The Ultimate Guide to Growing Potted Plants Outdoors

By Marty Ross

You don’t need a huge yard or a grand garden to enjoy the beauty of flowers, plants and greenery. Potted plants can offer joy and the reward of gardening, even if you are limited to a patio, balcony or porch.

Learn how to plant the most gorgeous plants, herbs and flowers. Plus find out everything you need to know about how to pot a plant in containers.

• Choose the Right Pot
• Pick Your Plant
• Select the Correct Soil
• Choose the Ideal Location
• Potted Plant Care Tips

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot

There are a few things to consider when choosing your pot. Whether small, big, lightweight or heavy, make sure there are holes in the bottom to allow water to flow out freely. Without enough drainage, roots can drown and the plant will ultimately die.

Pots can be of any material. Terracotta, glazed or plastic pots will all work well. The type of pot you choose really just depends on your style and budget. Other pot options can be a bushel basket, a wooden box or a repurposed container from a second-hand shop.

• Terracotta – Terracotta pots are ideal for growing potted plants in part because they are inherently porous, which means both water and air can pass through the pot. This is helpful in preventing root rot, which is a common issue with potted plants. Terracotta pots can range in price, usually depending on size, but are typically very affordable.TYPE OF PLANTS: While most plants do well in a terracotta pot, they are particularly good for succulents, cacti or any other plant that does not need a very moist soil.
• Glazed Pots – Glazed clay pots are all the rage. They are a bit more expensive than the unfinished version, but they will last for years, maybe even decades, which makes their cost a bit more reasonable.TYPE OF PLANTS: Water-loving plants, like hydrangeas, that need a lot of moisture will do well in less-porous glazed pots.
• Plastic Pots – Plastic pots are another good choice for plants that need constant moisture and watering. For gardeners who may not always remember to, or who don’t necessarily want to, water every day, plastic pots can be a good solution. They will hold moisture in, keeping plants that need the most water both hydrated and happy. They are lightweight, durable and strong and are relatively inexpensive, making them a good, budget-friendly option.TYPE OF PLANTS: Any plant that needs more water, like herbs, tomatoes and lilies, will do well in plastic pots.
• Custom Containers – You can be as creative as you want with the containers you choose. Find old milk jugs, baskets, crates or metal pots at a vintage store for a unique look.TYPE OF PLANTS: The type of plants that will do well in a custom pot depends on the material, size and shape of the pot as well as the type of plant or flower you are planting.
• Size and Shape – Use your space as a guide to choose the size and shape of your containers. Oversized pots may crowd a very small patio, while very tiny ones may get lost in a space that is bigger. Deciding on the type of plant can also help determine the size pot you need. A good rule of thumb is to use pots that are at least 10 inches deep and about 12 inches wide. Keep in mind that the bigger the pot is, the more room there is for roots to grow and become established, meaning plants will be stronger and healthier.

Step 2: Pick your Plant

Before deciding on what plants to pot, first assess the area where they will be growing.

• How much light will they get each day?
• How big do you want the plants get?
• Are the plants you like suitable for container planting?
• What is in season?

All of these factors will contribute to how well a potted garden area will do. Your local nursery is a great resource for finding plants that will succeed wherever you plan to grow them.

CONTAINER FOLIAGE/HERBS THAT WILL DO WELL IN SUN & SHADE

• Basil (full sun)
• Caladium (shade)
• Coleus (sun and shade – depends on variety)
• Ferns (filtered sun to shade – depends on variety)
• Roses (full sun)
• Sage (medium to full sun)
• Thyme (full sun)
• Various types of ornamental grass (full sun)

CONTAINER FLOWERS THAT WILL DO WELL IN SUN & SHADE

• Mini Petunia (full sun/part shade)
• Nemesia (full sun/part shade)
• Salvia (full sun/part shade)
• Twinspur (full sun/part shade)

CONTAINER FLOWERS THAT WILL DO WELL IN SHADE

• Fuchsia
• Impatiens
• Torenia

CONTAINER FLOWERS THAT WILL DO WELL IN SUN

• African daisy
• Dahlia
• Lantana
• Zinnia

Step 3: Select the Correct Soil

Outdoor potted plants should be planted in fresh, new potting soil. Avoid using dirt from the garden or yard as it could have weed seeds or fungal diseases that may harm plants.

Potting soil will have decomposed organic matter like sphagnum moss or peat moss to help it retain moisture. Perlite and vermiculite (lightweight volcanic rocks that are naturally filled with air) and kitty litter are mineral aggregates that are all commonly used in potting mix. All of these additives help keep soil in containers the perfect texture and ideal for container-potting.

• Standard Potting Soil – This base soil consists of a specialized potting mix that is actually quite different from garden soil. Potting soil will be light and airy, while heavy soil can weigh down the roots, cutting off oxygen and hindering plant growth.
• pH Balance – pH balance depends on the plant. Check the tag or label or ask your local nursery.
• Things to Look for – Some plants will do better in a specific type of soil. Some like airy soil, while others prefer nutrient-rich or organic matter mixed in. It is important to know what type of soil individual plants need to do well. Virtually all soil should be fluffy and hold moisture, giving roots a balance of nutrition, moisture and air. Opting for a time-released fertilizer will eliminate some of the work you will have to do to care for the plants.

Step 4: Choose the Ideal Location

If limited on space, you may not have much of a choice on location. If this is the case, choose the plants that will do well based on the location you have available. There is no one, perfect formula as to how much sunlight or shade is necessary. What will help, though, is ensuring everything you plant in containers are all like-minded when it comes to how much sun or shade they need.

Potted Plant Care Tips

Here are some tips for taking care of your plants in pots.

Watering
Remember, roots of potted plants can’t reach moisture in the earth. Although potting soil retains moisture well, pots tend to dry out more quickly than the ground. In hot weather you may need to water every day. When watering, don’t just sprinkle the foliage or flowers – make sure the water is going into the soil in the pot.

Feeding
To keep plants blooming, fertilize occasionally with a water-soluble fertilizer. Measure the fertilizer into a watering can first and then fill the can with water. If you use the “jet” spray from a watering nozzle to fill your watering can, the force from the spray will mix the fertilizer thoroughly into the water.

Deadheading
During the growing season, encourage plants to keep blooming by pinching off flowers as they fade. This will also keep pots looking fresh and tidy. Deadheading can be done by using your fingers or with a pair of pruners or garden snips.

Just because you are short on space or don’t have the time to tend to a huge garden or yard doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy beautiful plants, herbs and flowers. Planting in pots is the best of both worlds; it’s easy to grow gorgeous plants with little time, space and effort.