Gardening tips for container gardening, potted plants

Published 8:05am 9 November 2025

Words by Sondra Grainger

Are you an apartment dweller, renter, own a garden with poor soil or just wanting to simplify your life? Then container gardening is the answer. With a little bit of free space and minimal effort you can grow just about anything!

Fruits, vegetables, herbs, succulents, wildflowers, annuals and perennials, there are varieties of each of these that are well-suited to containers. You can literally grow anything from ground covers to small trees in a container. 

Whether you purchase decorative pots, repurpose an old barrel, bucket, bin or bath or cut slots into a bag of potting mix, following a few simple steps will guarantee you gardening success.

Excellent drainage. You don’t want water pooling at the bottom of your container causing root rot. Make sure your container has adequate holes so water can drain through. There’s no need to add a layer of rubble or gravel as using the correct potting mix will allow for the appropriate level of drainage. Pot feet will lift your container off the ground to allow air circulation and more efficient water flow too.

Potting mix. The soil your plant grows in is its primary basis for good health. Don’t skimp on soil quality for your potted plants. Use the correct mix for the plant type and ensure it is a quality option because your plants can’t get their nutrients from anywhere else except the products you give them. Healthy soil will naturally lead to healthy plants.

Nutrients. Quality potting mixes have a supply of tailored fertiliser added, ensuring your plants get off to a strong start. As the soil ages and the plant grows, that source is depleted and needs to be added again to keep your plant growing and in good health. Adding liquid or pellet fertilizers during the growing season will do the trick. Liquid applications will be absorbed quickly while slow-release options will continue to feed for a longer period. Greedy feeders (like citrus) can have a boost of both to keep up their production.

Mulch. Adding a thin layer of organic, biodegradable mulch to your containers will help keep the soil moist and protect sensitive plant roots from temperature extremes. Decorative gravel, bark or underplanting with a ground cover will also improve moisture retention, temperature regulation and even weed suppression. 

Water. The amount of water your plants need and the frequency with which you water will vary depending on the type of plant, how many plants are in your container, your climate (especially windy locations) and even the material of your container. You can water your plants any time of the day, but the most efficient time for watering is in the morning when the temperatures are a little cooler allowing more time for the water to be absorbed before it evaporates in the heat of the day.

Plant health. Watch for wilting, discoloured leaves and insect infestations. If something doesn’t look right, address the problem quickly so your plants have the best chance of a speedy and thorough recovery. Remember, they are relying on you for all their needs.