Containers are a fabulous way to grow plants. They can be used in small spaces, maximize growing space, and are efficient. Containers also add beauty to a patio, window, or walkway.
Let’s think beyond the typical ceramic pot. There are a lot of new stylish designs out there that are good for your plants and your budget!
My late fall patio - after all the tomato plants were done! I use a variety of containers.
Photo by Ame Vanorio
Deep Window Boxes
Many window boxes are only six inches deep which doesn’t give your plants much room to grow.
Aim for one at least 10 inches deep and with a water reserve space.
Window boxes are an easy DIY project and that way you can fit the style and color to your house. The Handyman’s Daughter has some great ideas on their website.
There are lots of advantages to using grow bags. Graphic by Ame Vanorio
Fabric Containers/Grow Bags
Fabric bags are often made from recycled materials. They are space efficient, have great drainage, and come in a range of sizes.
Grow bags allow for good airflow around the roots and the plants which encourages good healthy roots and fewer plant diseases. Plus they are very budget-friendly!
At the end of the season just dump your grow bag contents into the compost, shake the dirt out, and store them for next season.
I love grow bags and had great success in my first year using them. These are the grow bags I use. After my first season, they were still in great shape and are currently in a 5-gallon bucket waiting for the next season.
Hypertufa Troughs
You can purchase hypertufa at big box stores or handmade ones at Farmer’s Markets. And they make a wonderful DIY project.
Hypertufa is made by mixing cement with sand, peat, and perlite - or some similar components. When they dry they are lightweight and slowly drain water. Plus it is easy to be creative and make cool shapes.
Empress of Dirt has some great recipes on her site.
Plant Towers
Tower gardens make use of vertical space. They may resemble ladders, pyramid-style planters, or planters running up a wall.
There is no end to the creativity. They work well for herbs, dangling flowers, and lettuce.
I have this one and use it for herbs on my patio.
Railing Hangers
Patios and balconies often have a railing around them. This railing is a great spot to hang pots or planters.
Flowers that like sun, herbs, and drought-tolerant plants do well on a railing where they may be exposed to wind and strong sun.
I can remember when it was challenging to find railing-type planters that actually fit snuggly and were the proper size. Now companies have caught on and a wide range of sizes are available.
Railing planters are great for balconies and small spaces.
Self Watering Containers
This is a must for hot locations and for anyone that wants to take a long weekend getaway. They are a tad more expensive but if you live a busy lifestyle they are a must.
Self-watering containers water your plants from the bottom up. This helps develop a healthy strong root system. They are also great if you are a weekend gardener. Just fill up the reserves once a week.
Reusing stock tanks when they develop cracks is one of my favorite ways to “build” a raised bed! New ones would be a bit nicer looking! Photo by Ame Vanorio
Stock Tank Planters
Stock tanks make great planters because the plants can send out deep roots. They also bring the soil level higher so great for someone with a bad back.
Another advantage is the height keeps pests such as rabbits away from your plants.
The con is that they do retain heat. That’s nice in the spring but not as much in the heat of summer. Put them where you have easy access to water!
On the farm, I would upcycle stock water tanks for planters when they cracked and leaked.
Table Raised Beds
Table-style raised beds, sometimes called salad tables, are a great way to bring vegetables to you. These raised bed boxes sit on sturdy legs so you don’t have to bend over to enjoy planting and harvesting.
You can purchase them on Amazon - I gave the one below to my aunt. Or they make an easy DIY project.
These are great for when gardeners are older and can't bend over as well.They also are nice in urban areas where space is a premium.
An old bike repurposed as a planter. Photo by Cayobo.
UPCYCLE
If it can hold dirt - it can be a plant container! Old wooden crates and baskets often make wonderful planters.
Clean out your attic or check out the local second-hand shops to find some unique planters for your garden.
Replacing your rain gutters? Gutters are easy to repurpose into planters and look quite attractive when going up a fence or wall.
Whiskey Barrels
Growing up in Kentucky, I know all about whiskey barrels! And they make fabulous planters that look traditional and entertaining at the same time.
It used to be easy to find discarded or less-than-perfect barrels for free. But not anymore. Now distilleries charge for used barrels.
If you don’t live near a distillery it’s pretty easy to find them online.
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the founder of Fox Run EEC and loves trying out new garden ideas.
Gardening in urban areas and on patios means less space. Using pots and containers can help keep your garden organized while giving you more room to grow.