Small Spaces

If you enjoy gardening, even perennial gardening, but are short on space, containers are a solution that will allow you to continue gardening in small spaces. Some plants are just suited better for containers than others, including some perennials. Like any other type of gardening, be sure to check the light requirements for the plants you choose. You’ll want to go with plants that will do well in the area you have available. Containers can be placed just about anywhere from doorways to rooftops, so finding plants for any amount of light will be a snap.

If the area you have is shady, then you may want to consider Coleus varieties, as they will do well in filtered light to full shade. If the area is sunny, think about violets. Some things to keep in mind with container gardening is too keep the plant size relevant to the pot size. For example, you wouldn’t want to place a small plant in a big pot. Likewise for the space; you’ll want to keep the pot size fitting for the space size. Also keep in mind the water needs of container plants. If your container is in a spot that gets several hours of direct sunlight, use a light colored pot, because it will slow the heat absorption  and keep the roots a little cooler. As a general rule, plants with thin leaves need more water, and plants with thicker leaves need less.

Choosing your container should be fun, so get creative! As long as it can hold dirt and drain excess water, it can be planted in. Old wash tubs or wagons make great containers. Mismatched coffee mugs are another idea. Sometimes even old lace-up winter boots can be used, just be sure to punch a few holes into the sole.