1. Water, water, water!
Soil dries out faster in pots than in the ground, especially during hot or windy weather. So, be sure to check your containers daily and water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes—this will ensure moisture reaches the entire root system.
2. Use Potting Soil Only
Choose a high-quality soil like Burpee’s Premium Organic Potting Mix to give your plants the right balance of texture, nutrients, and drainage. Avoid using garden soil in containers—it’s too dense and compacts easily.
3. Design for Impact
Go for the WOW factor! Mix different colors, textures, and heights for visual interest. Place taller plants in the middle or back of the container, and trailing plants at the edge.
4. Grow Determinate Tomatoes
Most determinate tomato will grow in a container, and we especially recommend cherry tomatoes. They stay compact and produce a great harvest without taking over your space.
5. Follow the Sun
If sunlight is a problem, place your containers on a wheeled pot trolley so you can easily move it to chase the light throughout the day. Most vegetables and flowers need at least 6 hours of sun a day.
6. Start an Herb Garden
Grow herbs year-round indoors. They are perfect for containers and don’t need much space. A simple 6" pot is plenty for most varieties
7. Try Vertical Gardening
Maximize your space by growing up and out. Use trellises, obelisks, or wall planters to support climbing plants like cucumbers, beans, or flowering vines.
8. Start with Easy Growers
If you are new to container gardening try easy to grow varieties like herbs, salad greens, and tomatoes.
9. Get Creative with Containers
Just about anything can be used as a container—buckets, baskets, or crates. The key is making sure there’s enough space for roots and proper drainage.
10. Grow Corn in a Container
Yes, even corn can grow in a pot! Try ‘On Deck’ hybrid, bred for containers. Plant 9 evenly spaced seeds in a 24" pot and expect a harvest in about 2 months.
Checkout Burpee's complete selection of container varieties!