Growing plants on your patio improves your home’s aesthetics. Contrary to popular belief, planting on your patio is not complicated.
Nonetheless, you have to be strategic; this way, your plants will grow well, and your garden will look neater.
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Currently, there are many ways you can grow plants at your doorstep. You can use grow bags, plastic pots and containers to grow your plants. Growing plants on your patio also helps you save garden space.
If you are a beginner, this article is for you. We discuss the detailed steps involved in growing plants on your patio.
Step by step process of growing plants on your patio
Step one: Choose a suitable location
The first thing to do is select a suitable location on your patio. The area should receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight. Plants like tomatoes and peppers need at least eight hours of sunlight.
If your patio area receives minimal sunlight, it would be best to grow plants like greens. Moreover, your location should have favorable climatic conditions for the plant.
Step two: Select plants to grow
The next step is to choose the most suitable plant species to grow. Since you’ll be growing plants on your patio, ensure they are decorative and functional.
Conduct thorough research on the best plants to grow in your patio area. Also, choose edible plants that will help you cut down your grocery costs. The plants you select should also be able to survive under your area’s climatic conditions.
Step three: Identify a reliable water system
All your patio plants should have a reliable watering system. Since your plants are outside, you have to settle for a watering system that is simple and convenient to use.
Keep in mind that your plants need water from time to time, especially during hot seasons. You can use drip irrigation, among other watering systems such as buying a Aerogarden system kit, to keep the soil moist. After you decide on the watering system you’ll use, proceed to the next step.
Step four: Prepare the soil
It is essential to make sure that your soil is in good shape before you start planting. First, determine the best soil type to use based on your plant’s needs.
Then, improve the quality of the soil by adding organic compost and fertilizers. Mulching will also help retain the nutrients in the soil as well as prevent the growth of weeds.
Use the right planting depth and planting mix to improve the soil’s water retention. Avoid using standard potting soil to grow plants on your patio. Crops grown in pots and containers need frequent application of fertilizer. Apply the granular fertilizer first, then the liquid fertilizer.
Step five: Plant your crops
After prepping the soil, proceed with planting. Avoid planting your crops using seeds. Doing this significantly extends the growth period. So, purchase starter plants from a reliable manufacturer.
Then, plant them in your container on the patio. Keep watering the plants, especially during the early stages. Germination will occur in approximately two weeks, of course, depending on the type of plant you are growing. Harvest your plants immediately after they mature.
What plants are best for patio pots?
Growing plants on patio pots indisputably makes your outdoor space more appealing. Not to mention, growing plants in containers helps you save garden space.
Plants grow well in containers if adequately maintained. However, your containers should have holes to facilitate proper drainage. Before you start growing plants in containers, talk to a gardening expert.
Ask them all your questions and find out the best plants that can thrive on your patio. Let’s take a look at some of the plants that grow best in patio pots.
Coral Bells:
One of the best plants to grow in your patio pot is the coral bell. This plant appears like tiny, burgundy flowers spreading across the pot. They not only provide excellent aesthetics but are also low-maintenance plants.
Experts also report that coral bells tend to grow better in pots and containers. Planting coral bells on patio pots also protects them from crawling pests and common plant diseases.
Begonia:
Begonias grow perfectly fine in patio pots. These plants are beautiful; hence they add a whole new charm to your patio area. They produce white, brilliant orange, or baby pink flowers.
Begonias are hardy and flexible. However, you need to take care of them. Avoid watering them frequently and ensure they get enough sunlight. You can grow begonias in their own hanging baskets or patio pots.
These plants come in different varieties; try out the Santa Cruz and the dragon wing.
Angelonia:
Commonly known as the snapdragon, the Angelonia plant grows well in patio pots. Nevertheless, Angelonia is relatively delicate.
The plant produces deep purple, white or pink flowers that enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space. This plant is highly tolerant to heat; thus, it can survive in very hot areas. Note that you should avoid pruning this plant.
Otherwise, you would hinder their growth. This plant thrives well in direct sunlight.
Coleus:
Another plant that thrives well in patio pots is coleus. Coleus is a beautiful plant to grow on your patio. It produces beautifully colored leaves to spice up your outdoor space.
One of the best things about this plant is that it can survive in dry areas for an extended period. Also, its flowers attract pollinators. Thus, it can be beneficial to organically grown plants. Coleus requires low to medium levels of sunlight. Also, it can grow well in shady spots.
Euphorbia:
Contrary to popular belief, the euphorbia plant can withstand harsh climatic conditions. Although the plants look delicate, they can survive in hot temperatures.
The leaves and flowers of this plant are simply breathtaking. They carry a baby breath effect that brings style and elegance to your outdoor living area.
Euphorbia grows well in medium light. The plant exists in a wide range of varieties. The best types to try are diamond frost and glitz.
Ornamental Pepper:
The ornamental pepper plant is also used as a decorative patio plant. The plant produces beautiful leaves and fruits. The fruits are often edible. However, note that the fruit peppers coming from this plant are super hot.
So, keep the plant away from small children and pets. Ornamental peppers thrive when exposed to sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day.
Nemesia:
This plant produces colorful flowers that come in a wide array of colors; pink. Bright yellow, white, purple, etc. The Nemesia plant often generates flowers during winter, although it’s an annual crop. These plants are perfect for decorating your outdoor space.
Hydrangea:
Did you know flowering shrubs grow well on patio pots? Well, the hydrangea plant thrives on patio pots. This plant produces colorful flowers ranging from white to pink. Also, their flowers can have purple, green, or pink shades.
It all depends on the hydrangea variety you choose to grow. Unlike most pot plants, you can display them indoors during winter when you cut their blooms. Although this plant requires sunlight to develop, it can survive in shady spots.
Roses:
You can also grow roses in patio pots; they will grow perfectly fine. Growing new rose varieties is simpler. They are less susceptible to pests and diseases. So, if you are a beginner, it would be best to grow new rose plant varieties.
Undoubtedly, rose plants produce the most beautiful flowers. If you plan to boost the aesthetics of your outdoor space, growing climbing rose plants on your patio is a good idea. Rose flowers indisputably serve as an attractive focal point for your yard.
Pansies and Violas:
One of the best plants to grow on patio pots are pansies and violas. These plants generate beautiful flowers that vary in color. They exist in various varieties; gardening experts advise integrating different varieties to obtain the best results. Pansies and violas thrive in sunlight.
Factors to consider when choosing a patio pot
Here we go;
Size of the patio pot:
One of the main factors to consider when selecting a patio pot is the size. You have to choose a patio pot that can accommodate all your plants. However, note that large patio pots are simpler to use.
A large patio pot will allow free movement of air and water surrounding the plant. Additionally, choose a patio pot with the correct depth. More often than not, the type of plant you plan to grow will determine the size of your patio pot.
If you choose the wrong size of the patio pot, your plants won’t grow to their full potential. Furthermore, ensure that your patio area can accommodate the size of the pot.
Drainage of your patio pots:
Essentially, your patio pots should have an excellent drainage system. Each patio pot should have several drainage holes. These holes prevent the accumulation of moisture in the soil. Therefore, they keep plants safe from fungi, among other common diseases.
It is important to note that the hole should not be too small or too big. The drainage holes should offer sufficient space for excess water to escape.
Material of the patio pot:
The material of the patio pot should boost healthy plant growth. Generally, the material should be durable and user-friendly. Clay patio pots are easily breakable and vulnerable to damage when exposed to harsh external conditions.
Clay pots, therefore, do not make good patio pots since they cannot withstand adverse climatic conditions. You should instead go for concrete or high-quality plastic planters when growing plants on your patio. Also, the material of the patio plant should not interfere with the growth of your plants.
Start growing plant in your patio
The covid-19 pandemic forced many homeowners to spice up their outdoor areas. As a result, patio gardening is increasingly becoming popular.
Growing plants on your patio not only boosts your outdoor aesthetics but also enables you to obtain fresh farm produce from the comfort of your home.
Fortunately, growing plants on your patio are not as complicated as most people think. All you have to do is choose the right location, plants and watering system. Besides, there is a wide range of plant species that grow well in patio pots.
Some include roses, hydrangea, begonia, ornamental pepper, and coleus. Ultimately, before you begin patio gardening, analyze your requirements.