Top Picking for Container-Grown Vegetation in California and Nevada
Container gardening, a popular and flexible method for growing plants, is ideal for those without a large backyard or suitable soil. This approach helps avoid common garden problems associated with clay or sandy soil, wet areas, and seasonal changes.
Teo Spengler, a master gardener and docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, advocates for container gardening. Spengler, who has studied horticulture and written about nature, trees, plants, and gardening for over two decades, believes that container gardening offers a unique opportunity to transform various locations, such as back porches, fire escapes, or kitchen window sills, into thriving green spaces.
In regions like the West, where dry, warm conditions are common, experts recommend drought-resistant and climate-adapted plants for container gardens. Native California and Nevada succulents, cacti, and Mediterranean-type shrubs are suitable choices due to their ability to withstand these conditions. Some succulents, like Cacti, Agaves, Sedums, Dudleyas, and Lewisias, work well in pots.
For those seeking flowering perennials, options such as marguerite, agapanthus, carnation, geraniums, and chrysanthemums are great choices for container gardens. Spring bulb planting options include tulips, daffodil, amaryllis, crocus, freesia, hyacinth, iris, and ranunculus.
When it comes to selecting container plants, the essential rule is to choose those that will thrive in the climate and exposure provided. Native plants of Nevada and California will grow well in containers, but they will need more care than when they grow in soil.
In addition to flowers, container gardens can also include vegetables. Fall vegetable container gardens can include cool season leafy greens like kale and lettuce, radishes, garlic, and chives. Popular annual container plants for spring and summer include lobelia, marigold, petunias, verbena, zinnia, impatiens, cherry tomatoes, and popular herbs like parsley and basil.
Dwarf fruit trees and shrubs can be planted in containers in the West, but they grow quickly and should only be left in the same container for short periods before being moved to progressively bigger ones or transplanted into the ground.
Container gardens can provide delight year after year, making them a long-lasting addition to any space. However, unlike ground-grown succulents, potted succulents will need to change their soil and plant in a larger pot every few years.
Teo Spengler currently splits her life between San Francisco and the French Basque Country, continuing to share her passion for gardening and nature with others. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, container gardening offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and create your own green oasis.
