For those of us with space or time constraints, container gardening can be the perfect option to satisfy our gardening urges.
Not only are containers suited for small spaces or limited time, but they’re also a great way for a newbie to get his or her feet wet. On top of that, whether you’re thinking veggies, flowers, or evergreens, the plant choices are numerous when it comes to gardening with containers.
To help you get started, here are 28 great plants for your container garden. And if you’d like to learn more about mastering container gardening, check out my guide on the subject!
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28 Great Plants for Your Container Garden
Vegetables
Tomatoes – plant in a large pot, raised bed, or hanging upside down. Will need to provide support as the plant grows. Sun lover.
Cucumbers – plant in a large pot or raised bed. May need a trellis or other support system as the plant grows. Sun lover.
Leafy Greens – plant in a window box, pot, or raised bed. Needs sun, but will tolerate partial shade.
Eggplant – plant in a medium to large sized pot or raised bed. May need to provide support as the plant grows. Sun lover.
Beans – plant in a medium sized pot or raised bed. Pole bean varieties will need support for the plant as it grows. Sun lover.
Radishes – plant in a window box, pot, or raised bed. Needs sun but will tolerate some shade
Herbs
Rosemary – plant in a window box, pot, or raised bed. Sun lover.
Sage – plant in a window box (dwarf variety), pot, or raised bed. Sun lover.
Oregano – plant in a window box, pot, or raised bed. Needs sun, but will tolerate partial shade.
Basil – plant in a window box, pot, or raised bed. Sun lover.
Cilantro – plant in a window box, pot, or raised bed. Prefers sun but will tolerate partial light shade.
Thyme – plant in a window box, pot, or raised bed. Sun lover.
Parsley – plant in a window box, pot, or raised bed. Sun lover.
Annuals
Pansies – plant in a window box or pot. Will tolerate full to partial sun. Prefers cooler temperatures.
Marigold – plant in a window box or pot. Prefers sun.
Ornamental peppers – plant in a small to medium sized pot. Sun lover.
Caladiums – plant in a large sized pot. Prefers shade.
Coleus – plant in a hanging basket or medium to large sized pot. Likes the sun, but will tolerate partial shade.
Fireworks Fountain Grass – plant in a medium to large sized pot. Prefers sun.
Petunias – plant in a hanging basket, window box, or pot. Prefers sun.
Perennials & Shrubs
Hydrangeas (dwarf varieties) – plant in a large sized pot. Prefers partial shade.
Boxwood – plant in a large sized pot. Prefers partial shade.
Coral bells – plant in a medium sized pot. Will tolerate sun or shadier spots.
Arborvitae – plant in a large sized pot. Prefers sun but will tolerate partial light shade.
Hosta – plant in a medium to large sized pot. Prefers partial shade.
Hens & chicks – plant in a window box or shallow pot. Prefers sun.
In Conclusion
There you have it, 28 great plants for your container garden. These will certainly help you get started, but they are by no means your only choices. This is really only a taste of the options available.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, and don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit, planting several varieties in a pot to give your garden a flare of color and uniqueness.
Any questions or thoughts? Please leave a comment below. If you enjoyed this article on 28 great plants for your container garden, feel free to share it.
And remember to always have fun when discovering your green thumb!
