Container Garden Ideas

Knowing how to plant a container garden is a great skill to have. For businesses that want the benefits of greenery in the office, restaurants, and hotels that want to create a more welcoming feel to their indoor and outdoor spaces, and for people that want plants and life in their living area, container plants are simply fantastic. 

Whether you're a beginner gardener with limited space or you want to bring some life and color to your outdoors, container plants are the solution that can’t be overlooked. As the experts in container gardening, one of the most common questions we get asked is “how do I start a container garden?” Read on for some fantastic ideas that we hope will inspire your creativity. 

Stay Close

One of the most common blunders with starting a container garden is only to use small containers and place them far apart from each other. That tends to leave your plants and flowers looking a bit lost. If you’re a beginner just learning how to plant a container garden, the first tip is to keep smaller containers and plants closer to where you spend your time.

For businesses using container plants, keep the smaller containers closer to the people you want to see them. While large container plants always look great when they’re isolated, smaller containers need to be more visible. Place them in groups and close to the action.

Level Up

One of the best ways to make a striking display with your container plants is to take advantage of different levels. Ideally, you want smaller container plants to be bundled together for a group display. You can then start using different levels to create a more exciting visual image. 

You could use the natural elements around you for levels or invest in a florist’s stand that will bring even smaller containers right up to eye level. You can also use empty pots or containers and turn them upside down for additional leveling options.

Repeat Yourself

Interior designers love repetition, and it’s something that anyone can do with their container gardens. How do you arrange a container garden? There are plenty of options, but repetition creates a highly satisfying effect. 

To achieve this effect, add the same plants to a number of the same containers or pots. It doesn’t matter what container styles you use or what plants are your favorite. Simply stick to a single theme and then evenly space them wherever you want them to be seen. You can even use this trick to highlight and emphasize specific features in your space, such as a low wall or some steps.

Container Plants as a Guide

If you're using large container plants in your garden or as part of your outdoor dining area, don’t overlook how much those plants can be used as a kind of pointer for your visitors or customers. Use those large containers to direct people where you need them to go and towards what you want them to see.

Block anything unsightly with bigger plants or trees in large containers. Then, use similar plants in containers to draw attention to either pathways or seating areas. If you’re in the food industry, you could even double up and have those container plants growing food for you, which helps cut costs!

How Do I Start a Container Garden?

Although container gardens always look impressive, they can also seem a little intimidating. However, starting a container garden is simply nothing more than gathering the four ingredients:

• Containers

• Plants

• Soil

• Water.

That’s not that different from having a standard garden, right? If you’ve experience of growing plants, trees, or vegetables in a traditional garden, you probably already know that container gardens are pretty much the same. However, there are differences.

• Soil: Don’t just dig some soil out of your garden to dump into your containers. This is an extremely common mistake, and that soil isn’t going to give you any benefits or advantages. Instead, get some potting soil mix from your local garden store. This will be free of bugs and bacteria that might harm your greenery.

• Containers: You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing your planters and containers. Whatever visual effect you’re going for, always research the plants that work best in different situations. You’ll need the right container size to match your plants or trees, which means considering how much soil they need. 

• Drainage: Whatever size of container you're going for, it’s best to opt for those that have drainage. Plants need water, but overwatering can lead to unwell plants. Ensure that you have drainage holes, and if your containers don’t have those, then get out your drill and make some.

How Do You Arrange a Container Garden?

This is entirely up to you, and the options are almost limitless. Ideally, you shouldn’t start thinking about the plants you’ll use. Instead, think about the containers themselves. They’re available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and designs, so think about where you're going to place them.

What you want to achieve are containers that match the surroundings. They could stand out as focal points or blend in for more subtlety. One of our top tips is to have a more uniform choice so that all of your containers look similar. The alternative, which is also extremely popular, is to have a wide range of containers for a more creative visual display.

You should also think about how many container plants you want to have. If your space is limited or you’re going for a specific effect, a pair of large containers always works well. If you have more room to play with, a range of containers in different sizes and shapes can look amazing. Don’t forget that you don’t have to have straight lines and uniform displays. Use height, depth, and variety to create a more three-dimensional effect.

When it comes to your plants, choose carefully and do your research. If your space is in the shade, choose the plants that will thrive without a lot of direct sunlight. If you’re located somewhere particularly hot, select the plants that grow brilliantly in drought conditions. Consider color schemes on your plants too, as much as you think about the color scheme of your business brand or your containers.

Don’t forget to think about watering those plants, either. Ensure that you can reach your container plants with a hose or that you aren’t going to have to do a physical workout with a watering can every time those plants need watering.

Summary of Container Garden Ideas

There are so many different designs, materials, sizes, and shapes of containers for plants that your final decisions will always be personal to you. Match your tastes, but always make sure that drainage and watering are considered. Do your research into the plants, trees, or foods that you want to grow, and choose your containers to match them.

Some plants need deeper containers or pots, while others thrive in smaller containers. Matching containers to plants has never been easier, and the effects can be utterly transformative. Take your time to get it right, and the only limit is your imagination.

 

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