Container Gardening for a Vibrant Spring and Summer
DESIGN
STORY BY VIRGINIA BESHEARS
Think you don’t have space for a garden? Think again. Container gardening makes it possible to grow flowers, herbs, and even vegetables just about anywhere—balconies, patios, windowsills, or tucked into a corner of your yard. Even if you have plenty of space, ripping out landscaping for a new garden is a big commitment. With containers, you can experiment freely, growing as many different plants as your heart desires without the long-term consequences.
Beyond flexibility, container gardening is surprisingly low-maintenance. You have complete control over soil quality and watering, allowing you to create ideal growing conditions for each plant. Plus, you can move containers to catch the best sunlight or shield them from bad weather. Pest and disease management is easier, too—fewer soil-borne issues, better protection from critters, and almost no weeding required. In short, it’s a gardener’s dream with none of the back-breaking upkeep.
One of the most significant advantages of container gardening is flexibility. It provides an opportunity to garden in limited spaces such as balconies, patios, or even windowsills, making it accessible to urban dwellers and those with small yards. Even if you have plenty of yard space, it’s quite a big commitment to rip out your existing landscaping to make room to garden. Containers give you the opportunity to branch out (no pun intended) and grow as many different kinds of plants as your heart desires.
Containers also make maintenance easy. With containers, you have full control over the soil type and watering amount, allowing you to create the perfect growing conditions for many kinds of plants. Containers allow you to move your plants to optimize sunlight exposure or protect them from harsh weather conditions. On top of that, it also allows for better pest and disease management, making less work for you. Containers reduce the risk of soil-borne issues, can help keep your plants safe from critters like rabbits and squirrels, and hardly ever require weeding.
Choosing your containers
The summer sun can be intense, and it's important to protect your container garden during the months of higher temperatures. The containers themselves can be helpful in protecting your plants from the heat.
Terracotta is a breathable material, allowing for better airflow and preventing excess moisture buildup, which reduces the risk of root rot in cool weather. This also helps regulate soil temperature, keeping plant roots cooler in hot weather. Non-breathable pots run the risk of baking the roots of the plants they house.
Also in hot weather, you can water the outside of terracotta pots when you water your plants, and the pots will soak the water in and stay cool for several extra hours.
Glazed containers are a bit of a risk in hot weather, as the surface isn’t breathable and doesn’t allow heat to escape. However, they are much better at protecting your plants from the cold, so if you’re in a region where the winter is more of a concern than summer heat, glazed pots may be a better option. Plus, they look amazing and give any outdoor space a lovely pop of color.
via Mid Modern Mama
DIY Irrigation Systems for Container Gardens
Keeping your container garden well-watered can be a challenge, but a DIY irrigation system can save both time and water and ensure your plants get consistent moisture. We’re sharing options here, along with the pros, cons, and how to know to decide which one will work best for you.
1. Self-Watering Containers
These containers have a built-in reservoir at the bottom that slowly wicks water up to the plant’s roots as needed.
Pros: Great for busy gardeners, reduces water waste, and prevents overwatering.
Cons: Limited to individual containers, may require occasional refilling, and wicking effectiveness varies with soil type.
Best for: Small container gardens, people who travel frequently, and those wanting a low-maintenance option.
2. Drip Irrigation System
A DIY drip system involves running small tubes from a main water source to each container, delivering water directly to the soil at a slow, steady rate. This can be set up with a timer for automated watering.
Pros: Highly efficient, conserves water, prevents disease by keeping foliage dry, and can be customized for multiple containers.
Cons: Requires some initial setup and maintenance, and tubes may clog over time.
Best for: Large container gardens, hot climates, and gardeners who want an automated system.
via @projectprobst
3. Bottle or Jug Watering System
This method repurposes plastic bottles or jugs by poking small holes in the lid or sides and burying them near the plant’s roots. The water seeps out slowly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
Pros: Easy to set up, low cost, and great for small-scale gardens.
Cons: Requires frequent refilling, less effective for large container gardens, and may need adjustments to hole size for optimal flow.
Best for: Budget-conscious gardeners, small pots, and drought-prone areas.
4. Wicking System
This method uses a strip of fabric or rope that sits in a water reservoir and extends into the soil, drawing water up through capillary action.
Pros: Provides consistent moisture, reduces the risk of overwatering, and is low maintenance once set up.
Cons: Works best with moisture-retentive soil, may not deliver enough water for thirsty plants, and requires a reservoir that needs periodic refilling.
Best for: Indoor or patio container gardens, hanging baskets, and moisture-sensitive plants.
5. Olla Irrigation
Ollas are unglazed clay pots buried in the soil, filled with water, and slowly release moisture as the soil dries out. For container gardens, smaller clay vessels can be used the same way.
Pros: Water-efficient, reduces evaporation, and provides deep watering directly at the roots.
Cons: Requires regular refilling, best suited for larger containers, and may not distribute water evenly in small pots.
Best for: Large containers, deep-rooted plants, and hot, dry climates.
Ensure your container garden's success by using high-quality potting soil, which provides adequate nutrients and proper drainage. During the summer, the soil in containers tends to dry out quickly, so it's essential to monitor moisture levels regularly. Water your plants deeply, ensuring that the soil is evenly moist. To avoid overwatering, check the soil's moisture and water only when the top inch feels dry. Remember to fertilize your container plants with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth and blooming.
Here’s our favorite soil recipe:
2 parts pre-moistened coir
2 parts compost
1 part perlite
1/4 part vermiculite
1 tablespoon garden lime per gallon of coir
When it comes to selecting plants for your summer container garden, choose species that thrive in warm weather. Mixing several types of hosta in one container can look really beautiful, as can mixing caladiums.
