Container gardening is on an upward trajectory and is growing faster than many other gardening segments. The container gardening market was projected in 2024 to steadily expand from $14.9 billion to $26.47 billion by 2034, for a compound annual growth rate of 5.92%. Containers provide an option for homeowners with poor soil to grow plants. Gardeners appreciate container gardening for its adaptability to indoor or outdoor spaces, easy maintenance, multiple options for creating attractive groupings, portability to change plant locations, and a big one — minimal weeds or need for weeding.
Weeds gravitate to bare spaces of soil, but container plants have relatively little exposed surface area to host weeds. That limited growing environment underscores the importance of keeping weeds to a minimum in your containers because your plant roots will be in competition with them. Nursery-grown container plants are less likely to have weeds because the potting medium they’re grown in typically doesn’t contain weed seeds.
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Monitor containers to maintain low-weed status
A large container garden filled with different sized pots and a range of succulents – Jacky Parker Photography/Getty Images
As helpful as the container environment is for keeping weeds at bay, be aware that “minimal weeds” does not mean no weeds. You may still have to do a small amount of weeding and will certainly want to take measures to prevent your container garden from becoming weed infested. When potting or re-potting in containers, always use new potting medium since it will likely be free of weed seeds. Steer clear of one of the biggest mistakes you’re making with your container garden — using garden soil, which can contain not only weed seeds, but diseases and insect pests, as well.
You’ll also want to use new or well-sanitized containers since used pots can harbor weed seeds. This is also a good time to ensure you are buying the right planters and selecting the best option for your garden. Storing containers in weed-free areas, such as impermeable surfaces, is another precaution against introducing weeds to your containers. Placing mulch in your containers will help suppress weeds. Monitor your containers regularly so you can quickly pull any weeds that appear. In the home environment, you should not expect weed infestations significant enough for you to need herbicide or solarization treatments for weed removal, but these are commonly used by nursery growers for container plants. With weed worries out of the way, take time to consider stunning plants that will thrive in containers in full sun.
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