Within the past five years the number of households with container gardens has more than doubled.
MATERIALS NEEDED
Herbs and other suitable container plants Soilless potting mix Containers Time-release fertilizer, optional
STEP ONE- CHOOSE THE PLANTS
Herbs are just perfect for container gardens. With their handsome foliage and gorgeous flowers, they're the perfect way to landscape a patio or terrace.
Both annual and perennial herbs are suitable for containers. Some of my favorite perennials include the various sages, thymes, lavenders, chives, and related species. Don't forget to include flowering herbs, such as the purple coneflower.
Angel Wing miniature roses are the perfect flower for container gardens. I grow these from seed from Renee's Garden, available in retail stores. The dainty blossoms may be white, or varying shades of pink.
A number of annual herbs are well suited to containers. These include cilantro, the many kinds of basil, and the numerous varieties of nasturtiums. Even parsley can be grown as an annual.
Shrubby herbs like Russian sage are also suitable for large planters. Generally these are treated as herbaceous perennials by cutting them to the ground at the beginning of the growing season in the spring.
Here in New York I grow a number of herbs as tender perennials, such as rosemary, scented geraniums, and plectranthus. These must be brought indoors for the winter months.
Most decks and patios are sunny. For partially shaded ones, choose appropriate plants. For ideas on herbs suitable for shade see www.suite101.com/article.cfm.
Plants are generally available at local garden centers and nurseries as well as online. When I'm shopping in local stores, I like to get there early before the plants are picked over.
STEP TWO BUY POTTING MIX
For containers the best choices are the soilless ones. These contain either peat or coir, and other lightweight ingredients. Many of the commercial soil-based potting soils are heavy and drain poorly.
STEP THREE CHOOSE CONTAINERS
The sky is the limit when it comes to containers. Many kinds are available in a variety of materials from wood to fiberglass, plastic, and terra cotta. Some containers are made for mounting onto decks or walls, while others are freestanding. Maximize your space by using Stack-A-Pots, designed to create a column of multiple growing pots. In addition to standard hanging baskets there are attractive, brightly painted clay pots and French bucket planters made to hang on decking and lattice.
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