While flower beds andshrubscan be a bit more forgiving,container gardeningtakes a little more attention.
Good drainage is essential when growing plants in containers, says McConnell.
Water-logging can cause root rot in plants, particularly varieties that are sensitive to overwatering.
Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; PRODUCED BY MARK THOMPSON
This can harm the plant’s long-term health or even kill it.
Poor drainage can also lead to a variety of issues from pests to diseases.
Look for a potting mix with ingredients like peat moss, pearlite, and pine bark, suggests McConnell.
Photo by Hector M. Sanchez; Styling by Mark Thompson.
You may also want to look for mixes that containfertilizerto support your plants growth.
This applies not only to the contents within, but also the vessels themselves.
you’re free to even try something new and less-expected like atopiaryor edible perennials.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Produced: Mark Thompson
It also offers easy access for harvesting, she says.
Instead, combine plants with similar requirements.
Plants are like people and not every roommate gets along, says McConnell.
Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; Styling: BUFFY HARGETT MILLER
Avoid putting shade-loving plants alongside sun-loving varieties that need six or more hours of direct sunlight a day.
They also make a beautiful and hardy container filler suited to a variety of sunny and shady spaces.
With five colors to choose from, youre sure to find a favorite.
Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez; produced by Mark Thompson
Sticking to one-and-done blooms can be more costly and cause added work as youre constantly replanting.
Perennials and compact shrubs are an excellent way to anchor containers, adds Tamony.
