If you came across Red Dirt Ramblings because of a Google search, you’re probably thinking about growing your first garden, and you might be interested in container gardening.
Why?
Because container gardening is a great way to begin.
So, let’s begin at the beginning. Growing a garden, vegetable, ornamental or a mixture of the two, is easy in containers. You usually don’t even need to weed!
For vegetables, Smart Pots are wonderful and can be packed away once the gardening season is over. I grow potatoes, squash, and tomatoes in Smart Pots. You can too. Just pick the right-sized pot for what you’re trying to grow.
Here’s a hint: Tomatoes and squash like pots in the five-gallon size or bigger. They need space for their roots. You can find Smart Pots online and at local garden centers. I like these ones with handles for easy moving.
In Oklahoma, don’t use terra cotta unless you plan to be out there watering your containers at least twice a day. Also, terra cotta is better in shade. Since I love terra cotta I use it a lot in my greenhouse and for tulips in early spring.
I have been collecting cobalt blue glazed pots for years, and I keep buying more. I also love Talavera pottery. I’ve found quite a bit of it locally. It goes well with my other glazed containers. Because it’s glazed inside and out, I’ve noticed it holds more water than other pots. Something to keep in mind. Don’t plant a sedum or other succulent in there unless you don’t water it much.
On the Gardenangelists podcast this week–dropped only last night–we talked about all things container-wise including fabulous petunias, what type of potting soil to use and even weeding. Give us a listen. You’ll be glad you did, and if you are glad, would you give us a thumbs up? It helps to grow our audience.
Here’s another post on the best plants for summer containers from last summer where I explain more things about them. If you’re new to gardening, I think containers are the way to go. I outline them in my book, The 20-30 Something Garden Guide, too.
One more thing, if you’re going to grow containers in a hot climate, and you’re afraid you’ll forget to water, install a quick drip irrigation kit and set it up on a timer. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
It’s a cool day and overcast so I hear the garden calling. Hope you all have a splendid week, and I’ll see you here next Wednesday at the same time. Ciao!
I have so much in containers and every year I say I will reduce the amount. Even with drips I find it hard to get the watering just right. And right now I have moved all my succulent pots under cover because we are getting too much rain. Feast or famine down in Texas. I’m a terra cotta pot girl too and I have lost a few to frost. Having said this I wouldn’t be without those pots that just bring an area to life.
I do love my container gardens, but I just hate constant watering. Anything thirsty does not make the cut in Robin’s Nest.
I completely understand Robin. It’s a lot of work keeping things watered. I have everything on drip irrigation with a timer, and that helps, but I still have to go down there and make sure an emitter doesn’t fall out. Believe me, it does. I don’t put the succulents on drip. They can take the dry soil, and I occasionally throw water at them.
I really like terracotta pots, so much that I like them even without plants in, especially when they have weathered through the years and grown character. They do break easily though – especially in frost.
Hey Lucy! Great to hear from you! I love terracotta. I wish we could use it more in Oklahoma. It’s so hot here in summer that terracotta just dries out. I bet it does great for you though! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Those are beautiful arrangements, Dee. Thanks for the great ideas!
Thank you Beth! Can’t wait to see you at Garden Bloggers’ Fling. Not long now!
Hi Dee, Your containers and combinations are beautiful! I love the cobalt blue pots! The older I get the more container gardening I am doing. This year I did some Easter Patio pots. They are so much easier on my knees and I love that I can move them about. Those Supertunias Vista are so striking..may have to go buy a few this weekend. Hope you are enjoying this cooler weather!
Hey Sonia! I love cobalt blue so much. I gave some of my pots to a friend last year, but I’m still going and growing. I love the way you described your Easter Patio pots. They sound lovely. I like gardening more in containers and raised beds than ever.