Planting perennials in garden pots is a great way to make your outdoor space look nicer, and the displays will last for a long time. As an added bonus, perennials come back every year, which makes them a good choice for planting in containers. No matter how big or small your patio or balcony is, perennials in containers give you a lot of options for how to set up your yard. This guide will show you, step-by-step, how to put perennials in garden containers so that you can have a beautiful, long-lasting garden.

Step 1: Choose the Right Containers

The first step in planting perennials in containers is selecting the appropriate garden containers. When it comes to containers, size and material are important considerations. For perennials, ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and provide room for growth. 

In addition to size, consider the material of the container. Plastic, ceramic, wood, and terracotta are all popular options, each with its own set of benefits. Plastic containers are lightweight and retain moisture well, while ceramic and terracotta offer a more aesthetic appearance but may dry out more quickly. You can find these containers from suppliers, particularly wholesale containers, which allow for cost-effective bulk purchases if you’re planning to plant multiple containers.

Step 2: Select the Right Perennials

Choosing the right perennial plants for your container garden is crucial for long-term success. Not all perennials are suitable for container gardening, so it’s important to choose plants that thrive in confined spaces. Some excellent choices for container gardens include lavender, daylilies, hostas, ornamental grasses, and sedums.

You should also think about the growing factors in your area, like the temperature, humidity, and amount of sunlight. Some plants do better in part-shade, while others do better in full sun. Before you buy a plant, make sure you read its care instructions to make sure it will do well in your yard and container.

Step 3: Prepare Your Containers

Before planting your perennials, it’s essential to prepare the containers. First, check that the container has proper drainage holes. Without adequate drainage, water can accumulate, leading to root rot and other plant diseases. If your container does not have drainage holes, you can drill a few yourself to ensure water drains effectively.

Next, put some dirt or small stones at the bottom of the container to help the water drain. This will help keep the ground from getting too wet. Follow this by filling the container with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Avoid using regular garden soil, as it can compact in containers and hinder root growth.

Step 4: Plant the Perennials

Now is the time to put your hardy plants. Take the plant out of its nursery pot slowly so as not to hurt the root ball too much. If you see any roots that look broken or too long, cut them off.

Put the annual plant in the pot and fill the space around it with the ready-made potting mix. Make sure that the root ball’s top is level with or just below the container’s edge. To get rid of air pockets in the earth around the plant, gently press it down. Then, give it a lot of water to help it settle.

Step 5: Watering and Maintenance

When planting in containers, you need to water the plants, and it’s important to keep the perennials well-hydrated without giving them too much water. It’s important to keep the potting mix wet but not soggy. Make sure the container can drain well so that water doesn’t pool at the bottom.

To help plants grow in a healthy way, use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks while they are able to. Because perennials live for a long time, they will benefit from a slow-release fertilizer that helps them grow and flower steadily over time.

Step 6: Winter Care for Perennials in Containers

One of the challenges of planting perennials in containers is protecting them during the winter months. In colder climates, container plants are more susceptible to frost damage since their roots are exposed to the elements. To protect your perennials, consider moving the containers to a sheltered area or wrapping the containers in burlap or insulating material to keep the cold out.

Alternatively, you can also bring your containers indoors during the colder months, particularly if the plants are not frost-hardy. If you’re in a region with milder winters, some perennials can survive outdoors in containers with proper care.

Conclusion

Planting perennials in garden containers is a rewarding and manageable way to create a beautiful and lasting garden. By choosing the right containers, selecting suitable plants, and following proper care guidelines, your perennial container garden will thrive year after year. For those looking to expand their gardening efforts, wholesale containers are an excellent option for purchasing large quantities of durable and cost-effective planters. Happy gardening!