18 Stunning Container Gardening Ideas for Small Spaces (2024)

One of the best way to add a splash of color to our otherwise dull homes is using flowering plants. Container gardening makes it possible even with the smallest of spaces such as balconies, porches, patio, and indoors.

But knowing or finding creative container gardening ideas for small spaces isn’t always easy.

That’s why we put together this list of 18 creative container garden ideas to spark your inspiration. Just go with your gut, pick one, don’t overthink it, and start gardening!

Ready to make a bold flowery plant statement?

Let’s dive in.

Epic Container Gardening Ideas for Small Spaces

1. Front Porch Container Garden

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If you have a front porch or balcony that receives a reasonable amount of sunlight, consider setting up a container garden.

You can place the pot planters on the floor surface or place them on raised platforms like stools or both.

2. Tall Container Planters for Short Plants

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When you have very tall walls, planting potted plants (especially small and short ones) might not bring that much needed curb appeal.

To solve this disproportionate problem, you can either plant large potted plants or use tall pot planters as shown in the image.

3. Use Large and Wide Containers to Plant Creepers

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One of the best container gardening ideas is to plant creepers in large containers.

This makes spread more naturally and beautifully especially when they are flowering.

A good example is planting the Creeping Jenny in a big container like shown in the picture.

4. Create a Container Garden on the Fence

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Picket fences look very bare especially when the wood begin to age. One of the best way to turn things around is establishing vibrant flowering plants.

You can do this by planting ornamental plants along the fence or hanging potted plants along the fence. You can place as much or as little as you prefer.

5. Create a Container Garden on the Hedge

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For extra sophistication, you can introduce several container pot planters within your hedge and plant in whatever you may prefer.

These will make your hedge not only functional but interesting as well.

6. Shade Container Garden

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Who said you can’t enjoy a beautiful container garden under the shade.

In fact, some plants like ferns, coral bells, and hostas are just a few plants that prefer lower light levels. In addition, they perform quite impressive when grown containers.

Therefore, if you a bigger tree that casts a big shadow, why not set up a nice container garden that you can easily move around once in a while.

7. Unused Household Utensils as Garden Features and Planters

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If you're looking for container garden ideas to overhaul your outdoor space, or more tailored garden design inspiration, you will find this one interesting.

Start by assembling all the kitchen items you don’t use such as old utensils, buckets and much more.

You can then skillfully place them outdoors as planters, bird baths, and bird feeders.

Try it. You’ll the outcome!

8. Several Planters in one Container

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This a great one if you’re looking to grow strawberries in pots. But also some small plants together with a large dense one.

The emphasis is on the planter itself rather than what is planted.

9. Establish a Mini Container Garden on the Steps of the House

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You can easily turn the steps leading to your house into a mini-container garden.

However, this is only possible if you have wider steps. Just place your potted plants on the both side of the steps and leave the middle for ease of movement.

10. Add Striking Colored Plants Near the House

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It is also a good idea to place some container plants in boring areas around your house such as the back veranda, or areas with less activity.

The best way to add such striking colors is to include plants like potted geraniums to help you spice up the mood in your whole compound.

11. Turn Old Wheelbarrows into a Stunning Planter for your Plants

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Recycling remains my all-time favorite ways of bring stuff back to life. Have some abandoned wheelbarrows lying around in your garage?

Turn them into beautiful pot planters. You can even ask your neighbours for their unused items.

You can plant a variety flowering plants such as nasturtiums for extra color in your compound. Other items you can use include old garden cart like the one below.

12. Use Old Garden Cart

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Just like unused wheelbarrows, old carts can add a mix of rusty and exotic look in your garden. Plant vines and climbers for a better look.

13. Set up an Indoor Container Garden

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The onset of winter does not need to be the end of growing your favorite plants. People who do not have outdoor space grow plants indoors all the time.

It does have its challenges, and you may not yield as much, but it is possible.

Especially, if you select appropriate houseplants and have bigger windows to permit adequate light.

14. Place Potted Plants next to Shelve Racks

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One of the ideas to freshen up your home interior is using green textures and colors from natural plants such as Mother-in-laws Tongue.

Place these plants next to a shelf or create a plant rack to accessories your living room.

15. Create Garden Features using Containers

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We’ve already seen that you can use old unused garden utensil as garden features.

In addition, we can also use container pots to create different shapes while at the same time using them as planters.

In fact, this is becoming a very popular common practice. If done correctly, the results can be amazing.

16. Container Plants Arrangement

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This container garden idea comes from an understanding of floral design principles.

These are; proportion, scale, harmony, rhythm, balance, unity and emphasis. When these basic arranging rules are understood and used correctly you can create gorgeous container garden arrangements.

The idea is to plant several plants with different colors, and then arrange them in a garden to bring a stunning and vibrant look.

17. Hanging Container Plants on the House Veranda

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Hanging plants are another innovative way to add flowers and greenery to your patio, porch, veranda, and garden.

Some of the best plants to use include; Verbena, Hanging Fuchsia, Oxalis, Ivy geranium, Lobelia, and Blue Bacopa.

Just make sure you check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone chart to ensure these plants can thrive in your area.

18. Create a Vertical Garden Indoors

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Establishing an indoor vertical garden is a great way to show off vibrant plants while taking advantage of the available indoor space.

Since pots filled with damp potting mix and plants are heavy, you may consider ensuring a strong support.

In addition, you need to find a way to protect the wall from moisture. You can do this by using polyethylene cloth.

Other than that, I consider this to be one of the best container gardening ideas – especially when space us a luxury you cannot afford.

Conclusion

Sometime all we need is a little spark to keep our creativity juice flowing.

I believe this article on container gardening ideas has given you the spark needed to come up with even better ideas.

Just go with your gut, pick one or more from the list, don’t overthink it, and start gardening!

But above all, have fun and then leave a comment below.

Resources

Commons.wikimedia.org

Pixabay.com

Pexels.com

Needpix.com

Snappygoat.com

Pxfuel.com

18 Stunning Container Gardening Ideas for Small Spaces (2024)

FAQs

What plants grow best in small pots? ›

Some popular types of succulents include Echeveria, Crassula, and Haworthia. Herbs are another excellent choice for small pots. They're perfect for those who love to cook or want to add a bit of fragrance to their home. Herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano grow well in small pots and don't require too much space.

How can I make my container garden look good? ›

How to Grow Beautiful Container Gardens
  1. #1 Use the proper soil. ...
  2. #2 Ensure that pots have proper drainage. ...
  3. #3 Use a Thriller a Filler and a Spiller. ...
  4. #4 Combine plants of varying heights, colors and textures. ...
  5. #5 Tie in the architecture and or color of your home. ...
  6. #6 Choose interesting pots. ...
  7. #7 Fertilize Often. ...
  8. #8 Water often.
Jun 23, 2022

What is the rule of thumb for container gardening? ›

Keep the size and quantity of plants in proportion to the pot. Rule of thumb – The height of the tallest plant shouldn't exceed one to two times the height of a tall container or the width of a low bowl. When the container has a pedestal, it's usually not necessary to include it in the overall container measurement.

What are the best low maintenance outdoor potted plants? ›

What are some low-maintenance outdoor potted plants that are hard to kill? Herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme are great plants that require little maintenance and continue to grow despite neglect. They are all hearty plants that will repeatedly return, no matter how much you cut them back.

What are the best outdoor plants for small containers? ›

Lettuce, radishes, bean plants, and dwarf pac choi in vibrant sunset colors will grow well and look beautiful in a tiny container arrangement. Herbs are another no-brainer for small container gardening. Cilantro, dill, rosemary, mint, basil, and so many others can be grown in small pots.

What is a disadvantage to container gardening? ›

The rapid growth of many container plants quickly depletes the fertilizer available in the limited volume of soil. Well-drained soil mixes also result in the regular loss of fertilizer in the drainage water.

What do you put in the bottom of a container garden? ›

One of the best things to put at the bottom of a planter for drainage is broken pieces of pot. You can use any unwanted plant pots or chipped crockery for this – simply smash them up into small to medium-sized pieces. Adding a layer of broken pieces of pot like this will prevent compost loss out of the drainage holes.

What is the cheapest way to make a container garden? ›

Repurpose old, damaged or about-to-be discarded items into smart-chic containers. If the items don't have drainage holes, add some. Or keep the plants in their pots so you can easily slip them out of the container to dump excess water.

What is #1 container in gardening? ›

The actual number refers to the approximate size of the container and how much soil it holds. For example, a number-one (#1) container holds approximately one gallon of soil.

How deep should a container vegetable garden be? ›

Some types of plants, such as lettuce and herbs, have shallow roots. So, they can thrive in a gardening container that's only 6 inches deep. Other plants like tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes require more rooting depth. They need a planting box that's at least 12 inches deep.

What flowers grow well together in pots? ›

Geraniums, Bacopa, and Sweet Alyssum: Geraniums provide height, Bacopa adds a trailing effect, and Sweet Alyssum fills in the gaps with a delicate, sweet fragrance. Succulents and Cacti: These plants are easy to care for and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They work well together in a shallow container.

What color planters for front porch? ›

Brightly colored containers are a fun front porch planter idea that can enhance the plants in them and add an element of surprise to your display. To avoid a busy look, add only one type of plant per pot and restrict your overall color palette to no more than three primary colors.

What plants can be potted together? ›

What houseplants grow well together in one pot?
  • Lime Pothos, Episcia and Calathea. ...
  • Kalanchoe, Arrowhead and Peace Lily. ...
  • Monstera Deliciosa and Heartleaf Philodendron. ...
  • Pothos, Philodendron and Spider Plant. ...
  • Yucca, Snake Plant and ZZ Plant. ...
  • Firecrackers and Table Ferns.

Do plants grow better in small pots? ›

A pot size that's a snug fit around the roots helps protect our plants from us over-watering them. Give a plant a too-big pot and the risk of root rot from over-watering goes way up. Too-big pots also make it harder to keep the soil the same moisture level throughout.

Can plants grow big in small pots? ›

Regarding the size of pot in relation to size of plant, the answer broadly speaking is yes, the larger the pot, the larger the plant. This is based on the “root-to-shoot ratio,” meaning that every leaf, every branch, must have a certain number of roots to support it.

Will plants stay small in small pots? ›

In a too-small pot, soil dries so quickly that you will be challenged to water frequently enough. Your plant could become root-bound and exhibit stunted growth. Ideally, for a large plant, pots that are the same size it is growing in is preferable.

Can plants live in small pots? ›

Shallow-rooted plants work best in small pots. small pots can also accommodate plants that you do not need to harvest from often. lemon balm, for instance, is quite hardy and will survive the tight conditions, though its leaves will be much smaller than those of a plant given room to reach its full potential.

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