Choose your containers
The options are endless - from old wheelbarrows and metal dustbins to terracotta pots and buckets. Depending on your style you could have lots of similar shapes and colours or go for a more eclectic look.
Drainage
All plant containers need to have a few holes in the bottom to let extra water drain away. Moisture build-up in your containers can cause root rot.
Planting
Good soil is the key to success in any garden, but with containers it is even more important because your plants are growing in a restricted environment. Use good quality potting mix as it’s lightweight, has added nutrients and holds water.
You can plant different plants in the same container (if it’s large enough) but make sure they have the same watering and sun/shade needs. Don’t combine sun and shade plants and don’t mix spring and summer plants.
Fertilise
Give your containers a drink of water-soluble fertiliser every two weeks, or even weekly for smaller pots which require frequent watering. This is important because every time you water a container, it flushes nutrients out of the pot and away from the roots.
Watering
Containers can dry out quickly and this will stress your plants. If a plant is droopy, it's getting too much water. If it's shrivelling, it's not getting enough. Feeling the soil is another good way to test whether your container garden needs water. If the top few centimetres of soil are dry, give it more water.
Watering plants in the morning allows any moisture on the foliage to evaporate before evening; foliage that remains cool and wet during the evening and night is more likely to develop disease.
Excellent plants for container gardens
Mandevilla is a fast-growing climber which produces large trumpet-shape blooms in shades of red, white, and pink.
Geraniums are old favourites and come in a range of flower colours and leaf pes.
Azalea is one of the most profusely blooming flowering plants.
Chrysanthemum daisies are great for a massed-flower effect.
Dwarf bougainvillea is a perennial shrub that is vibrant and colourful – and is not susceptible to many pests and diseases.
Camelia is one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs. It can be grown well in pots with rich acidic soil and regular maintenance.
Cistus is tough, drought tolerant and thrives without much care in a sunny location.
Hydrangeas have beautiful large flower heads in a range of blues, purples, pinks and white.
Flowering succulents have become popular and make a stunning display.
Gardenia florida offers beautiful, scented flowers and glossy, dark-green foliage.
Citrus will do well in pots 600mm high and wide.
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