Jerry Baker, known as “America’s Master Gardener,” is a big proponent of container gardening. In his book, Backyard Problem Solver, he explains the many advantages of container gardening, such as portability, so that gardeners can put a splash of color just where they want, or move a container so the plants get optimal light and conditions for their specific needs. Container plants can also be moved to protected areas during winter to keep them from freezing.
Containers also add an interesting texture to a patio garden. The containers themselves can be part of the beauty, with groundcovers flowing over the edges, and a mixture of annuals and perennials adding a splash of color.
For renters or those lacking areas for large in-ground gardens, containers combine portability and beauty, allowing for individual designs that are limited only by the gardener’s imagination.
Flowers
Certain annuals are wonderful patio container options. Petunias, pansies, dianthus, and portulaca all add color throughout the year. When choosing colors, Baker suggests that for gardeners who work all day and spend time around their patio container gardens mostly in the evening and at night, white flowers and light-colored foliage plants, such as dusty miller, will keep their staying power longer into the evening, so that the blooms and textures can be enjoyed.
Other container-happy annuals include Geranium (Pelargonium hybrids), Lobelia (Lobelia erinus), Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritime), and Tuberous begonia (Begonia tuberhybrida). This selection of annuals ranges from sun lovers to those happiest in the shade. With this combo, any light condition is covered, so blooms are possible no matter where a gardener lives.
Vegetables
Vegetables not only add interest with their foliage, but also allow gardeners to grow their own food. Tomatoes are a container favorite, and there are varieties developed specifically for containers. Lettuce, radishes, and beets grow well in window boxes. Really, Baker says, just about any vegetable will do well in a large container.
Herbs
These wonderful, aromatic plants are naturals for containers, window boxes, and even in between cracks in a walkway. Rosemary, lavender, parsley, sage, and basil do quite well in containers, with the right light. Thyme, with its tendency to creep and drape, can spill over a container’s edge or even be planted in sidewalk cracks to release its fragrance when stepped on. Pennyroyal also is good for planting in walkway cracks. It is a natural insect repellant, as are basil and lavender.
Shrubs
A variety of shrub favorites grow well in patio pots, including Boxwood, juniper, and cotoneaster. However, for looks and easy care for porches or balconies, Baker suggests euonymus, of the evergreen type. He specifically suggests Silver Queen (E. fortunei). This shrub sports dark green leaves with silver margins that turn pink and cream-colored in winter. A pair of these on a balcony or porch is an affordable and easy way to dress up an environment.
Food for Container Gardens
Baker has developed a natural tonic specifically to feed container gardens and help patio plants thrive.
- 1 tbsp. of 15-30-15 fertilizer
- ½ tsp. of gelatin
- ½ tsp. of liquid dish soap
- ½ tsp. of corn syrup
- ½ tsp. of whiskey
- ¼ tsp. of instant tea granules
Mix all ingredients in a 1-gallon milk jug, filling the balance of the jug with water. Then add ½ cup of this mixture to every gallon of water used to water all container plants.
