23 Creative Container Garden Ideas
The past few years have inspired countless people to take up gardening as a personal hobby. And there’s really no better way to feel one with nature whether you’re working with several acres or a tiny garden plot!
But how do you put your green thumb to use when constructing a traditional in-ground garden isn’t an option?
These diverse container garden ideas will show you how to make the most of limited space. (Yes, you can even start your own garden without access to a yard of any kind!)
Contents
1. Rectangular Planters
Ideal for narrow spaces or balcony edges, rectangular planters allow for planting multiple species in a single container, creating a lush, mini-garden effect. Use them for growing herbs, small vegetables, or a combination of flowering plants for visual appeal.
2. DIY Wood Pallet Planter Box
Utilize reclaimed wood pallets to build cost-effective, eco-friendly planter boxes. These can be customized in size and are perfect for growing herbs, flowers, or small vegetables. They add a rustic charm to any garden space.
3. Railing Planters
Railing planters are perfect for small balconies or decks. They securely attach to railings, maximizing space while adding greenery without clutter. Fill them with colorful flowers or herbs to create an attractive display.
4. Terracotta Pots
A classic choice, terracotta pots are porous, promoting soil aeration and moisture regulation, which is beneficial for plant health. They’re suitable for almost any plant type and add a timeless, natural look to your garden space.
5. Mix & Match Pots
Combine pots of different sizes, colors, and materials to add depth and interest to your container garden. This approach allows for a creative display of plants, each in a pot that suits its specific growing needs.
6. Trusty Purples
Purple plants like lavender, salvia, or purple basil offer a visually striking and aromatic addition to your garden. These plants thrive in containers and can create a themed garden space focused on varied shades of purple.
7. Planters with Trellis
Ideal for climbing plants like ivy, clematis, or peas, planters with a built-in trellis provide support for growth while saving space. They’re perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden.
8. Plant Shelves and Garden Stand
Utilize shelves and stands to create layers in your garden, making it possible to grow more plants in a limited area. This is particularly useful for small spaces or urban gardens.
9. Hanging Basket
Perfect for adding greenery to high spaces or under-utilized areas, hanging baskets can be filled with trailing plants, like petunias or ferns, for a stunning aerial display.
10. Window Box
: Window boxes bring the garden to your window sill, perfect for those with limited outdoor space. They’re great for growing herbs, small flowers, or even some vegetables, and can be enjoyed both inside and outside the home.
11. Wood Pallet Vertical Garden
Transform a wooden pallet into a vertical garden to save floor space. This can be an artistic and functional way to grow herbs, succulents, or small flowers in compact living areas.
12. Wooden Bucket Planters
Wooden buckets can be converted into charming planters, giving a rustic feel to your garden. They are suitable for both flowers and vegetables and can be placed in various spots around your home.
13. Garden Statue Planter
Garden statue planters combine art with gardening, offering a unique focal point in your garden. These can be used to grow small plants or mosses, adding an artistic touch to your green space.
14. Fence Hanging Planters
Transform your fence into a garden space with hanging planters. This method is excellent for small yards, allowing you to grow a variety of plants without using ground space.
15. Plastic Potted Herb Garden
Plastic pots are lightweight, durable, and ideal for starting a small herb garden. They can be placed in sunny kitchen windows or balconies for easy access while cooking.
16. Coconut Coir Pots
Eco-friendly and sustainable, coconut coir pots are great for seed starting. They encourage strong root development and can be planted directly into the soil, reducing transplant shock.
17. Roman Planter
Roman planters, with their classic designs, bring elegance and grandeur to any garden. They work well with formal garden designs and are ideal for showcasing standout plants.
18. Patio Container Garden
A patio container garden allows you to convert your patio into a lush oasis. Using various containers, you can grow a range of plants, from ornamental to edible, adapting to the available sunlight.
19. Place Plants on Shelves and Tables
Utilizing shelves and tables to place plants at different heights creates a dynamic, multi-level garden. This approach is visually engaging and can be used to highlight special plants.
20. Raised Metal Plant Holder
Raised metal plant holders keep plants off the ground, preventing pests and facilitating maintenance. They add a modern touch and can be used to grow both decorative and edible plants.
21. Mini Succulent Pots
Mini succulent pots are perfect for small spaces and indoor gardening. Succulents require minimal care and can be arranged in creative, space-efficient displays.
22. Tiered Plant Stand
A tiered plant stand allows for growing multiple plants in a cascading fashion. This is not only space-efficient but also creates an impressive display of greenery and blooms.
23. White Ceramic Pots
White ceramic pots offer a clean, modern look and contrast beautifully with green foliage and colorful flowers. They are suitable for indoor and outdoor use and complement any decor style.
Container Garden FAQs
Experienced gardeners know that you should never use a terracotta pot without a drainage hole. The same is true of larger container gardens.
Placing containers directly onto the ground may interfere with adequate drainage after watering. If your container garden shows signs of poor drainage, consider raising the planter an inch or two above the surface below.
Tall planters look great when filled with colorful annuals and bright foliage. But very few species require more than a few inches of soil to thrive. Conserve potting mix and improve drainage by filling the bottom of large containers with another material.
Rocks are an easy solution but will add a lot of unnecessary weight to the planter (however, extra weight may be desirable in some cases). Recycled plastic bottles or styrofoam can be used to fill the bottom of a tall planter before soil is added. You can also place a smaller pot upside-down to create a false bottom.