Small space gardening

Everything you need to know to plant in containers, leverage vertical gardens, and more

The basics: Gardening in containers


Gardening in containers

Containers filled with a variety of plants decorate a patio garden.

Charles Mann

Click to Enlarge


Containers come in a dazzling array of shapes, colors, and materials. Whichever you choose, be sure there's at least one hole in the bottom to ensure proper drainage.

Soil mixes

Plants in containers need soil that allows roots to grow easily; it should be fast draining yet moisture retentive. Quick drainage means roots won't run the risk of suffocating in soggy soil; good moisture retention saves you from having to water constantly. Regular garden soil, even if it's good loam, is too dense for container use. A better bet is one of the packaged potting mixes sold at nurseries and garden centers.



To water thoroughly, apply water over the entire soil surface until it flows out of the pot's drainage holes. This moistens the entire soil mass.



Page 1


Insider Guides

Places We Love!
Enchantment Resort
For a most soothing Sedona experience, tuck yourself...