Planting up a basket or container for Spring!

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, learning gardening hacks makes your life easier.  Although this is more of a “recipe” than a “hack”, we have an easy guide for you to follow to create the perfect container for your home!

Container gardening works anywhere — from balconies to big gardens.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Container

• Pick the right size: too small = roots get cramped; too large = soil may stay soggy.
• Drainage is essential — always choose pots with holes at the bottom.
• Container materials:
• Terracotta → natural look, but dries quickly.
• Plastic or resin → lightweight and easy to move.
• Ceramic or decorative → stylish but heavy.
• Tip: match the pot colour and size to your personal style or the space it’s going in.

Step 2: Preparing the Soil

• Avoid using garden soil for containers, which can compact and restrict roots.
• Use a high-quality potting mix for good drainage and aeration.
• Improve it with:
• Compost for nutrients.
• Perlite or vermiculite for lightness.
• Slow-release fertiliser to support growth.
• Healthy soil is the foundation for healthy plants.

Step 3: Selecting the Plants

• Use a mix of plant types for visual balance:
• Tall, eye-catching plants, we call them “thrillers” (like, aquilegia, stocks, delphinium).
• Medium plants to fill space, we call these “fillers” (herbs, marigolds, petunias).
• Trailing plants to fall down and soften edges, we call these “spillers” (dichondra, lobelia, nasturtiums).
• Mix different textures and colours for interest and to match your theme.
• Edibles also work well in containers — herbs, lettuce, or cherry tomatoes.
• Bonus! Use companion plants to benefit the edibles (eg: basil, tomato and nasturtiums)
• Key tip: group plants with similar sunlight and water needs.

Step 4: Watering and Feeding

• Containers dry out faster than garden beds — check soil moisture daily, especially in hot weather.
• Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot.
• Mulch the top layer (bark chips, straw, or pebbles) to retain moisture.
• Fertilise every 2–4 weeks with a liquid feed for strong growth.
• Regularly inspect plants for pests or spray with an organic pest control preventatively.

Step 5: Adding Style and Personality

• Play with colour schemes — cool tones for calm, warm tones for vibrance.
• Pro Tip: Use containers to match holiday themes (Halloween, Christmas or Easter). Make them a part of your seasonal décor!
• Add fragrance with plants like lavender, alyssum, or basil.
• Rotate seasonal plants to keep displays fresh all year.
• Don’t forget to deadhead spent flowers to extend the bloom of your artwork!
• Arrange containers in groups for impact, or line them neatly for structure.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment and refresh your displays.

Container gardening is flexible, creative, and works in any space. With the right pot, soil, plants, and care, anyone can enjoy a thriving mini garden or impressive display of a themed garden.

Start your very own and share your container gardens with us!

Click on the pic below to view the video!