3 key concepts to consider before starting your container garden

Container gardening is very enjoyable and very convenient. However, to get the best results, there are certain concepts to consider before planning the design of your container garden. Here are three of them.

Before buying your containers, thoroughly study the different shapes, sizes and materials available.

Your choice of containers will determine the good health of your plants and the success of your composition.

Growing in containers perfectly suits parsley, peppermint and thyme, whose exuberant foliage tends to overflow, whichenhances it more.

• Thoroughly observe the shape and style of your plants, and choose containers adapted to their "personality".
• Do not accumulate small containers in different colours and styles, because they can overload small spaces.
• However, nothing prevents you from gathering a large number of containers, provided you keep it simple: make the ensemble more harmonious by only choosing a single colour.
• Consider where you will arrange them: Choose textures and colours that go well with the appearance of the walls, pavement/tiling or soil, and opt for the largest and most practical container.

• Many aromatic herbs, such as marjoram, fennel and thyme, prefer a sunny exposure.
• A small number of aromatic plants need shade, but some (mint, lemon balm, chervil, feverfew) prefer a semi-shaded exposure.
• Thoroughly evaluate the annual sunshine on your balcony, your yard or on your windowsill before choosing your plants.
• You can also start by choosing your plants, then find them a place that suits them.
• Warm, dry areas such as south-facing balconies, will preferably be lightly shaded. Heat that is too intense can harm plants, although usually they enjoy the sunny exposure.
• Air circulation is also an important criterion, as moisture can promote the appearance of fungal diseases.
• In windy locations, make sure that your containers are not likely to be knocked over; if necessary, an arbour can provide protection.

You can also grow your medicinal and aromatic plants as hanging plants.

• Trailing plants, such as wild pansy, thyme, ground ivy and geranium will be ideally hung at eye level, so you can easily see them grow and enjoy their fragrance. If you hang them too high, you will enjoy them less and have more of a tendency to forget them.

• Most hanging baskets/containers are made of plastic or metal.
• Containers with metal frames can be covered with peat, a spongy, fibrous material that retains moisture, or with a coconut fibre covering.
• Hanging plants are likely to dry quickly because of the wind, so regularly check the moisture content.

Now that you know more about choosing the right containers, about where to place them, and about the tips for hanging gardens, now you only need to plan your garden and get started!