10 Tips for Container Gardening Success

1. Choose the Right Gardening Containers

You might think that any old container will do. In some cases, that may be true. Many gardeners rely on a 5-gallon bucket to grow tomatoes.

However, selecting a container is a slightly more scientific process. The right gardening container depends on what you’re growing, the amount of space you have, and how frequently you want to water.

Planter boxes, box planters, window boxes, and terra cotta pots each have pros and cons. Terra cotta is breathable but dries out quickly. Plastic and glazed ceramic retain moisture longer. Bigger containers are usually better because they hold more soil, which helps regulate moisture and temperature more effectively.

Here are some tips for selecting the right planter box.

Whatever you choose, one thing is non-negotiable: drainage holes. Without them, water pools at the bottom, and roots rot. If your container doesn't come with holes, drill them yourself.

2. Use a High-Quality Potting Mix

Forget digging soil out of the yard — it's too heavy, holds water poorly, and can introduce pests or diseases. Instead, use a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for containers.

A good potting soil or custom soil mix should be light, airy, and full of organic matter. It should drain well while retaining enough moisture to keep roots happy. Some mixes include slow-release nutrients, while others may require amendment.

Want to DIY? Blend equal parts peat moss or coconut coir, compost, and perlite or vermiculite. This creates a fluffy, nutrient-rich base your plants will love.

Get the full low-down on selecting the best soil for container gardening.

3. Match Container Plants to Sun or Shade

Before you plant anything, spend a day observing your space. Does it get morning sun? Afternoon heat? Deep shade?

Your light conditions will dictate what you can grow. Fruiting crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries, require full sun, at least 6–8 hours a day. Leafy greens, herbs, and root vegetables often tolerate or even prefer some shade.

If light is inconsistent, consider using rolling carts or mobile containers to provide a more consistent lighting environment. That allows you to adjust the position of your planter box based on the season or sun exposure.

4. Stick Your Finger into the Planter to Check the Water

Here’s one of the simplest (and most overlooked) tips for container gardening. Stick your finger into the soil before watering to check the moisture level. If the top inch or two is dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, hold off.

Overwatering is a common killer in containers, especially if drainage is poor. Underwatering stresses plants and stunts growth, not to mention your yield.

Here's the ultimate tip. For consistent moisture, consider a self-watering system. EarthBox planter boxes include a self-watering feature.

It delivers water directly to the root zone, reducing daily guesswork. Your plants stay hydrated and healthy, maximizing your yield potential. Learn more about self-watering planters and why they're a container gardeners best friend.

5. Feed With a Slow-Release Fertilizer

Plants in containers don’t have access to the deep nutrient reserves found in traditional garden beds. Over time, even the best soil mix loses nutrients through plant consumption and drainage.

To keep plants thriving, use a slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting. And don't skimp on adding organic material, such as compost, to your gardening container. That provides a steady supply of nutrients over several weeks or months. You can also supplement with liquid fertilizer every few weeks, especially during periods of heavy growth.

If you’re growing edibles, opt for organic fertilizers labeled safe for food crops.

6. Don’t Crowd Your Plants in Pots

In this case, less is more. Trying to cram too many plants into one box may seem efficient, but it often backfires.

Plants need space — both above and below the soil. Crowded garden containers reduce airflow, thereby increasing the risk of disease. Roots compete for nutrients and water, which weakens the whole system.

Stick to the spacing recommendations on seed packets or plant tags. One robust tomato plant can consume an entire box planter, while herbs or leafy greens can share space more easily.

7. Grow Seasonal Crops

Want your container garden to keep producing month after month? Think seasonally.

Each crop has its moment. Cool-season vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, and radishes, thrive in the spring and fall. Heat-loving plants like basil, cucumbers, and eggplants shine in summer. If your climate is mild, you can even grow through the winter.

Refresh your potting soil and rotate crops between seasons to ensure optimal growth. Rotational planting prevents nutrient depletion and reduces the risk of disease buildup in your planter boxes.

8. Watch Water Requirements

Different plants have different needs. Tomatoes and squash are thirsty. Lavender and succulents? Not so much.

Water requirements also vary depending on the container type. As mentioned, terra cotta pots dry out faster than plastic or glazed containers. Smaller pots dry more quickly than larger ones.

Group plants with similar water needs together so you don’t drown one while trying to hydrate another.

9. Keep Your Plants and Planter Box Clean and Tidy

A thriving container garden still needs maintenance. Trim dead leaves, prune overgrown stems, and deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth.

Watch for pests under leaves and along stems. Aphids, mites, and fungus gnats particularly enjoy tight spaces in garden containers. Use organic treatments, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, if needed.

Also, clean your containers at the end of each season. Cleaning helps prevent diseases from carrying over to your next crop.

10. Use Vertical Space for Gardening

An often-overlooked tip for successful container gardening: Don’t just grow out — grow up. Vertical gardening maximizes the use of tight spaces and can significantly increase your yield.

Use trellises, cages, plant towers, or hanging baskets to grow vertically. Vining crops like peas, beans, cucumbers, and even some flowers love to climb them.

Window boxes and balconies are especially effective for vertical gardening. Even though floor space may be limited, you're in business as long as sunlight is plentiful.

EarthBox – The #1 Choice for Container Gardening Success

Container gardening is one of the most flexible, rewarding ways to grow food and flowers at home. It provides a practical solution, especially if you’re working with limited space. With the proper gardening container, a solid potting mix, and a little care, you can grow fruits, veggies, herbs, and blooms just about anywhere.

Ready to take your setup to the next level? EarthBox makes container gardening smarter and easier — with built-in watering systems, nutrient support, and space-efficient designs. Its box planters are perfect for balconies, patios, and wherever else your garden grows.

More importantly, its widely recognized planting system virtually ensures your yields will exceed your expectations.