How would you describe your garden? Is it full of flowers or vegetables? These backyard containers may be the perfect solution if you don’t have enough space for both. They offer you the opportunity to enjoy fresh fruits and veggies without worrying about your plants dying due to a lack of sunlight.
They will also enhance the beauty of your backyard so your guests will want to keep coming back to your home to enjoy your backyard. So, dig into and learn the 20 best backyard garden containers.
Table of Contents
Here are the 20 Best Backyard Garden Containers
1. Japanese Sweet Flag
Japanese sweet flag (Acorus gramineus), also known as the “sweet flag,” is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. It requires little water and does well in pots. It is easy to start seeds indoors and transplant them into larger pots once it reach about 4 inches tall. You can plant seeds directly outdoors in late summer or early fall.
Plant seeds 2 inches deep in loose, sandy soil and keep the soil evenly moist. Seeds germinate best in temperatures around 70 degrees F. When seedlings emerge, thin out the weaker ones. In spring, when the weather warms up, move the plants outside. This plant blooms from May through September.
2. Geraniums
Geraniums come in wide varieties. The most popular types include “Monte Carlo”, “Mardi Gras”, and “Lemon Queen”. All three geraniums do very well in pots. To grow them, fill a pot with rich compost that has been mixed with perlite or vermiculite.
Water thoroughly before planting seeds. Once they sprout, they provide plenty of light and regular watering. Keep the roots cool by placing the container on top of a refrigerator. Geraniums bloom from April through August.
3. Plant Multiple Herbs Together
You can plant an assortment of herbs in one pot so long as their care requirements are compatible. For example, the same herb may need to be planted in a sunny location or in partial shade.
Herbs also have different growing seasons and require varying amounts of water. You should always check with your local nursery for specific information on how to grow your favorite herbs. Some common herbs that work well together include basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, chives, cilantro, dill, parsley, bay leaves, mint, lemon balm, and lavender.
4. Create a Visually Appealing Entrance
If you’re looking to create an entrance that will wow your visitors, then you need to consider the following:
The size of the area where your visitor will enter. If there is a lot of space for them to walk through, they can be distracted by too many things and not focus on what they came to see.
How well it fits with other areas in your yard. A good way to ensure everything works together is to use the same type of material throughout. For instance, if you plan to use pebbles in your path, you might also consider using them in your flower beds.
5. Grow Edible Flowers
Edible flowers add color to any landscape and are fun for kids to help harvest. Growing edible flowers is simple and inexpensive. Start by choosing a variety of flowers that appeal to you. Then, follow these steps to get started.
First, choose a spot that gets full sun. Then, prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as manure or compost. Next, sow your seeds or cuttings at a depth of 1/8 inch. Cover the bed with mulch until the new growth emerges. Finally, remove weeds as needed. Your edible flowers will begin to appear after 6-8 weeks.
6. Use Plants to Beautify Patios and Walkways
Plants contribute to the overall look of patios and walkways. They offer privacy while protecting against harmful UV rays, which can cause skin cancer. Plus, they serve as decorations and add interest to otherwise bland spaces.
7. New Zealand Flax
New Zealand flax is a hardy plant that grows well in most climates. It requires full sun and regular water during the growing season. You might want to bring it inside in colder zones for winter months. This tall evergreen shrub reaches heights of up to 10 feet. Its leaves are dark green and glossy. They turn red in the fall. Flowers bloom in summer.
The flowers look like small peonies. Each flower has five petals. A single seed pod contains many seeds. These seeds are used to make linen fabric.
8. Grow Fruit Trees
Fruit trees are beautiful additions to any garden. Their blossoms attract butterflies and bees, which pollinate fruit trees. In addition, they provide delicious fruits. But before you buy your first tree, ask yourself whether you need it. Knowing your climate and how much sunlight your plants receive is important.
Also, consider the amount of space available for planting. Another thing to remember when selecting a fruit tree is its maturity level. The best time to purchase a fruit tree is when it is just beginning to bear fruit.
9. Plant Flowering Shrubs
Flowering shrubs offer several benefits. First, they provide beauty year-round. Second, they attract insects and birds. Third, some flowering shrubs produce berries. Fourth, they create an attractive backdrop for perennials and annuals. Lastly, they add height and texture to landscapes.
10. Decorate Your Space
When decorating your space, remember what kind of person you want to be when you look at yourself in the mirror. Do you want to feel relaxed, energetic, calm, or inspired? If you want to relax, choose soft colors such as blues, greens, or light pinks.
If you want to feel energized, go for bright reds, yellows, oranges, purples, or greens. Use pastel shades like creams, grays, tans, and browns to feel calm. To inspire yourself, go for bolder colors such as blacks, blues, purples, reds, and greens.
11. Use Colorful Planters
Colorful planter boxes are perfect for outdoor dining areas, patios, decks, and porches. Choose containers from durable materials such as concrete, plastic, ceramic, metal, wood, glass, fiberglass, stone, and clay. Some ideas include:
- A pot filled with colorful geraniums, begonias, chrysanthemums, zinnia, impatiens, African daisies, dahlias, marigolds, cosmos, roses, lilies, tulips, snapdragons, lavender, mint, strawberries, other herbs.
- A container filled with brightly colored tropical plants such as bromeliads, alstroemeria, bananas, ferns, palms, philodendrons, spider plants, and more.
12. Feather Reed Grass
Feather reed grass is a native perennial grass species found growing throughout North America. This grass makes a great ground cover plant for shady areas. It grows best in moist soil and tolerates drought conditions. Feather reed grass is easy to grow and requires little maintenance once established.
This grass is adaptable and can tolerate full sun, part shade, and even some shade. It does well in poor soils and can survive periods of drought. When planted in containers, it can withstand temperatures ranging from -10°F (-23°C) to 110°F (43°C).
The feather reed grass is hardy in zones 4 through 9. It prefers cooler climates and needs winter protection during colder months. In warmer regions, feather reed grass can be overwintered indoors.
13. Japanese Silver Grasshopper
Japanese silver grass is a cool-season turfgrass native to Japan. It is one of Japan’s most widely used ornamental grasses because it does well in hot weather and tolerates drought. Its foliage turns brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue during autumn.
The plant is easy to grow and maintain. It requires little water once established. In fact, it thrives in dry conditions. However, it must be watered regularly during periods of extended drought. It prefers full sun and average soil moisture.
| Container Type | Material | Size | Drainage | Durability | Style | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terra Cotta Pots | Clay | Various sizes | Good drainage | Moderate | Classic | $10 – $50 |
| Raised Beds | Wood, Metal, PVC | Various dimensions | Excellent drainage | High | Versatile | $50 – $500 |
| Smart Planters | Plastic, Metal | Various sizes | Adjustable | High | Modern | $50 – $300 |
| Fabric Grow Bags | Fabric | Various sizes | Excellent drainage | Moderate | Flexible | $5 – $30 |
| Ceramic Planters | Ceramic | Various sizes | Moderate drainage | High | Artistic | $20 – $200 |
| Whiskey Barrels | Wood | 15-30 gallons | Good drainage | High | Rustic | $50 – $150 |
| Hanging Baskets | Plastic, Metal | Various sizes | Moderate drainage | Low to High | Space-saving | $10 – $50 |
| Window Boxes | Wood, Plastic | Various lengths | Good drainage | Moderate | Classic | $15 – $100 |
| Self-Watering | Plastic, Ceramic | Various sizes | Self-regulating | Moderate | Efficient | $20 – $150 |
| Garden Troughs | Metal, Wood | Various dimensions | Good drainage | High | Traditional | $50 – $300 |
14. Black Mondo Grass
Black mondo grass is one of those plants that people love to hate. Some say it smells like rotten eggs; others claim it stinks worse than a skunk. But what do you know? You probably haven’t smelled it.
This plant is actually quite pleasant to smell. In fact, it might even be better than some flowers. And while many people think it’s ugly, I find it very attractive.
The botanical name is Ophiopogon planiscapus, belonging to the lily family. It grows up to five feet tall and blooms in late spring and early summer. Its leaves are greenish-gray, and it has long spikes that look like little umbrellas.
15. Create a Dramatic Driveway
If you’re going to have a driveway, make sure it is dramatic. You can add a large rock or boulder in the center of your driveway. This will add a sense of drama and beauty to your home. It also adds value to your property because people are more likely to buy homes with beautiful driveways.
16. Use Ceramic Pots for Moisture Control
You don’t need to use expensive pots made of clay or ceramic to control moisture levels. Instead, use plastic pots. They cost less, are easier to clean, and work just fine. In addition, they can be used in the garden year-round.
If you live in a cold climate, consider using a small greenhouse for your plants. This will help them grow faster and produce more fruit. If you have room inside your home, plant some herbs that you like. You can then make tea from these herbs.
When planting seeds indoors, keep the soil moist but not soggy. The best way to do this is by placing a tray filled with pebbles on top of the potting mix. This helps prevent the seedlings from drowning when watering.
17. Grow Fruit Trees Indoors
Many homeowners prefer growing their fruits to buying them at the store. There are several reasons why this is a good idea. First, you get fresh fruits all season long. Second, you save money. Third, you get to eat the fruits yourself instead of having someone else do it for you. In addition, there are many ways that you can grow your fruit trees and bushes.
18. Plant Flowers Indoors
Flowers are an inexpensive way to brighten up any indoor space. They also provide color and fragrance throughout the house. Plus, they are easy to care for. Just remember to give them plenty of light and water.
19. Hang Your Garden With These Easy-To-Make Hanging Planters
If you’ve ever tried to hang a plant from the ceiling, you know that it can be difficult. But hanging planters are much easier than they look—and they make beautiful additions to any room in your home. They also provide an easy way to add height and interest to your garden beds or patio.
You can easily create your hanging planter by attaching hooks to the wall above each bed. Then, fill the planter with dirt and plant your favorite flower or vegetable.
20. Repurpose Interesting Containers for Your Home
Shallow-rooted succulents make the perfect new homes for an old birdbath that makes a perfect new home. In addition, they can be planted in areas where you don’t want to plant anything else because of their low water needs and ability to withstand drought conditions.
If your yard is full of grasses or other plants that need constant watering, consider planting succulents instead. They will thrive in dryer soil than most other plants. Succulents also require less maintenance than many other types of plants.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. What Containers Are Best For Gardening?
Growing vegetables in containers is best achieved with wooden planter boxes. In addition to being attractive, they are available in a wide range of sizes, are durable, widely available, and reasonably priced. Wooden planters are a great choice on hot balconies or decks since they don’t generate as much heat as plastic or ceramic pots.
2. How Deep Should A Container Be For A Garden?
Give the roots plenty of room to grow and spread. It is recommended that you use a container with a depth of 6 to 8 inches for annuals, as their roots are shallow. Plants that require more depth, such as perennials or plants with taproots (carrots), require a greater depth, such as 10 to 12 inches. Herbs can thrive and flourish in a depth of four to six inches.
3. What Size Containers Should I Buy?
The container size depends on how much space you want to devote to your garden. Small containers are ideal for smaller gardens. Larger ones are better suited for larger areas.
4. Can I Put My Plants Outside During Winter?
Yes, if you live somewhere where temperatures drop below freezing. However, you may want to bring your pots inside before the temperature drops too low.
Conclusion
Gardening is one of the easiest ways to beautify your outdoor spaces. You don’t have to spend hours working in the sun to enjoy the benefits of gardening. All you need is time and patience to start enjoying the joys of gardening. I hope the above 20 ideas are enough to give your backyard a new look.
