Liven Up Small Spaces with Container Plants

By Carol Johnson

Many people have some kind of potted plant in their house or office, or in hanging baskets on their porch. But container plants are much more versatile than most people know, and with the vast array of pots and plants available, container plants are the perfect solution for adding a little life to small spaces. Containers come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them ideal not only for livening up certain areas of your home, but also for giving you the ability to change the look of things just by moving plants around.

Anything that holds water and soil can be used as a container, with proper drainage. The traditional type of containers used by gardeners for decades have been terra cotta or plastic pots, and over the years a wide array of other types have joined their ranks. Plastic pots, metal hanging baskets, clay basins, wooden window boxes, and other types of planters are standard choices. Creative choices such as iron tubs, tin pails, watering cans, wheelbarrows, wagons, and wooden barrels not only make attractive containers, they also make for great conversation pieces. Remember, though, that all plant containers need to drain, so if you use an unusual item be sure to drill or pierce drainage holes through the bottom.

Although terra cotta and other porous materials are attractive and popular, they draw water away from the soil and retain it. Plants in such containers will require more watering, and the containers can crack in freezing weather. Most nurseries and garden centers sell large selections of lightweight plastic and Eurocasts that successfully mimic their heavier clay counterparts. The weight of the pots you use should also be considered depending on where you plan to use them. Heavy containers shouldn't be used for hanging plants or window boxes or balcony planters. Lightweight tall containers may not work well in a windy location where low profile, heavy pots would work better.

Containers aren't relegated to being used just in the house or on the balcony. They are an excellent way to frame a door or window, add color along a walkway, or add interest beneath a tree in the yard. They are also terrific for creating an herb or vegetable garden on your porch or patio, and are the perfect solution for non-plantable surfaces such as sidewalk. A large attractive container plant is a great way to anchor a corner, or you can group several different sized pots together for a nice look. Here are some tips for success in container gardening:

• Correct soil is one of the primary keys to successful container gardening. Fortunately, selecting soil is one of the easiest parts, because prepared mixes made specifically for plants in pots can be found at all nurseries and many home improvement stores and even department stores. These mixes are lightweight and help retail water. You can also purchase granular water-holding polymer to add to soil, because the granules absorb water like sponges and release it gradually into the soil.
• The only drawback to planting in containers is that the roots cannot stretch beyond the pot to search for water. Plants can dry out quickly, so be sure to water them often to keep them green and healthy. But be sure not to overwater. To be sure your watering is accurate, you might want to try a gauge that measures the water in the soil. These can be purchased at most nurseries or from online gardening sites, and they come in lots of attractive designs that can either add to the décor of the pot or blend into the greenery of the plant unnoticed.
• Feeding container plants with a water-soluble fertilizer is essential. Frequent watering of plants in containers is necessary, but it often depletes the soil of essential nutrients over time, so fertilizer should be added to revitalize the soil. A variety of fertilizers can be purchased at any nursery or home goods store.
• Selecting the proper plant for the location is probably the most crucial element that determines success or failure. Obviously, shade-loving plants can do well inside a house or in a shady spot in the yard, but plants that require a lot of sun should be located where they will get enough sun to perform well.
• The types of plants you select can give you the versatility to design your greenery with an artistic touch. Vary plants heights, shapes, and textures to add interest to groupings of plants. You can even put several plants together in one large container, with a tall, spiky flower in the back, a medium height, rounded plant in the center, and a low, trailing plant in front. If you're planting flowers, be sure to choose a color palette that pleases you. A monochromatic color scheme can even be stunning, such as different shades of purple. Annual flowers must be planted anew each spring, but they work best in containers since they have a longer bloom time than perennials.
• Don't forget to bring some of your pots indoors. The most undemanding houseplant in the world is a cactus, because it requires so little water and some even have flowers and fruit, but most need full sunlight. African violets do well inside because they thrive with low light or artificial light, and there are a large number of types and colors available. Impatiens are one of the best flowering plants for indoors, and they come in three different heights and a wide array of colors. Ivies flourish in cool conditions without too much direct light and water, so they work well for indoor hanging baskets or trailing down bookcases or mantels. These plants do best in shallow pots that allow the soil to dry quickly, because they don't like too much water.

Studies have shown that planting, tending, and enjoying container plants can improve your overall well-being. For the small amount of time and energy invested in container planting, you are rewarded with a whole year of beautiful colors and scents to make your home a welcoming retreat.