Planting in window boxes, containers, and other small spaces is a great way to make a big impact. And for those gardeners who just can’t get enough, containers give you the opportunity to plant and care for even more flowers.

 

By Chris Cohan

 

Planting in window boxes, containers, and other small spaces is a great way to make a big impact. And for those gardeners who just can’t get enough, containers give you the opportunity to plant and care for even more flowers. 

 

Containers are great for seasonal planting for two reasons. When the season is over, you can pull out the old plants and forget about them until next spring. Also, this gives you the opportunity to change plants every year. Annuals are the best container plants because they provide flowers from spring to frost.

 

Container gardening requires a few key elements to ensure success. As the soil area is small, you need to water regularly to keep plants from drying out. Use saucers underneath containers whenever possible to retain more water. The soil should be loose, friable, and have enough organic matter to retain lots of water. Fertilizing is important to compensate for the small soil area and the artificial condition the plants are growing in.

 

Whether you want to have a few flowering plants to add color to your patio, window boxes that can be enjoyed from the inside or outside, or a whiskey barrel for generous plantings, container gardening offers something for everyone.

 

The base of any tree is a container that cannot be resisted for its blooming potential. Remember, most trees have many and deep roots which do not allow perennials or shrubs to be planted close. Luckily, annuals are shallow rooted and can cohabitate with deep tree roots. Morning Glory is a fast-growing flowering vine that will cover a gray tree trunk with loads of blue flowers in late summer until the first frost.

 

Pinch coleus flowers to keep them bushy. Remove petunia spent flowers to keep blooming; sweet potato vine can be clipped as you wish. Dwarf marigolds are perfect and proper scale for smaller spaces. Impatiens mound wonderfully and thrive in shade. Caladiums, with their dramatic heart-shaped leaves, work wonders as centerpieces. Tropicals can be used as long as you remember when the frost comes they are done.

 

And why not incorporate herbs for interest and garnishing meals? Rosemary provides height. Oregano and sage are low, and sage, like Dusty Miller, offers a gray leaf to complement surrounding flowering plants.