These 10 Plants Grow Better In Pots (Perfect For Patios Or Container Gardens)
Not every plant needs to be planted in a big patch of ground. Some actually do better in pots, where their roots are more controlled, and you can tailor the soil, water, and sunlight to their needs. Growing in containers also lets you move plants around as the seasons change or bring them inside if you see a storm rolling in. And for small yards, patios, or even apartment balconies, pots are the easiest way to have your own garden. Here are 10 plants that grow best when you keep them in containers, perfect for any deck or container garden.
Mint
Mint is refreshing, smells great, and is one of the easiest herbs to grow anywhere. But it can take over your entire garden if you give it the chance. Its roots spread quickly underground and choke out any neighboring plants. When planted in a pot, though, it thrives. You’ll have plenty of mint leaves for tea, cocktails, or cooking without having to worry about it becoming invasive. Just place your planter where it gets partial sun, keep the soil moist, and you’ll have a steady supply of herbs in no time. And your mint won’t bully the rest of the plants in your herb garden anymore.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes grow well in pots, especially smaller varieties like cherry or patio tomatoes. Growing them in a container lets you stick them right in a warm, sunny spot without having to commit to filling a whole garden bed. With a good-quality potting mix, some support for the stems, and some regular watering, you’ll have fresh tomatoes growing right outside your door. Containers also help prevent soil-borne diseases that often affect tomatoes that are grown in the ground. Plus, there’s something extra satisfying about picking a fresh, sun-warmed tomato without having to put on your shoes.
Blueberries
Blueberries can be picky about soil, needing just the right acidity to really thrive. And in pots, you can control that much more easily than if they’re planted in the ground. Use an acidic potting mix and plant blueberries in a large container, and they’ll reward you with clusters of juicy berries each summer. Keep the soil consistently moist and make sure to place your blueberry planters in full sun for the best results. As an added bonus blueberries also look pretty as ornamental plants, with their delicate flowers in spring and red-tinted leaves in fall, so don’t worry about these sweet little berries messing up your patio decor.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera doesn’t need much space or attention, which makes it perfect for growing in a container. It loves dry, sandy soil and lots of sunlight, so keep it out on a sunny patio or even indoors by a window. The best part is how useful aloe is: you can snap off a leaf and use the gel to soothe burns, scrapes, and a host of other maladies. And since aloe doesn’t tolerate frost, planting it in a container lets you bring it inside during the colder months, making sure that it stays healthy all year-round.
Strawberries
Strawberries in pots are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. They spill over the sides of containers in a beautiful way, and their red fruit looks cheerful against the green leaves. Growing them in pots helps protect the berries from slugs and other ground pests that like to take a nibble. All strawberries need to survive is a sunny spot, rich soil, and regular watering. Planting them in hanging baskets or tiered planters works especially well, saves space and makes harvesting easy. With just a few planters, you can enjoy fresh strawberries right from your patio.
Rosemary
Rosemary is another herb that thrives when planted in pots. It prefers well-drained soil and lots of sun, and when you grow it in a container, it’s easy to control moisture levels. Too much water in the ground often kills rosemary, but you get a little more flexibility if you grow it in a pot. It grows into a beautiful, fragrant bush that you can clip for cooking all year-round. If you live in a colder climate, keeping rosemary in a container means you can bring it inside during winter too, saving it from frost and keeping your supply of herbs fresh in all seasons.
Dwarf Citrus Trees
Lemons, limes, and even oranges can grow surprisingly well in pots, especially dwarf varieties. They love full sun and need well-draining soil, but otherwise they’re fairly low maintenance. The best part about having citrus trees in containers is that you can wheel them outside in summer and bring them indoors before the first frost hits. Beyond the fruit (which is the biggest bonus in my opinion), their glossy leaves and fragrant blossoms make them a beautiful addition to any deck or patio. Few things feel more satisfying than picking your own homegrown lemons.
Peppers
Hot peppers and sweet peppers both thrive in pots. Who knew?! They love warm soil and sunny spots, which are way easier to provide on a deck or patio. Growing them in containers also helps keep pests and diseases away that can affect them in the ground. Peppers don’t need as much space as you might think, and a couple of plants in pots should be more than enough to keep you well-supplied. Water your plants consistently, feed them every once in a while, and you’ll be rewarded with crisp bell peppers or spicy chilies whenever you want them.
Hostas
You’ll usually find hostas growing in shady garden beds, but in pots they have a completely different charm. Their big, bold leaves look striking on porches or patios, and containers help protect them from slugs that love to chew on them. They like shade and moist soil, so place them in a cool corner and water them regularly. Container hostas are also easy to move if you decide to redesign your outdoor space and want to move them around. They can add a little lush greenery to even the shadiest part of your balcony.
Lavender
Lavender grown in pots is both practical and beautiful. It’s a plant that needs well-drained soil and lots of sun, which are way easier to control in a container than in heavy ground soil. Lavender adds a nice smell to your patio and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. You can clip the flowers for drying, or making sachets for teas. And in cooler climates, pots let you move lavender inside to a safe place when the weather turns harsh. With a little care, a single plant can bring beauty and great smells for years.
A Garden That Fits In Pots
Not everyone has the space for a big garden, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow what you want. Some plants even do better when planted in smaller spaces, thriving in pots where their needs are easier to meet. From fresh herbs to fruit and even small trees, container gardening opens up a lot of possibilities. It’s flexible, practical, and sometimes the best way to keep all of your plants happy. The next time you’re tempted to plant something in the ground, check this list first! You may actually want to plant it in a pot instead.