8 mistakes to avoid when gardening in containers, according to experts

Whether you’re a gardening newbie or an avid gardener, we all make mistakes, whether it’s neglecting our flowers while on vacation or accidentally overwatering them. While flower beds and shrubs may be a little more forgiving, container gardening requires a little more attention. We called on two plant pros to share container gardening mistakes to avoid, along with easy solutions to combat them.

Not ensuring good drainage

Whether you overwater or not, properly hydrating your plants is just as important as making sure your pots have drainage. “Good drainage is essential when growing plants in containers,” says McConnell. “Waterlogging can lead to root rot in plants, particularly in varieties that are sensitive to overwatering. This can damage the long-term health of the plant or even kill it.”

Poor drainage can also lead to a variety of problems, from pests to diseases. “Unfortunately, simply adding gravel or large rocks to the bottom of the pot isn’t enough if the pot doesn’t have drainage holes; it will only raise the water table in the pot.”

The solution:

“Make sure your container has drainage holes and that you are using a soil mix appropriate for the water needs of the varieties you are growing,” McConnell says.

Using the wrong soil

Make sure your floor has all the The right elements It is essential for healthy flowering no matter where they are planted, but plants grown in containers have specific soil needs compared to those planted in the ground that receive natural nutrients from the soil.

“For popular container-grown plants, such as hydrangeas, gardenias and azaleas, choose a well-draining soil that facilitates adequate air circulation, moisture retention and nutrition,” explains McConnell. “Soil taken straight from the garden or bags labeled ‘garden soil’ at the store are typically not ideal for containers; it is often too dense and heavy to allow for proper root growth and drainage.”

The solution:

“Look for a potting mix with ingredients like peat moss, perlite and pine bark,” McConnell suggests. “You can also look for mixes that contain fertilizers to encourage plant growth.”

Plant all at the same height

Instead of placing a few boring containers scattered around your outdoor spaces that all look the same, use varying heights to help add interest. This applies not only to the contents, but also to the containers themselves. “Choosing a shrub or vine with stakes to anchor the container and move it from season to season is a great way to balance out smaller seasonal annuals,” says Tamony.

Forgetting to take into account climate sensitivity

It’s important to not only consider where your pots will be placed before selecting the items that will house them (since some plants require more shade or sun than others to thrive), but also the general weather conditions they’ll likely endure. “When plants are grown in pots, their roots are less protected by the ambient soil temperature than if they were grown in the ground,” McConnell says.

Plants grown in containers are more susceptible to cold damage, which can lead to slower growth or loss of foliage and buds. “Since containers offer a more limited volume of soil with which to insulate their sensitive roots, the roots are more exposed to the surrounding air and its fluctuating temperatures.” The same applies to containers exposed to high temperatures and excessive sunlight, as they cannot retain as much moisture, causing plants to dehydrate faster.

The solution:

• “If you want to keep your potted plants outdoors all winter, the easiest option is to select plants that are Hardy to one or two USDA zones colder than your area“McConnell says. “For example, if you live in zone 7a, you’ll want to select container plants that are cold hardy in zones 6a or 5a.”
• “Another solution is Move your potted plants to a cool indoor space during the winter. “Like a garage or an interior room with a sunny window. If you’re moving your plant into a garage, make sure it still gets some sunlight and that the interior temperature doesn’t consistently drop below the cool range of your plant’s hardiness zone,” McConnell adds.

Sticking to the thriller formula, padding and intrigue

This classic approach to container design is a tried and true method, but it doesn’t mean it’s the best. only One way to fill and organize your containers. “This three-plant design strategy is timeless, but single-plant containers and larger containers with more than three types of plants can be surprising and unexpected,” says Tamony. You can even try something new and less expected like a topiary or edible perennials. “Using a topiary in a container creates an instant statement piece, and planting blueberries with beautiful foliage like Bountiful Baby Blueberry, compact blackberries, or even herbs can capture the eye. It also offers easy access for harvesting,” she says.

Combining the wrong plants

While you may be tempted to just throw everything that looks pretty into one pot, that might not be the best recipe for success. Instead, pair plants with similar requirements. “Plants are like people, and not all ‘roommates’ get along,” McConnell says. “When selecting plants to live in the same container, it’s essential to consider each plant’s sunlight, hardiness zone, soil needs, and water requirements.” Avoid placing shade-loving plants alongside sun-loving varieties that need six or more hours of direct sunlight a day.

The solution:

• ““If you’re looking to create your own unique combination, check the plant information label that comes with the one you buy at the store. Check its sun and shade tolerance, USDA zone hardiness, soil needs and watering requirements,” McConnell says. “Combine plants whose needs are compatible so you can place and care for your container in a way that ensures its success.”
• McConnell suggests this container combination recipe for success in sunny spaces: Cordyline Design-A-Line, Ligustrum ‘Sunshine’, Salvia Saucy Wine and Purple Pixie® dwarf weeping loropetalum.

Use of roses only as ornamental plants

Although commonly used to climb trellises, fill in raised beds and line fences, roses aren’t just planted in the ground. They also make a beautiful, hardy pot filler, suitable for a variety of sunny and shady spaces. “Compact roses, like Monrovia’s Nitty Gritty Rose Collection, provide season-long color, are easy to care for in containers and spill nicely over the edges,” says Tamony. “With five colors to choose from, you’re sure to find your favorite.”

Use only annual plants in your containers.

“If you’re looking for colorful, eye-catching containers, you don’t have to rely on annuals alone to achieve the look,” McConnell explains. “Annuals make attractive pot fillers, but their beauty often lasts only a few months, then they wilt or succumb to the season’s temperatures.” Sticking to one-time flowers can be more expensive and create extra work, since you’re constantly replanting.

“Compact perennials and shrubs are a great way to anchor containers,” Tamony adds. “Compact hydrangeas, hostas, cane, roses, echinaceas and even smaller conifers can add structure and texture as well as color.”

The solution:

• Anchor your containers with shrubs and perennials. “A compact or dwarf variety shrub can provide multiple seasons of beauty and can then even be transplanted into your garden after it has finished its ‘service’ in your pot,” says McConnell. “Container-friendly woody shrub varieties can thrive in containers for years, resulting in less work and money spent in the long run. Another advantage of creating containers with shrubs and perennials is that you can get the abundant blooms, pollinator interest, and lovely fragrance that annuals would provide, but with greater longevity and long-term value.”
• Some varieties McConnell suggests include evergreen shrubs such as Golden Oakland® Holly and Purple Pixie® Dwarf Weeping Loropetalum for four seasons of color, Diamond Spire® Gardenia for compact blooms and fragrance, and perennials such as ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia and ‘Pink Fizz’ Heucherella for shady spaces.