How to Choose Plants for Your Container Garden


If you are starting out gardening, one of the best ways to ensure you get success is to start out with container gardening first.

You don't make as much of a committment to a big garden, and you get to see how well your choices grow before you buy dozens of one kind of plants or bushes.

Most people choose to grow edible plants in their container gardens, because they don’t think of flowers or houseplants as being the same thing as container gardening.

While it is the same basic principle, it’s not generally classified the same way.

Most people just think the term container gardening refers to growing edible plants, so that’s what we’ll focus on here.

You can grow many types of vegetables and herbs in containers, and a few types of fruit.

Herbs are the most commonly grown edible plant for containers.

Vegetables come in second, and fruit isn’t grown in containers as often - probably because a lot of people think it would be too difficult to grow fruit in containers.

Strawberries are one fruit that grows particularly well in many types of containers.

Strawberries are generally quite hardy, and can even be grown in special grow bags that can be hung on a wall outdoors.

Dwarf fruit trees can often be grown in large pots.

Many smaller dwarf citrus trees grow nicely in pots, and if kept well-pruned they can make beautiful indoor decorations.

Many types of dwarf berry bushes will grow in containers, although they are usually very heavy and can’t be moved easily.

Dwarf varieties of blueberries and raspberries have been successfully grown in containers.

Many varieties of herbs do well in containers. Parsley is perhaps the most popular herb for container growing.

Basil and chives are also extremely popular for growing in containers.

Cilantro can be grown successfully in containers.

In fact, almost all herbs can be grown successfully in containers. The key is finding a large enough container.

Some herbs can easily be grown in relatively small containers.

Chives, parsley, and basil can all grow in smaller pots.

But some plants grow a bit larger. Sage, for example, is a bush.

It needs a pretty big pot.

Oregano also grows rather large, and needs a large container.

Although technically a fruit, tomatoes are probably the most popular “vegetable” for home gardeners in general.

Container gardeners are no exception, and they plant tomatoes in droves.

It’s probably due mostly to the fact that good tomatoes can be very difficult to find.

The tomatoes in most grocery stores are picked green and artificially ripened so they survive shipping without bruising and last longer on the shelves.

Most tomato varieties can be grown very well in containers, especially cherry tomatoes, grape / cherry tomatoes, roma tomatoes, and small salad tomatoes.

Other plants that are commonly grown in containers include lettuce and other salad greens, cucumbers, squashes, many types of beans and peas, radishes, carrots, scallions, all types of peppers, and even corn and potatoes.

Most vegetables can be grown in containers if you use the proper procedure.

You can easily grow most of your plants from seeds.

If you’re growing plants indoors, you can sow directly into the pot if you like, but you can risk damaging delicate seedlings during thinning.

You should probably grow most of your plants from seedlings that you purchase locally, but you can also start your own seedlings indoors in smaller pots, and then transplant them into larger pots later.

It’s easier to start plants from seedlings when you can, but you may find a lot of satisfaction in starting your own.

I even have a heap of mandarin trees, cumquats and lemon trees in pots, as they actually like being a little bit 'potbound' which is a bonus over the years as they grow larger.

McGee & Stuckey's Bountiful Container: Create Container Gardens of Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Edible FlowersMcGee & Stuckey's Bountiful Container: Create Container Gardens of Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Edible Flowers

Smart Pots 10-Gallon Smart Pot Soft-Sided Container, BlackSmart Pots 10-Gallon Smart Pot Soft-Sided Container, Black

Container Gardening: 250 Design Ideas & Step-By-Step TechniquesContainer Gardening: 250 Design Ideas & Step-By-Step Techniques

Akro-Mils RZJMEDI Medium Stack-A-Pot, 30-QuartAkro-Mils RZJMEDI Medium Stack-A-Pot, 30-Quart

Small-Space Container Gardens: Transform Your Balcony, Porch, or Patio with Fruits, Flowers, Foliage, and HerbsSmall-Space Container Gardens: Transform Your Balcony, Porch, or Patio with Fruits, Flowers, Foliage, and Herbs

Smart Pots 5-Gallon Smart Pot Soft-Sided Container, BlackSmart Pots 5-Gallon Smart Pot Soft-Sided Container, Black

The Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible: How to Grow a Bounty of Food in Pots, Tubs, and Other ContainersThe Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible: How to Grow a Bounty of Food in Pots, Tubs, and Other Containers

Succulent Container Gardens: Design Eye-Catching Displays with 350 Easy-Care PlantsSucculent Container Gardens: Design Eye-Catching Displays with 350 Easy-Care Plants




Learn more here in our online Guide for Choosing the Right Type of Gardening for You and Your Home Garden.: Gardening Tips For Beginners.

You can also learn here about lawn care for beginners to help you grow a beautiful grass lawn.

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Gardening.

"Power Tips" magazine is back!
You Get A Free Complete Self Help Report delivered to your email box every edition, plus you get a free PLR article and other great gifts!

SUBSCRIBE BELOW ...  I promise you will want to USE what you learn!

I really want to know what you think of this site, this page, and to hear your tips or suggestions about it.

So please share your story or simply add a Comment in the comment box.

If you feel that the information on this page has been useful to you please give it a Like or share it with your friends - thanks!!

"
You are a life Saver!!

I recently discovered this site and I can tell you that my life has not been the same. I now come here EVERYDAY and spend at least 1 hour.

I used to spend that time browsing online fashion and beauty magazine which just means that I spend more. Now I have replaced that habit with coming here.

In future I will think about contributing articles as well. Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! and God bless"

Contact Us | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | FAQ | Testimonials

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.