Container Gardening Steps |Transform Small Patio Space

Quick & Easy Gardening Idea for Small Space – We Use Pots & Containers in the Patio

Hello all. Welcome back to Gulf Coast Garden Variety.

We have a small space that we wanted to spend more time in. Our challenge was how do we turn a drab patio to a vibrant space? What we had was a bland concrete pad and a boring wall. So we added a round table, a potting table and a water fountain. They were not enough. Being gardeners that we are, we decided to liven up the space with flowers and edible plants.

In this video we want to show you how you can grow your own garden in a small space like this patio using containers more precisely pots. Everyone should have the opportunity to have their own garden no matter how small the space could be.
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When we started this space was a drab concrete floor and bare walls with no points of interest. It wasn’t a place we would want to be in for very long.

You don’t need a lot of space to grow plants and flowers that you can enjoy.
Choose pots that have drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. The size of the pot should be appropriate for the plant’s root system and growth requirements. Consider the material of the pot, such as terracotta, plastic, or ceramic, which can impact moisture retention and insulation. We are using lightweight materials so we can easily move the pots around in the winter time.
If you don’t have drainage holes at the bottom then the water is going to sit. It’s going to go anaerobic which means without oxygen and the roots need oxygen to grow or they’re going to die, you’ll have root rot and that will not be good for your plants; so holes on the bottom is important

Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for container gardening. Avoid using soil from your ground, as it can become compacted and hinder root growth. But, if you do, be sure to amend it with well draining growing materials. Potting mixes are usually lightweight, have good water retention, and provide adequate nutrients for potted plants. Kellogg Garden Organics Raised Bed and Potting Mix, is what we use – the description says it is specially formulated for raised beds and container gardening.
Please note that this is not a sponsored episode.

Place your potted plants in locations that match their light preferences. Observe how much sunlight your chosen spot receives throughout the day and select plants accordingly. The plants and flowers we have growing here require full sun, meaning at least six hours of sunlight in the day.
Besides roses, we have lantana, mint, calendula, vincas, snap dragons, blue turmeric, ginger, onions we have growing in the same pot as the roses, cosmos – carpet red variety, cosmos – carpet gold variety, Pentas – red velvet variety, angelonias – dark purple, amaranth -gomphrena

Regularly inspect your potted plants for any dead or damaged leaves, stems, or flowers, and remove them to maintain plant health and appearance. Pruning and maintenance-are necessary to control plant size and shape.
Transplant overgrown plants to larger pots with fresh potting mix when their roots become root-bound or when you notice poor growth. Repotting can help provide additional space for root development and ensure continued health and vitality.
If you live in an area with frost or freezing temperatures, just like here in the Gulf Coast area of Texas, some potted plants may need protection during the winter. Winter care can be key. Understand the cold hardiness of the plants you have in their pots. Move frost-sensitive plants indoors or to a sheltered area.

By providing the right conditions, regular care, and attention, potted plants can thrive and bring beauty to your small spaces.
To create points of interest, arrange the pots in a way that you create layers, also consider the different heights of the plants and flowers for a layered look.Consider using an interesting fixture like a water fountain if you can. A statuette or something architectural that would draw your eyes would work well.

Here’s what we did to have a garden in a limited space like a cement covered patio.
1) Use pots with drainage holes
2) Choose right soil structure
3) Be Mindful of the watering
4) Chose plants for the right sunlight exposure
5) Arrange different pot sizes into layers.
6) Make use of structures as points of interest.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

Gulf Coast Garden Variety YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6zt…

Southeast Region Gardening and Native Plant Societies in the Gulf Region
Native Plant Society TX https://npsot.org/wp/
Native Plant Society LA https://www.lnps.org/
Native Plant Society MS https://www.mississippinativeplantsociety.org/
Wild Flower Society AL https://www.alwildflowers.org/
Native Plant Society FL https://www.fnps.org/