09/07/2026
Have you ever considered growing native plants in containers instead of annuals? Growing native plants in containers is surprisingly easy and provides plenty of useful wildlife habitat. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will happily find your balcony or patio.
Containers can bring needed height to a garden bed or a woodland path. They can also elevate and showcase small species that might otherwise get lost in a fully planted setting.
Beginner tips:
Go Big- Large Pots (3 to 5 gallons or larger) work best because native perennials have deep root systems and larger volumes of soil dry out slower.
Material: Plastic, Metal, or Glazed Ceramic hold moisture better than porous terracotta, which dries out fast in hot weather.
Drainage: Drainage Holes are mandatory to prevent water from pooling and rotting the plant's roots.
Potting Mix: Organic Potting Soil or soil-less mixes keep the environment light and prevent the compaction that happens with heavy garden soil.
Overwintering Protection: Cold Hardiness Adjustment requires choosing plants rated for two zones colder than your actual region, or insulating the pots by clustering them near a building wall.
