DC summers are no joke. My patio container garden always looks like a barren wasteland come July. Do you have any tips to help my July container garden look not so pathetic?
Container gardening is perfect for small urban spaces, renters, or anyone who wants to bring greenery closer to home. Containers offer flexibility, accessibility, and an opportunity to grow both ornamentals and edibles. In peak summer, though, pots can dry out quickly and overheat, especially on sun-drenched hard surfaces. The key is choosing the right plants, using good materials, and adjusting care for the season.
Heat-Loving Plants
Some plants love the heat as much as they love the spotlight. These summer all-stars don’t just survive July — they thrive in it.
Ornamentals:
• Lantana camara (Lantana): A pollinator magnet with bright clusters of flowers in oranges, yellows, pinks, and reds. It loves sun and tolerates dry spells.
• Pentas lanceolata (Pentas): Another butterfly favorite, pentas bloom nonstop and come in a range of hot pinks, purples, and whites.
• Zinnia elegans (Zinnias): A July classic. They bloom profusely, handle heat like champs, and do well in pots.
• Coleus scutellarioides (Coleus): For a pop of foliage color, coleus offers dramatic leaf patterns and thrives in partial shade — perfect for porches with filtered light.
Edibles:
• Solanum lycopersicum (Cherry Tomatoes): Choose dwarf or patio varieties like ‘Tiny Tim’ or ‘Patio Princess.’ They love heat and ripen quickly.
• Capsicum (Peppers): Hot or sweet, peppers do well in pots and enjoy the warm weather.
• Ocimum basilicum (Basil): A natural companion to tomatoes, basil thrives in containers and loves the sun.
• Solanum melongena (Eggplant): Compact varieties like ‘Fairy Tale’ are not only productive but ornamental, too.
Ocimum basilicum (Sweet Basil) and Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) are classic kitchen garden choices and do well in containers. Photo: Dare Wenzler
Container Tips for Summer Success
1. Choose the Right Pots – Larger containers retain moisture better and insulate roots from extreme temperatures. Terra cotta looks great but dries out fast; consider plastic, resin, or glazed ceramic for better water retention. If your pots are on pavement, elevate them slightly on pot feet or bricks to promote air circulation and reduce heat absorption.
2. Use Quality Potting Mix – Avoid garden soil, which can compact and suffocate roots. Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix designed for containers. Some mixes come with added compost or moisture-retaining crystals — ideal for summer.
3. Water Deeply and Consistently – In hot weather, containers may need daily watering, especially small pots or those in full sun. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and discourage fungal problems. Consider using self-watering containers or adding mulch on top of the soil to help retain moisture.
4. Feed Your Plants – Container-grown plants use up nutrients quickly. Feed them every two to three weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer, or use a slow-release formula at planting time.
5. Rotate and Refresh – If a plant looks tired or scorched, don’t be afraid to replace it with something new. July is a great time to refresh containers with late-summer bloomers or to tuck in a few seeds for fall crops like lettuce or kale.
A Garden Close to Home
Even in the height of summer, container gardens can bring beauty and productivity to your doorstep. With the right plant choices and care, your July containers can be full of color, texture, and life — no matter how high the mercury rises.
Want to learn more about gardening or spend time with people who like plants? For more information go to the Capitol Hill Garden Club website at capitolhillgardenclub.org. Gardening advice, information and commentary from the Capitol Hill Garden Club. Send your questions to capitolhillgardenclub@gmail.com.