Are you going to have pots scattered around, or in just one area? What is the best place for an outdoor container garden.
This is one of the first things you need to decide. And you need to choose before you have done too much of the hard work.
Location of Your Outdoor Container Garden
Choosing the correct location to set up your container garden is one of the most important decisions you will have to make when getting into container gardening. If you choose the wrong location, in future it could result in disastrous consequences as far as the well-being of the plants, flowers or vegetables goes.
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally, the best location would be somewhere with just the right amount of sunlight daily and it should also be a place where the fragile plants are sheltered from the harsh natural elements.
Since the amount of sunlight that different plants require will vary, you will need to do your research beforehand to see how much sunlight is sufficient for the plants you’re growing. Some plants love the sun while others would prefer the shade and just a bit of sunlight daily. If you are growing a variety of plants, then you will need to arrange your container garden appropriately to cater to the unique needs of each plant.
While it may seem complicated, it’s actually pretty straightforward. All you need to do is control the amount of sunlight that hits your plants. If you have plants that need to be in the shade, all you’ll need to do is set up a cloth or tarp in one part of your garden to provide cover from the sun.
There are many types of shades sold in the market for this purpose so that not only does your garden look beautiful but the plants are also protected against excessive sunlight.
Plants Don’t Like Pollution Either
The proximity of your container garden to the road is also a factor that you will want to consider. There is a certain amount of pollution to be expected near the road. Passing cars and even human foot traffic can kick up dust, dirt, debris and other foreign matter towards your precious plants. You really don’t want that since it will potentially cause damage to the plants.
Keep Close to Home
Many prefer to have their container gardens close to their house so that they can keep an eye on the garden. After all, it will be easier to tend to the plants if they are close by. Out of sight, out of mind. If the garden is too far away, you may end up neglecting it.
When a garden is close to your house, there will be the scent of humans nearby and it will discourage animals such as rabbits or deer from ambling over and nibbling on your plants to their hearts’ content.
You should also be aware if there are any potential weather elements that may pose a future threat to your plants. Some places are prone to storms or heavy rains. In cases like these, you may be required to move your plants to some indoor shelter to protect them. It will definitely be much easier to do this if the plants are near to your house or the shelter.
Pests and Animals
If you have a garden, sooner or later, you will have some sort of pest infestation. Many gardeners deal with this issue at some point in time or another. If your garden has pests or used to have pests, the likelihood of a pest infestation is very high. Some pests are loyal and always return to the same location every year to do the same damage. Be aware of this.
There is also the fact that animals may pose a threat to your plants.
How Big Will Your Plants Grow?
One final point to take note of will be the size of your plants. If you are growing plants that will become very large in future, you must know where you will place them. Once they grow too big, it will be a Herculean task to move them in future.
These are some of the points to bear in mind when starting a container garden. A little bit of early planning will save you a ton of hassle in future. Do spend some time planning your garden first.
Good ideas, my gravelled area is very sunny so I will be putting some pots there.
That’s great. I always think gravel looks so good with some nice containers. And you can use some great plant combinations to give all round interest.
I love this information! Perfectly timed, as I’m considering ways to incorporate containers closer to the house to maximize the full sun areas next to the house. 🌻
Good timing then! The good thing about containers is that you can always move them. The bad thing about containers is that you can always move them! I tend to move mine every year and think yes, that’s its final place. And it never is! Having spent more time in the garden in the last year, I too realise I want more containers nearer the house. So that is this years project.
Love your site. Great tips! Thanks for visiting mine. Your photos are so beautiful and artistic.
Thank you and thanks for visiting.