need to put anything in the bottom of a container apart from the potting mix. A common misconception is that adding gravel, stones or broken pottery will improve drainage, but these materials can actually cause water to collect higher in the potting mix.

Instead, choose a container with adequate drainage holes and fill it with a suitable potting mix. If the drainage holes are large enough for the mix to escape, a piece of purpose-made drainage mesh can help retain the mix while still allowing water to pass through.

Avoid filling the bottom of the pot with rocks or other coarse materials simply to improve drainage. If you need to reduce the amount of potting mix used in a very large decorative container, consider using a properly designed insert or a smaller pot inside the outer container, provided the plant still has enough room for its roots and excess water can drain freely.

Good drainage starts with the container itself and the quality of the growing medium, not with a layer of stones at the bottom.

How Do I Start a Container Garden?

Starting a container garden is relatively simple, and you do not need a large garden to get started. A balcony, courtyard, verandah or sunny outdoor corner can provide enough space for a few well-chosen pots.

Follow these basic steps to get started:

1. Choose your plants. Decide whether you want to grow flowers, foliage plants, succulents, herbs or vegetables. Consider your local climate and how much sun your space receives.
2. Select suitable containers. Choose pots that are appropriate for the plant’s size and root system. Make sure each container has adequate drainage holes.
3. Use the right potting mix. Avoid ordinary garden soil and select a quality potting mix designed for containers and suited to your chosen plants.
4. Plant at the correct depth. Add potting mix to the container, position the plant at an appropriate depth and fill around the roots. Leave a little space at the top for watering.
5. Find the right position. Place your pots where the plants will receive the light and shelter they need. Raise containers slightly off the ground to help keep drainage holes clear.
6. Water according to the plant’s needs. Water the potting mix thoroughly when required and allow excess water to drain away. Check moisture levels regularly, especially during hot weather.
7. Maintain your container garden. Remove dead leaves and flowers, monitor plant growth, and replenish or replace potting mix when needed. Feed plants according to their individual requirements.

Start with a few containers and learn how your plants respond to their new environment. As you gain experience, you can experiment with different plants, container sizes and arrangements to create a garden that suits your space.

Final Thoughts on Container Gardening

Container gardening is a practical way to grow plants in small spaces and add interest to outdoor areas. Success comes down to choosing suitable plants, using the right potting mix, providing good drainage and understanding each plant’s watering and sunlight requirements.

Avoid common mistakes such as overwatering, using ordinary garden soil and adding stones to the bottom of pots in an attempt to improve drainage. With a little planning and regular care, containers can provide an attractive and rewarding way to grow a wide range of plants.

We provide some useful links for those looking to buy Containers and Pots.