Growing plants outdoors in containers is a great way to beautify decks and patios, break up vertical spaces like fences and walls, even fill in temporary bare spots in perennial borders. Here's a quick introduction to starting your own container garden.

Containers

Anything that will hold soil can be used as an outdoor plant container. Whether you stick with the old standards like terra cotta pots, wooden boxes and barrels, and hanging baskets, or explore more whimsical possibilities, keep three things in mind: appropriate sizing for the plants you intend to use, eventual weight of the full container, and provisions for drainage. Containers too small may cause your plants to become prematurely root bound and will be a constant headache to keep properly watered and fed. Containers too large may encourage the plant to expend too much energy on root growth at the expense of foliage and blooms (not to mention the energy you expend moving the monster around). If they have to be big, consider recently introduced realistic-looking lightweight faux terra-cotta pots. While they are generally more expensive that the real thing, they don't chip, can be left out year-round, and are much kinder to your back.

All containers should have at least one drainage hole. If you absolutely love a container without adequate drainage, use the "container within a container method," planting the stock in a well-drained container that can fit inside the other container.

Add Potting Mix

Choose a quality packaged potting mix, containing organic material like peat moss, plus vermiculite and perlite for drainage, aeration and lightweight bulk. (Garden soil
should be avoided as it usually contains weed seeds, insects, bacteria and fungi, and usually has to be amended with other materials to improve drainage and aeration. Plus it adds a lot of weight to larger containers.) Certain types of plants, like cacti, have unique requirements and benefit from special-use potting mixes.

First, cover the drainage hole of the container with broken pot pieces or loose stones to ensure adequate drainage. Partially fill pot with mix to the point where the new plant(s) will sit with their base or crown slightly below the pot rim, and pat down gently. Position plant(s) and fill in with more mix. Pat down and water thoroughly.

Soil Covers

Adding a quality decorative soil cover to your container not only gives it an attractive look, but will also help the potting mix retain moisture and guard against weed germination.

Other attractive soil covers include spanish moss and fir bark. Polished river stones also make a nice cover for bonsai, cacti and other plants. Stones are not recommended, however, for most outdoor containers in sunny locations, as they retain heat and can cause more rapid drying of the mix, maybe even causing leaf scalding and other plant damage.

Feeding

After your new plant has become established, usually after a couple weeks, feed with a quality plant food. Follow the instructions on the package.

Good luck with your container gardening. Don't stop with a few marigolds. You can grow just about anything in containers, from vegetables to ornamental grasses and evergreen shrubs. Use your imagination and turn your garden into a movable feast of visual delights.