Deck Gardens

Growing great plants in pots arranged around outside wherever you have room and sun is a fantastic way to get into gardening for the first time. You will see the results quickly and avoid so many of the pitfalls of gardening. The weeds, the bugs and the diseases are all so much less difficult to manage in pots! That doesn't mean that there aren't things to do, but those are the things that give you that moment of space and time to connect with your creation and relax. The trick is in figuring out what works for you.

What to Grow

The central question that you'll have to decide before you can do anything else is what to grow. Spend some time thinking about what makes you most happy. Is it picking that gorgeous ripe tomato or revelling in bunches of blossoms? How about a themed garden, like a rock garden or fairy garden? Mixing and matching plants can be very satisfying. A stunning effect can be created by combining flowers and vegetables. My favorite group of containers that I grew last year included a small fairy garden, a wooden box, an old porcelain pot and some galvanized buckets together growing herbs, flowers and vegetables.

Containers

There are so many fabulous options when it comes to what to grow into. Don't just think about items sold specifically as plant pots. Before you buy anything, look around for what you already have. Gather together (at least in your thoughts) all the random plant pots, plastic bins, laundry tubs, or basically anything with a hollow center for putting a plant in!

I like to group a wide variety of pots and bins together to create an eclectic mix. This also saves me a lot of money on buying new containers or systems. But, this is a matter of my personal style. If you like a more sleek and clean look a mix of smaller coordinating pieces or even a single large commercially available container can be fabulous.

A cheap plastic bin can be perfect, especially for growing vegetables, which need more room. Surround the bin in lively and attractive pots and no one will even notice! Galvanized metal washtubs and livestock bins are also beautiful and provide a great deal of growing space for much less than the cost of products sold explicitly for growing plants. Putting pots in cheap baskets (look in your thrift stores) is an excellent way to spruce things up, too. I've even tucked thick plastic bags filled with soil inside baskets for a very inexpensive stylish look. Use some spray polyurethane to coat the baskets to keep them from mildewing.

A very affordable, attractive and functional option is to use fabric grow bags. These bags are now available in an incredible array of colors and sizes. The prices are relatively modest and they can be reused for multiple seasons.

Wooden crates and pallets are also popular planting options. Line these with landscape fabric or plastic to hold your soil in, though.

Finally, we've all seen the toilets and bathtubs filled with plants! This is certainly not everyone's style, but it just goes to show that anything with a hollow opening can be used as a planter. Get creative as you look for what works for you!

Location, Location, Location

Since containers typically take up little room and can be configured however you want, it's generally a bit easier to find sunny spots for them. Be sure your area gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for any sun-loving plants. Shade tolerant plants like impatiens, begonias, lettuce and spinach can handle less. In fact, these flowers and tender leafy veggies prefer not to be baking all day in the sun! Before you decide where to put your pots, notice where the sun falls throughout the day. If you're thinking about this in the Spring before the trees leaf-out, take into account the shade they'll cast once their leaves grow.

Another consideration with plant pots is how intense the sun and heat will be throughout the day in terms of watering. A concrete patio exposed to all day sun will dry out your pots pretty quickly.

Watering

One pot takes fairly little time to water, but a dozen can be labor intensive. Watering pots usually needs done daily or sometimes even twice per day. Position your pots as close to water as you can or bring a hose around. I like to use our rain barrel for watering pots and keep several 2 gallon watering cans on hand for the job.

There are great products out there that can buy that will make your watering tasks much simpler. A patio watering system is a godsend for busy people or those who are away and can't water. Watering globes and bottles can easily tide over a plant for a weekend away. Anyone with a little extra time can easily make their own waterers, though. Check out the many options Pinterest!

Container gardening is one of my favorite ways to garden because it's so easy and rewarding. The instant gratification offered provides confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Make a plan this year to grow at least one pot of plants. You'll be glad you did!

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