Best Summer Container Garden Tips

Do you love container gardens?  I’ve always enjoyed selecting colorful and unique plant combinations for containers, even when I had a larger yard.  Now that my deck is my only outdoor space, my container gardens have become even more of a focal point.

I recently planted my containers for the Summer season and I am delighted with my results ~ if I do say so myself.  Today I’m sharing my best tips for planting container gardens in a space that gets sun (and heat) all day long. 

#1:  Use Plastic Water Bottles as Filler

Over the years I have accumulated many containers comprised of all different materials, sizes, and shapes. Some are 3 feet high and nearly that wide(!). Filling large containers with potting soil is expensive, makes for very heavy containers that are difficult to move, and unnecessary. Instead,  fill the bottom of your containers with empty plastic bottles.  So environmentally friendly 🙂 .  The empty space between the bottles will allow the roots to grown and meander while keeping the overall weight of the container light.  Win-win!

#2:  Elevate Your Containers

Learn from my experience!  I have a wooden deck that gets full sun for most of the day.  During the first Summer in my home, I found that by mid Summer, the roots of some of my container plants were burned.  The decking material gets very hot and if your containers are sitting directly on the surface, it can be dangerous for your plants. My solution?  “Feet” for your containers. I use them to elevate my containers that sit directly on the deck ~ no more burned roots. These feet come in a variety of materials from round plastic discs to the pretty terra cotta ones I use.

I prefer these because they are easy to install. Simply place a foot under each corner and voila, elevated containers.

#3:  Use “Indoor” Plants Outdoors

Filling a plethora of containers each year can get expensive and a bit repetitive.  Break up the monotony and save money with this tip: purchase tropical plants found in the houseplant section of your local big box home store (i.e. Lowe’s, Home Depot) to use in your outdoor containers.  Not only do these plants add height and a pleasing variety of foliage and texture, they can be purchased for around $15 vs. $50 for a similar “outdoor” plant at the nursery.

A Few Bonus Design Tips…

Color Coordinate

I coordinate the colors on my deck with those used inside my home.  I have several French doors and large windows which makes the deck feel like an extension of the indoor space.  As such, I coordinate and echo the colors of the plant materials I use in my containers as well as the rugs, cushions, and pillows on the deck.

Source Unique Plant Materials

Each year I try to plan a day to visit several nurseries with my dear friend and garden mentor,  Mrs. Blossom (aka Ginny). She seems to know the stock of every nursery near and far and has an excellent eye for distinctive plant material.  I always come home with treasures after our trips together.

Even if you aren’t lucky enough to have a personal plant expert to shop with, I encourage you to visit different garden centers and ask the staff for their recommendations.  Most are quite knowledgeable and helpful.  Happy hunting!

Try Something New

This year I am mixing some vegetable elements in with my flowers.  I am loving the ruffle texture of  lettuces and cabbages in combination with the flowers.

 I am also exploring a purple palette for some of the flowers. It is very complimentary with my pink and coral favorites.

Have fun planting creative containers for your front steps, patio, or deck this Summer and don’t be afraid to try something unexpected or unusual.

Most of all, enjoy the beauty (and don’t forget to water)!

xo,

Pamela

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