Growing Bulbs in a Container Garden

With container gardens, you have more flexibility in choosing locations and keeping up with changing seasons. For instance, you can change themes or displays with every season, hiding any bulbs that look ragged due to fading blooms and foliage. Plants can be moved around for greater interest and brought indoors during periods of bad weather or for over wintering. Bulbs are also better protected within a container environment, preventing pests like gophers, rabbits, and other rodents from munching. Some bulbs will actually perform better when grown in containers. Furthermore, if container-grown bulbs are maintained properly, they can remain in their potted environments for years.

Nearly any type of container can be used for growing bulbs provided that it has adequate drainage and is large enough to accommodate the bulbs, with at least two to three inches of soil covering them. Whatever type of container you choose, however, should not only suit the bulbs but also complement the style of both your home and garden design. Container-grown bulbs typically require more water and fertilizer than those in the ground as containers can be more prone to drying out. The type of container and its particular style, however, usually determines how much maintenance, such as watering, your container will require. Hanging baskets, for example, dry out faster than other containers and thus require more frequent watering. Most bulbs require well-drained soil in the garden, and container-grown plants are no exception. Few bulbs can withstand copious amounts of time sitting in waterlogged conditions without rotting. Regular potting soil is usually sufficient for growing bulbs; however, a growing medium containing an equal mix of soil, sand, and compost will help promote better drainage and create healthier, more vigorous plant growth.

Containers make excellent focal points, adding variety wherever needed. Depending on one's personal preference, there are numerous types of bulbs that can be grown successfully in containers. For instance, if you're looking for color, try some tulips and daffodils. Hyacinths and tuberoses are ideal for adding some fragrance to the container garden, while amaryllis and tuberous begonia provide long-lasting blooms. Don't overlook foliage. Many bulbs are well known for their beautiful foliage and do quite well in pots. Some good choices include caladiums, elephant ears, and cannas. Lilies, dahlias, crocuses, irises, anemones, and many more bulbs can be grown in container gardens. Bulbs are as diverse as the people who grow them. A container-grown bulb garden can also be tailored to suit any available space, offering you the chance to transform even the smallest of spaces, such as balconies, into a beautiful garden oasis that can be cherished throughout the seasons. Best of all, it's not only easy but also fun, allowing you the opportunity to free your imagination. This too adds to its flexibility.