Are you looking for a way to enjoy fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers, but think you don’t have enough space?
Container gardening is a perfect solution for small balcony, porch or patio.
In this post, I’ll show you how to create a mixed container garden that combines flavorful edibles with eye-catching ornamentals.
Not only will a mixed container garden save you time and space, but it will also add flavor and beauty to your home.
Let’s get started!
Getting the right container is vital to make a mixed container garden thrive. Containers for edibles should be food safe and free of toxins, while ornamental containers should be visual showstoppers in their own right. At the same time, the container should be big enough to accommodate the plants’ root systems and have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Choosing the right container size is of utmost importance. If the container is too small for the plant, it may stunt its growth, while a container that is too large makes it difficult to regulate moisture and leads to unhealthy root development. Before planting, research each plant’s specific requirements to choose the right size.
There are several types of containers suitable for mixing edibles and ornamentals, including hanging baskets, window boxes, pots, and raised beds. Hanging baskets offer a great solution for small outdoor spaces, while window boxes work best under windows, balconies, or railings. Pots are versatile, and raised beds are perfect if you have more space and want to create a longer-lasting container garden.
Ensure the container has proper drainage to avoid waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot and eventual death of plants. Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix for containers, and add perlite or sand to improve the aeration and drainage of the soil. You can also add mulch or other protective items to help keep moisture in the soil. A proper watering routine and fertilization program will keep your plant healthy throughout the growing season.
Choosing the right edible plants for your container garden is key to ensuring a bountiful harvest. Here are some edibles that can thrive in container gardens and some criteria for selecting them:
Tomatoes: These are an all-time favorite for container gardens. This is because they are easy to grow, and they come in various sizes that can fit into most container sizes. When selecting a variety, choose a dwarf or determinate variety as they are more suitable for containers than indeterminate varieties.
Peppers: Peppers bring a colorful touch to your garden. Choose a dwarf or compact variety suitable for containers such as the ‘Garden Salsa’ or ‘Lipstick’ varieties. These can grow in large containers (12 inches or more diameter).
Herbs: Herbs add fresh taste to meals and make the perfect addition to a container garden. Choose portable varieties such as basil, cilantro, and mint. The added bonus to these herbs is that they naturally repel pests making them great companions with other plants.
Lettuce and Leafy Greens: Leafy greens like lettuce, chard or spinach grow relatively fast, and therefore are great choices for container gardens. Choose varieties suited for containers such as ‘Salad Bush,’ ‘Tom Thumb,’ or ‘Little Caesar.’
When selecting any edible plant, consider the plant’s growth habits, soil, and climate requirements to ensure they will thrive in your container garden.
When it comes to selecting ornamental plants for your container garden, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost is the size of the plant. As with edibles, you’ll want to choose plants that won’t quickly outgrow their container. But there are many other factors to consider as well.
One key consideration is the amount of sunlight the plant will need. Some plants, like petunias and marigolds, prefer full sun, while others, like impatiens and certain ferns, prefer partial shade. Consult the plant’s care instructions to ensure it will be happy and healthy in your chosen location.
Another thing to consider is the color and texture of the ornamental plants you choose. Try to choose plants with complementary colors and contrasting textures to create visual interest in your container garden. For example, a feathery ornamental grass can be paired with round, smooth flowers like pansies for a pleasing contrast.
Finally, consider the growth habit of the plants you choose. Some plants grow tall and spindly, while others are bushy and sprawling. Be mindful of how different plants will interact with each other as they grow to ensure your container garden stays in proportion.
Some beautiful ornamental plants that do well in containers include:
Keep these criteria in mind when selecting ornamentals, and you’re sure to create a stunning mixed container garden.
Designing a container garden is an exciting and creative process that allows you to combine both edibles and ornamentals to make a stunning and functional display. When designing your container garden, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, it is important to determine your color scheme. Choosing colors that complement each other will enhance the visual appeal of your container garden. To achieve a cohesive look, you can choose complementary colors, analogous colors or a monochromatic color scheme. For example, if you want a cheerful container garden, you can choose warm colors like red, orange and yellow.
Secondly, layering plants for depth and texture is an essential part of designing a container garden. You should always aim to have plants of varying heights and textures. The tallest plants should be positioned at the back of the container, and the shortest should be at the front. In between, you can add medium height plants for a layered effect.
Thirdly, creating contrast is key to creating interest in your container garden. You can create contrast in various ways; for example, using plants with different leaf shapes or plants with contrasting colors. Pairing ornamental plants with edible plants can also create interest and make your container garden practical.
To illustrate, you can use a tall fern as a background plant with a mid-sized red-leafed edible lettuce plant in front of it. In-between them, you can add decorative annuals such as petunias or marigolds in yellow or orange. This combination will create a textured, layered look while adding interest and color.
In summary, designing a container garden requires thought and creativity. Careful selection of a color scheme, layering of plants, and creating contrast can result in a stunning and functional container garden. By following these tips, you can create an impressive container garden that will provide both beauty and homegrown produce.
When it comes to growing and caring for a mixed container garden, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost is the soil. It’s important to use a high-quality potting mix that is specifically formulated for container gardening. This will ensure that your plants receive the nutrients they need to thrive.
Watering is another important consideration. Container gardens may need to be watered more frequently than garden beds, particularly during hot and dry weather. Be sure to water your plants thoroughly and deeply, and be on the lookout for signs of overwatering or underwatering.
Fertilizing is also important for a mixed container garden. Edible plants in particular benefit from regular fertilization, as they are heavy feeders. Look for a balanced, slow-release fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package.
Finally, it’s important to be aware of common pests and diseases that can affect container gardens. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation, such as yellowing leaves or distorted growth, and take action immediately if you suspect a problem. There are a number of organic and non-organic methods for controlling pests and diseases in container gardens, so do some research to find the best one for you.
By following these tips and keeping a close eye on your plants, you can create a beautiful and bountiful mixed container garden that will provide you with fresh produce and vibrant flowers throughout the growing season.
Harvesting your mixed container garden is a rewarding experience that allows you to decorate your home with fresh flowers and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your container garden:
If you’re growing edibles, timing is everything. The best time to harvest most vegetables is when they are still young and tender, before they become tough and woody. When harvesting leafy greens like lettuce or spinach, pick the outer leaves first and leave the center intact to allow for further growth. With fruits like tomatoes or peppers, wait until they are fully ripe before harvesting for the best flavor.
Once you have harvested your edibles, you can use them in a variety of different ways. If you have grown herbs like basil or parsley, use them to season your meals or make your own pesto. Tomatoes and peppers can be used fresh in a salad, roasted, or cooked into a sauce. With fruit like strawberries, try making jam or baking a pie!
Aside from edibles, container gardens can also provide you with fresh-cut flowers. When it comes to cutting flowers from your garden, make sure to do it in the morning when the flowers are at their freshest. Use sharp scissors or shears to cut the flowers at an angle and put them immediately in water.
Finally, the beauty of container gardening is that it can be enjoyed in many different ways, inside and outside the home. Use your flowers to create a beautiful centerpiece for your dining table, or place your herb garden on your windowsill for easy access while cooking. With a mixed container garden, the possibilities are endless!
Maintaining a mixed container garden doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. By following a few basic guidelines, you can keep your container garden looking great for an extended period of time.
If you’d like to save seeds from your edibles or ornamentals, it’s important to wait until the plants have fully matured before harvesting. Once you’ve removed the seeds, store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant again. If you’d like to start over with your container garden, consider composting your old plants to create rich soil for new plantings.
Both edibles and ornamentals have specific maintenance requirements. For example, edibles need to be fertilized regularly and may require pruning to encourage new growth. Ornamentals, on the other hand, may require deadheading to promote blooming. Be sure to research the specific needs of each plant in your container garden to ensure it thrives.
Reusing containers not only saves money, but it’s also an environmentally friendly option. Before reusing a container, be sure to clean it thoroughly to remove any lingering pests or diseases. If you’d like to change the look of your container, consider painting it with non-toxic paint. When reusing a container, it’s important to refresh the potting soil to ensure your new plants receive the nutrients they need to thrive.
By following these simple maintenance guidelines, you can keep your mixed container garden looking beautiful and productive for months or even years to come.
In conclusion, mixing edibles and ornamentals in container gardens creates an opportunity for a landscape full of color, texture and fresh produce.
I hope that this post has inspired you to take on the challenge of creating your own mixed container garden.
Which plants are you going to choose for your mixed container garden?
I would love to hear from you, send me a message and let’s discuss your plans.
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Thank you for reading and until next time, happy gardening!
Author: Scott Sanders
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