Projects

Create a Spectacular Container Garden

Project Overview

Nothing brightens a patio, deck or doorway more than a beautiful container brimming with colourful flowers and foliage. The key to successful container gardening is to start with an artful combination of plants and keep them healthy and vigorous throughout the season.

Water
Feeding
Maintenance

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Step 1

Select a Pot

Pots come in different sizes, shapes and materials ranging from heavy cast iron or ceramic to lighter fiberglass or aluminum. Whatever your choice, make sure you find one with a drainage hole at the bottom of the planter or create your own. This gives extra water a way out and guards against root rot.

Step 2

Select Plants

When choosing plants, be sure to combine plants with similar moisture and light requirements and consider their mature size. Even though you can plant more closely than you do in the ground, be sure to leave enough space for root growth and air circulation. For maximum impact, look for plants that have different heights, colours and textures. TIP: Group plants together at the store to simulate how they might look in a container.

Step 3

Add Potting Mix

Fill a container 3/4 full with a moist container soil such as Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix. It is uniquely formulated with Aquacoir natural coconut husk fibres that store water and release it to plants when needed. This helps prevent against under or over-watering, a common frustration when tending to container plants.

Step 4

Arrange Plants

Choose the tallest plant for the centre - it should be about 2/3 as high as the pot. Besides helping to establish scale and form, this centre plant will define your container. Begin to layer filler plants around the centre, working your way from tallest to shortest to the outside edges of the container. For the finishing touch, add trailing plant like ivy along the outside edges to create a soft flowing look. Fill in any gaps with additional potting mix.

Step 5

Initial Feeding

Immediately after planting give the container garden a drink of Miracle-Gro Quick Start solution to help establish root growth and prevent transplant shock.

Step 6

Water

Container gardens tend to dry out faster than those planted in the ground. Thus regular watering (i.e. daily) is key to maintaining a healthy container garden, especially on hot summer days.

Step 7

Feeding

Two weeks later: One of the secrets to achieving a spectacular looking container garden all season long is to feed it with plant food like Miracle-Gro LiquaFeed every 7-14 days. The new feeder attaches to your garden hose and can be used to water and feed your garden at the same time. Tests show that plants fed with Miracle-Gro grow twice as big and yield twice the number of blooms than unfed plants.

Step 8

Maintenance

Throughout the growing season, pinch (i.e., deadhead or remove) any spent flowers to encourage annuals and perennials to rebloom.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Beginner

Time: 1 hour

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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