Your Guide to Successful Container Gardening

The idea of growing our own vegetables and herbs is gaining popularity in the UK (possibly thanks to Felicity Kendal and ‘The Good Life’ circa 1975). However, not all of us have access to a garden, especially in large cities. So, what can you do if you would like to grow some veggies at home, but don’t have a garden or much space to work with? Don’t worry, you can still put those green fingers to good use!

For many people in British cities, container gardening is the answer to this dilemma due to its simplicity and convenience. You can grow your favourite herbs and vegetables in small gardens, balconies, window sills, and even in an apartment. All you need is a sunny spot and this guide to get started.

What is container gardening?

To put it simply, container gardening is the growing of plants in garden pots of various shapes and sizes. Container gardening presents endless possibilities for cultivating flowers, herbs, vegetables, and salad crops in a garden. It can be far more exciting than traditional garden beds and borders, where conventions and ‘tried and tested’ planting schemes often stifle creativity.

With container gardening, you can be inventive and create a garden that reflects your personality. It’s perfect for beginners wanting to grow vegetables in a small space.

What are the benefits of container gardening?

When you think of a garden, you might envision a large lawn with neatly tiled rows brimming with vegetables. However, there are many ways to grow your own food. Container gardens are both attractive and functional, whether you have a sunny balcony or a spacious yard.

• No lawn required – One of the most appealing aspects of container gardening is the ability to grow vegetables almost anywhere. Even apartment dwellers can enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables if they have a balcony that receives 4 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. The type of plants you choose for your balcony should depend on the amount of sunlight available. If your space gets around 4 hours of direct sunlight but not much more, you won’t be able to grow sun-lovers like tomatoes and peppers. However, there are still plenty of options. Lettuce, onions, peas, and most greens thrive in partial sun.
• No weeding – Typically, weeding is a tedious and unpleasant task, often done while sweating and swatting at mosquitoes. However, when gardening in containers, the reduced soil surface limits the opportunity for weed seeds to sprout. Less exposed soil means minimal to no weeding.
• Easy to protect – Protecting a large area of young seedlings can be challenging, but growing your plants in containers offers several easy solutions. For a few plants, you can simply bring them indoors until the frost danger passes. 
• No to little pests and diseases – You are less likely to encounter harmful pests in containers. If you do find an unwelcome insect, the issue is easier to manage as you can simply isolate that container until the problem is resolved. Fungal and viral issues are often caused by infected soil, which can be impossible to eradicate in a traditional garden. However, if a container becomes infected, you can easily replace the soil without worrying about the disease spreading. This method also applies to many other soil-borne fungal and viral problems.
• Low-maintenance – Since smaller plants developed for containers are designed to be compact, they require less maintenance as they grow. For instance, typical garden tomatoes need pruning and support from stakes or cages to withstand winds and stay within their allotted space. On the other hand, container tomatoes might need only a small stake for support, but most grow as compact bushes. This means all you need to do is plant them and watch them thrive.

Where to start with container gardening?

Container gardens offer two significant advantages: their adaptability and the ease with which you can make changes if your initial plans don’t work out or if you simply want to experiment with new ideas, which is often the case for beginners. Additionally, containers can be used to grow plants that aren’t fully hardy, as they can be moved under cover during the winter months.

However, maximising the benefits of container gardening requires acknowledging its limitations. Containers are not suitable for growing large trees or substantial perennial shrubs, as these plants will outgrow their space and become pot-bound after two or three years.

Another challenge is the need for regular watering, which can be time-consuming and create a dependency on the garden. This responsibility can also become a burden for others if you are away. Nevertheless, there is a wide range of self-watering pots and irrigation systems available to mitigate these issues.

Choose the right location

It’s crucial to position your containers where the plants will flourish. Sun-loving plants need at least six hours of sunlight daily, so place them in a south- or west-facing location. Shade-loving plants should be grown in pots positioned in shaded areas.

Ideally, choose a sheltered spot for your containers to protect them from cold, drying winds – placing them below walls, fences, and hedges are excellent options. If you’re placing pots on a wall or balcony, make sure they are securely fixed.

Choose the right container

Now that you know the location it is time to discuss containers and learn how to choose the correct type. You would be forgiven for thinking that any old plant pot will do, but the wrong container can mean the difference between a meagre and a bountiful harvest.

The first thing to consider when choosing your plant pots is the size of the containers. If they are too small, the plant’s growth (and eventual harvest) will be negatively impacted as the roots will not have sufficient space. If the container is too large the soil can become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot and your plants dying. The staff at your local garden centre can help you choose the right container size for the plants you will grow.

Once you know which size of plant pot you have to buy, the next aspect to consider is the material from which the containers are made. Your choice of material depends on where you want to grow your produce and if you intend on bringing your plants inside during the winter months.

• Terracotta– These heavy plant pots are great if you plan on leaving them outdoors during the colder months. The thickness of the material keeps the contents well insulated, protecting the roots from most of the negative effects of frost.
• Glazed ceramic – These durable containers are one of the best choices for adding a bit of flair, colour, and style to your container garden and have insulating properties similar to terracotta pots. However, they can be quite expensive and difficult to move due to their considerable weight.
• Plastic – The most affordable option available, plastic plant pots come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours to suit all tastes. Lightweight containers, such as these, are easy to move and some are frost-resistant, meaning that they can be left outdoors during the winter. Just keep in mind that, even though they are frost-resistant, they can still crack if they face a particularly cold winter.
• Wooden containers – Usually made from a cut-in-half barrel, these are arguably the best-looking containers around. The downside is that the difficulty of moving them around increases as they age.
• Concrete – The heaviest and most durable type of containers, these are only suitable if they are kept in the same place all year round.

Lastly, the shape of the container is also important. Some containers are prone to tipping over as plants grow and become top-heavy, especially in windy areas (think balconies and roof gardens). Generally, the wider the base, the more stable a container will be. Square, rectangular, and cylindrical containers are the most stable options, while the traditional inverted cone-shaped containers are the least stable.

Choose the right compost

Container soil must strike a delicate balance. It must drain well to prevent waterlogging yet retain enough moisture to avoid drying out. Additionally, the soil needs to provide the essential nutrients required for normal plant growth, along with a variety of soil microorganisms that help plants absorb these nutrients. Despite claims on the label, a bag of multipurpose compost alone won’t suffice.

A suitable container soil mix should include garden soil (20-30%), green waste compost (20-30%), composted manure (20-30%), and perlite (10-20%). Perlite is vital for drainage. It prevents soil from compacting in containers. For additional nutrients use chicken manure pellets rather than inorganic fertiliser. They release nutrients slowly into the soil, providing a more reliable long-term benefit.

Best plants and flowers for containers

Some of the most popular plants for containers include geraniums, petunias, impatiens, fuchsias, and lobelias. However, there is a vast array of patio plants to choose from. Some plants make a striking statement when grown alone, like impatiens and patio roses, while others thrive in mixed plantings. Whether you prefer a monochrome style or a vibrant colour scheme is a matter of personal preference. 

If you’re unsure where to start, bedding plants are a straightforward and quick option. For those seeking something more unique, consider mini fruit trees. Incorporate grasses, ferns, alpines, and exotic foliage into your display.

Evergreens such as box and bay trees also thrive in containers. They provide year-round interest. Ensure the chosen container is frost-proof to prevent it from shattering when temperatures drop.

Best vegetables and fruits for containers

Many fruits and vegetables thrive in pots. Actually, some are particularly suited to container gardening. Potatoes are among the most popular crops for containers. They are less susceptible to soil pests and diseases; you simply tip them out when it’s time to harvest! Here are some other fruits and vegetables that are well-suited to container gardening:

Water and feed your container plants

Plants in containers require more frequent watering compared to those in the ground, as they have limited access to moisture. This becomes especially critical on hot, sunny days when the compost can quickly dry out.

During summer, it’s best to thoroughly water your container plants in the morning or evening, ensuring the water penetrates the roots. Placing containers near a water source simplifies the task of watering, making it more convenient and effective.

Since potted plants do not have access to as many nutrients as those in the ground, they will need more fertiliser. Add liquid feed to your watering can or use slow-release fertilisers. Feed plants every fortnight during the growing season.

Maintaining your garden

You are well on your way to cultivating a healthy, flourishing container garden. You know what you would like to grow and have purchased the ideal containers. All that’s left is to take proper care of your plants so that your efforts aren’t wasted. Don’t worry, for we’ve got you covered here as well.

1. Throughout April-September, check the moisture levels of the soil in each container daily and water if it has dried out. A general rule of thumb is to water your plants twice a day during the warmer months.
2. Reduce the watering schedule during winter as your plants won’t be expending as much energy for their growth.
3. In very wet or cold conditions, either cover your plants or move them indoors or to another covered area to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged or frozen.
4. Remove dead leaves and flower heads regularly to encourage growth.
5. If you are going to use liquid plant food, start feeding your plants once they have grown for at least 6 weeks. Feeding should take place from April-September and you should only use plant food if the compost that you use does NOT contain a slow-releasing fertiliser.
6. To keep plants healthy, you should aim to repot them in early spring each year. This keeps the compost fresh and prevents roots from drying out.

Companion potting

If you would like to take your container garden to the next level, you may want to consider companion planting. This involves placing plants, which are beneficial to each other, in the same container. The benefits include better protection against pesky insects, aided growth, and your plants generally looking fantastic.

While a lot of herbs can be grown together, some prefer different conditions to flourish and some need to be planted on their own as they don’t play well with others.

As mentioned previously, some pairings are beneficial as they keep insects away or attract predatory insects to eat the ones that want nothing more than to nibble on your plants. Some examples of beneficial pairings are:

You can also create herb container combinations for specific foods and meals. This will not only impress your friends and family but also add more convenience when you are preparing a meal. To help, we have put together a selection of herb combinations you can grow for specific foods.

Now that you have finished reading our guide, go forth and create a miniature Eden of tasty goodness in your garden, on your balcony, or in your apartment!

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Do you have any other tips for container gardening? Or have you created one using our guide? Let us and our readers know by commenting below or give us a shout on social media!