Living in the Pacific Northwest, we're all about embracing the outdoors. But what if your outdoor space is more like a "shoebox balcony" than sprawling garden? Fear not, fellow plant enthusiasts! Container gardening is your ticket to a thriving urban oasis. This month let's explore space-saving hacks and plant picks perfect for July's sunny skies.
Plant Picks for July:
For the Foodie:
- Peppers: Bell peppers and chili peppers come in a variety of colors and heat levels, adding spice to your summer dishes. Choose dwarf varieties for containers.
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are a must-have for any edible container garden. Look for "determinate" varieties that stop growing at a specific height, ideal for pots.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs are the ultimate balcony bounty. Basil, thyme, oregano, and rosemary thrive in containers and add a touch of Italian flair to your meals.
For the Flower Fanatic:
- Begonias: Who doesn't love these gorgeous blooms? Begonia varieties like Solar or Big Begonias bring color and personality to even the smallest balconies.
- Dahlias: These dramatic blooms come in an astonishing array of colors and sizes. Choose "dinner plate" dahlias for a show-stopping display or smaller "pompom" varieties for a touch of whimsy.
- Calibrachoa: Nicknamed "million bells" for a reason, these cascading beauties come in a rainbow of colors and are low-maintenance superstars in containers.
Think Vertical!
Square footage shrinking? Go vertical! Cascading vines like Million Bells, Creeping Phlox, and Clematis soften railings and add a touch of whimsy. Tiered planters, hanging baskets overflowing with colorful petunias, or wall-mounted pockets bursting with herbs are all fantastic space-savers. For a DIY project, repurpose old rain gutters as vertical herb gardens – a splash of green and a nod to our beloved rainy season!
Pot Power:
Self-watering planters: These ingenious containers are a lifesaver for busy gardeners (or those who tend to forget to water). They use a built-in reservoir to keep your plants hydrated, perfect for those hot July days.
Thrillers, Fillers, and Spillers: This classic container planting technique creates stunning displays in a single pot. A tall "thriller" plant, like red cannas, grabs attention. Surround it with bushy "fillers" like begonias, and finish with trailing "spillers" like sweet potato vine for a cascading effect.
Don't forget the power of mulch! A layer of bark or pebbles around your plants helps retain moisture, keeps weeds at bay, and adds a polished touch to your container creations.
With a little creativity and these handy hacks, your Pacific Northwest balcony can be a blooming haven all summer long. Find your favorite pot at Al’s Garden & Home, throw in some sunshine-loving plants, and watch your tiny terrace transform into a personal garden paradise!
Leave a comment