One of the easiest and most adaptable ways to grow fresh vegetables, herbs, or ornamentals is with container gardening. It's an ideal option for those living in apartments, condos, or areas with poor soil, and it works just as well for anyone who wants to garden on a patio or balcony. Even with limited space, a single large container can produce a surprising variety of vegetables, beautify your décor with an abundance of flowers, and keep it green with succulents.
Container gardening is especially popular in Orange County, where many residents enjoy growing food on patios or balconies. While it differs slightly from traditional in-ground gardening—mainly because container soil can lose nutrients more quickly due to frequent watering—this challenge is easily managed by combining regular watering with fertilizing. Container gardening also provides easier control over soil, pests, and watering than traditional in-ground gardening. Many leafy greens thrive in containers, and compact or dwarf varieties of popular vegetables are perfect for small spaces. Crops that produce multiple fruits per plant, like tomatoes, are particularly well-suited for container gardening.
Select Quality Planters | What to plant | Care & Maintenance | Repotting | Pest and Disease Management
A few steps and additional information to ensure successful container gardening:
Plan Your Container Garden Wisely
A few items to consider before planting the garden:
- Assess space availability, such as on a patio, deck, etc., and determine what space is available for placing a container, possibly on a shelf or tabletop indoors. Consider how many containers can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Determine the purpose. Edible gardening (vegetables, herbs) is very popular, and gardeners may also opt for decorative or ornamental gardening.
- Understand local climate and sun exposure. This is important for both inside and outside containers. Knowing the sun and shade components of the planting areas will determine how successful your gardening efforts will be.
- Decide whether to choose indoor, outdoor, or a combination of both.
- Choose locations that suit the plant’s needs.
- Consider the budget. Some of the budget factors included in container gardening might include the purchase of containers, soil, plants, fertilizer, grow lights, etc.
Select Quality Planters
Containers can be of various materials and sizes. Different materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. Considerations when choosing which is right for your purposes include:
Drainage. All containers must have a drainage hole. Without one, the soil stays wet and roots rot and die. Putting a layer of gravel in the bottom does not make up for the lack of a drainage hole. For containers without drainage holes, use a drill to create one or more, depending on the size of the container. Adequate drainage allows the excess water to drain and prevents root rot.
Material options for containers include plastic, metal, wood, cement, fabric grow bags, clay, terra cotta, wheelbarrows, window boxes, hanging baskets, raised beds, stackable planters, vertical raised garden beds, hanging vertical wall planters, pockets, etc. Avoid small or dark-colored containers that will hold heat, and allow the root zone to get dangerously overheated in full sun.
- Clay pots are durable and come in various designs and finishes. Less porous options are ideal for plants needing consistent moisture, and clay pots can be recycled. They can be made from a variety of clays. Available in a wide range of colors, including white, black, blue, and green, they offer both flexibility and aesthetic appeal.
- Terracotta pots are usually dark red or yellowish-brown and made from iron-rich clay fired at low temperatures. They are porous, unglazed, and have a warm, earthy look. Terracotta pots are affordable, simple, and ideal for drought-tolerant plants, but they are fragile and may crack in cold climates. The porous nature allows water and air to circulate freely, though the pots have a shorter lifespan due to their tendency to break. They also need more frequent watering.
- Plastic pots can be evaluated for durability by checking their wall thickness and flexibility. Thicker walls will support heavier soil, especially in larger pots. Flexibility can be tested by squeezing; pots should bend without breaking. More durable pots typically cost more. For outdoor use, look for labels indicating UV protection; if recommended for outdoor use, the pot likely has it.
- Metal planters can get hot and will need more watering.
- Wood planters made of cedar or redwood are naturally resistant to decay. Repurposed wood can be used for gardens, but it is advisable to avoid using wood previously treated with arsenic-based preservatives for vegetables and other edibles. See Selecting Lumber and Lumber Substitutes for Outdoor Exposures for more information.
- Raised bed planters will maximize vegetable garden space. These options save water, hold improved soils for better growing conditions, require less maintenance, and minimize diseases and pests. Harvesting is usually effortless when vegetables are up off the ground level and closer to the house or kitchen. One of the biggest advantages is your flexibility to locate them anywhere you want your plants: small areas, patios, decks, and unused spaces like side yards or along fences and walls
Additional tips:
- Self-watering containers are more complicated than a plain pot. Use with care, to avoid problems with either underwatering, overwatering, or inconsistent watering.
- Recycled containers can be disinfected with a bleach solution of 9 parts water to 1 part bleach.
- Durability & weight: Consider weather and ease of moving. A hard storm or high winds may affect containers. A heavy container may need to be put on wheels to protect it from the elements.
- Aesthetic considerations: Match the container with the décor or landscape.
- A tray or saucer to collect excess water, while not required, is useful for indoor containers and in some outdoor containers to prevent stains, rot, or discoloration, thus protecting furniture and floors.
Size affects growth. Match the size of the container with the size of the mature plant. Many vegetables are ideally suited for containers. The root systems of vegetables are diverse, so matching container size to the root depth is important to the health and productivity of the plant. The size of the plant also impacts watering frequency and soil temperature.
For outdoors, choosing the largest container the space allows will reduce watering needs and boost plant vigor. Larger pots help maintain proper scale outdoors, dry out less quickly, and support healthier plant growth. While most sizes can work with focused watering, large containers are generally preferable.
Larger pots are better for mixed plantings because they lessen the danger of overcrowding and provide adequate space for the root growth of larger plants. Select the container size according to the plant’s mature root depth (vertical) and spread (horizontal). Typically, a deeper container is better than a wider one—it offers roots greater access to water and cooler conditions, which can be beneficial during periods of elevated temperature. Taller plants generally have more extensive root systems and, therefore, require larger containers. Root vegetables and those with deep root structures, such as carrots, beets, and tomatoes, need larger, deeper containers compared to leafy crops like lettuce, spinach, or chard. Generally, perennials form more extensive root systems and benefit from being grown in larger or deeper containers. Shallow-rooted plants such as succulents and lettuce do well in lower-depth containers.
For indoors, choose a container that is large enough to reduce frequent watering but small enough for soil and roots to dry between waterings, avoiding the amount of time plants are sitting in wet soil. Visit What’s the Best Pot for You? It Depends … for more information on choosing containers.
Cost considerations are another aspect of container gardening. Price is not always a reliable indication of quality—it is often a balance between size, material, and overall appearance. Be sure the container meets the needs of the plant (large enough, drainage hole, etc.) and then make a selection based on appearance and material. Some budgeting factors are the cost of:
- Containers
- Soil and amendments
- Plants or seeds
- Tools, accessories (e.g., watering cans, trellises)
- Ongoing care (fertilizer, pest treatments)
Location means paying attention to sunlight exposure (full sun, partial, shade), wind protection (especially for taller containers), accessibility (ease of watering and maintenance), indoor considerations (light, space, flooring protection), and seasonal adjustments and mobility. A few tips for finding a good location:
- Place containers where they will receive the amount of sun or shade the plants need.
- Use a furniture or plant dolly to relocate heavy containers that need to be moved with the seasons.
- Evaluate vertical spaces. A south-facing wall may be too warm for some plants, particularly cool-weather plants, but may be perfect for heat-loving plants.
- Elevate containers off of hot cement with plant trivets, wood, or bricks.
Soil Medium selection for container gardening requires a quality potting mix or potting soil—not planting mix, garden soil, or topsoil. Potting soils are designed specifically for containers; they retain moisture, are lightweight, nutrient-rich, and well-draining to support root growth. When storing bagged potting soil, keep the bag sealed to prevent it from drying out and becoming hydrophobic. Some potting soils have pre-mixed fertilizer; check the label and follow instructions. Certain plants may require particular soil textures or drainage properties. Adding a gravel or similar layer at the bottom of pots does not enhance drainage.
Sunlight is vital for growing vegetables. Most need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. Other plants may want full or partial shade. Assess the light levels (hours of direct/indirect sunlight) in container locations. Match the plant choices to light conditions. Use grow lights as needed for indoor or low-light environments.
Water is essential for container plants due to their tendency to dry out rapidly. Keep a water source nearby, as containerized plants often require frequent moisture. Careful attention should be given to watering practices since the plants’ only source of hydration is what is provided by the gardener. Watering needs will fluctuate depending on the season, container type, and exposure to sunlight. During mid-summer or on windy days, daily watering may be required, and in periods of extreme heat, watering once or even twice per day might be necessary. Using a saucer beneath the pot can help retain excess water, allowing it to be reabsorbed as needed; however, overwatering must be avoided to prevent root rot. In winter, the saucer should be removed to avoid prolonged soil saturation.
Use a moisture meter to determine if the plant needs to be watered. Or check containers by sticking a finger into the top inch of soil. If it feels damp, there is no immediate need for water. If it feels dry, water until it runs out of the bottom of the container. Soak the entire root ball down with each watering, ensuring that water runs out of the drainage holes. If a container dries out completely and the soil becomes hydrophobic, water may run through the container without actually moistening the soil. You may need to soak the entire pot or use drip irrigation. Consistent and adequate watering, such as the use of drip irrigation with a timer, is an effective approach for maintaining optimal moisture levels in containers.
Fertilization can be liquid, granular, slow-release, or organic. Because watering washes out nutrients, container plants often require frequent, light feeding. Check if the potting mix used to plant already includes fertilizer to avoid over-fertilizing. Add a light dose of water-soluble, slow-release fertilizer to the soil surface every two weeks. Use equally balanced proportions of fertilizer containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). N encourages green leaves, P supports roots and flowers, and K improves plant strength and water regulation. Select the right balance for your plant type and growth stage. Always follow label instructions. Additional information:
- A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer is suitable for most plants.
- Leafy greens can use a 20-10-10 formulation.
- Fruiting vegetables, such as tomatoes, may benefit from 5-10-10.
- Slow-release fertilizers are an option
- Regular soil testing and adjustment are recommended.
- Compost or fish emulsion provides sources of organic nutrients.
- Monitor for indications of over- or under-fertilization.
What to plant
In general, select plants that correspond to seasonal temperature variations. For seed planting, this information is on the seed packet. Group plants with comparable light and temperature requirements in the same container to enhance visual interest, color, and style. Use staking or trellising where appropriate to optimize space efficiency. Species known for vigorous root spread, such as mint, bamboo, and certain berries, are best cultivated in containers.
For edibles, grow what you enjoy eating. Most vegetables—including annuals—can be grown in containers; use dwarf, compact, or bush-type varieties for best results. Many fruits have container-friendly cultivars. Choose vegetables bred for containers, as breeders continue to offer new options. Plant container plants at the same time as in-ground plants. Visit the Seed Planting Chart to determine the best time to plant vegetables in Orange County. For herbs, check out 5 Edible Herbs to Grow in Southern California.
Select high-yield, easy crops like tomatoes, zucchini, beans, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, and herbs. Determinate tomatoes work well in pots due to their compact growth. Use supports, such as tomato cages or vertical trellises, for stability and space efficiency. Avoid planting too many of any single crop—one summer squash or zucchini per one or two people is usually sufficient. Mix fast- and slow-growing varieties, and plant both early and late-maturing types of the same vegetable for a continuous harvest.
Fruit trees, such as Apple, Fig, and Guava, can also be grown in containers. There are many dwarf-sized trees, and larger trees will require larger containers. Even though the yield may not equal those grown in the ground, they will be more portable and fit into smaller spaces than full-sized trees. Visit Growing Fruit Crops in Containers for more information. Note: Orange County is currently under quarantine for citrus. The Asian citrus psyllid, a brown insect the size of an aphid, can transmit a bacterium that causes a devastating, incurable citrus disease to the plant, Huanglongbing (HLB).
For ornamentals, flowers–both annuals and perennials–will grow well and beautify your patio and home. Succulents grow very well in containers – don’t forget to use the thriller, filler, spiller method for colorful, spectacular displays. Many native plants can be grown in containers. Visit Patio and Container Gardens for information.
Care & Maintenance
Regular care and maintenance tasks include the usual: watering, deadheading, and pruning. Clean up blooms that might have faded, and frequently remove fallen leaves and faded blooms. Visit Container Gardening Troubleshooting for more tips on identifying symptoms, possible causes, and actions in caring for container plants. symptoms, possible causes, and
Pay attention to plants that might need a boost to their existing support. Insert stakes or trellises to keep them upright, and look around for other plants that have grown to a size that they may need a little extra support, too. This support will save space, helping plants to grow up instead of out, providing more space in the container for more plants.
Soil will also need attention. Monitor the moisture levels. Mulch to reduce weeds and conserve moisture. Observe the level of the soil to ensure that there is adequate soil to maintain healthy plants. It may be time to divide flourishing plants, replenish the soil, or even repot. Repotting should be done periodically. For some vegetables, that means annually.
Repotting
To maintain plant nutrition and growth, container soil should be replaced periodically. For tomatoes, replacing soil annually is advised, while for other vegetables, about one-third of the soil can be replaced at each replanting. The new and old soil can be mixed and amended with fertilizer as appropriate. Fruit trees or shrubs in containers typically benefit from having their soil refreshed every five years. Soil previously used for growing healthy vegetables may be reused if there were no major disease issues during the prior season. Containers can be refreshed with new potting soil and fertilizer before the next growing cycle. Potting soil used for a season for tomatoes, or for more than one or two seasons for other plants, can be recycled by adding it to compost or by mixing in about one-third new potting soil and fertilizer.
It is useful every few years to remove plants from their containers, trim roots that have grown against the sides and bottom by about an inch, and add enough new soil to fill the resulting space. For container-grown trees, this step is particularly important, and moving the tree to a larger container and root pruning may also be necessary. Soil gradually washes out of container bottoms, causing plants to lower within the pot. During repotting, additional soil may be needed to raise the plant to within an inch of the container's rim, leaving space for watering. Compost, perlite, vermiculite, or coconut coir may also be added to improve soil quality.
Know when to repot. If the container is drying out too quickly, taking too long for the water to percolate through the soil, or has roots protruding through the holes, it is time to repot. Visit Re-Vitalize Your Houseplants for a demonstration on how to repot a plant.
Pest and Disease Management
Plants in containers can be subject to the same pests as in-ground plants. The most common of these are aphids, spider mites, snails, and whiteflies. Visit Container Gardening Pests for a list of common pests to look out for. Also, look out for diseases with signs such as leaf spots, mold, and stunted growth that will affect container plants. If the disease becomes serious, remove the plant, do not reuse the soil, and disinfect the container with a bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) before using it again.
Management of pests in containers includes using physical (removal, barriers), biological (beneficial insects), and chemical (organic or synthetic) treatments. Visit Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to learn how to manage and prevent pests in containers.
Check new plants for pests or disease before bringing them home. Keep them isolated for at least two weeks to watch for problems. Clean containers and tools, and water carefully to avoid root rot. Monitor regularly for issues, and avoid adding plants during high pest seasons.
Best advice: Start small, experiment a bit, and determine what works best for you.