Containers are used for seasonal color, for focal elements in entryways, and for versatility in changing displays. Poor soil and the need to give tender plants frost protection can be other reasons for planting in containers. Leafy vegetables adapt easily to containers. Herbs can be container-grown close to the kitchen door for handy use. Successful container gardening requires special attention to watering and fertilizing.
Container plants tend to dry out more quickly than plants in the ground.
Fertilizers leach out with frequent watering and need to be applied regularly. The newly revised, Ortho book Gardening in Containers tells you how to select plants and how to grow them successfully in containers. Guidelines on design help you plan a practical attractive garden for whatever space you may have. We'll remind you of the appropriate time for chores and provide information useful to both the beginner and the experienced gardener. Even within climate zones, factors such as altitude, proximity to large bodies of water, and protection from wind contribute to the creation of diverse weather conditions or microclimates.