Container Gardening: Finding a Location

Container gardening is a great way to grow many types of plants, especially when you have limited space. But how do you decide where to put your garden? Here's some tips to help you find and make the most of your location.

You probably already have an idea of where you want to put your plants, but before jumping in, take some time to step back and really look at possible spaces by asking yourself the following. Is my space the right size for what I want to plant? Will my space be easy to get around in? You will feel confident caring for your plants in a safe uncluttered space. You may have to remove or rearrange furniture to create more room. Tuck your grill in a corner and use storage boxes for gardening tools.

See our handout, A Safe Garden Space in our resources section of this workshop. Is my space the right size for what I want to plan? Maybe you have your heart set on growing lots of fresh vegetables for the summer. Will your pots of tomatoes, beans, radishes and peppers all fit on the deck? Think about planting, dwarf vegetables like Tom Thumb lettuce or Thumbelina carrots if the area is a bit small. Does my space have what plants need like good sunlight and easy access to water? Check out Plant Needs in our Workshop Gardening Basics.

Will it be an indoor or outdoor garden for me? If you're thinking of starting a garden indoors, walk around inside your home. See and feel where the best sun comes in. Find those areas you could brighten and freshen up with plants. Maybe a few colorful pots on a table near your bedroom window. Liven up your bathroom with pothos, an easy plant to grow for beginners and air plants, they will love the humidity. Herbs can be grown right in your kitchen window cell. And there's nothing like cooking with fresh herbs.

Now you might want a garden outdoors, but where? Let's explore different areas that might be right for you. First, let's look at a balcony or porch. There's lots of plants that do well in these spaces, but if you live in an apartment or a condo review your building rules before you get started, you'd feel terrible if you had to remove your plants. Arrange your larger containers around the outside edges to spread out the weight.

Pots filled with soil can get pretty heavy. Use plastic pots to lighten the load and use rail planters to bring pots up off the floor. Grow vertical, it's a terrific option. You'll save space by planting in hanging baskets, tiered pots or wall planters. A trellis can be great for growing climbing plants and it'll give you privacy.

Watch out for the wind. Even small wind gusts can cause damage by drying out soil, breaking off leaves and stems and knocking over pots. But you can create a windscreen by using a trellis or fencing. Better yet, look for sturdy wind resistant plants you can plant in front of more fragile ones.

Next, what about a deck or patio garden? One great thing about these spaces is the extra hours of sunlight. Extra sunshine will give you more options for what you can plant. Perk up your deck and patio by creating a themed area. Design a relaxing oasis by matching plant colors with furniture and cushions. Use tables to group plans and bring them to eye-level for easy care.

For a nice quiet getaway, plant shrubs and taller plants for privacy. And a trickling water fountain will add a soothing sound. Finally steps and entryways are wonderful spaces for containers. Your colorful and fragrant plants are a great way to say, welcome to my home. Put containers on plant stands or stagger them on steps. Single pots at the edge of each step will work just fine. If there's room place a planter on each side of the step for a balanced look. Enhance your porch and entryway by lining your walkway with colorful plants or greenery and use overhangs or Shepherds Hooks for hanging baskets. Try training flowering vines at porch posts. There's a lot of places to put your plants. Now gather your supplies and get growing.