If you enjoy container gardening, you need to learn what not to do! Trial and error is a part of the learning experience, but you do not want your precious plants to pay the price for the mistakes you make.

The plants in your container garden need to be watered, but you do not want to drown them. If you tend to be heavy-handed when it comes to watering then purchase containers that have a large number of drainage holes. It also makes sense to read the water requirements for your plants because they will not be the same for every plant. Make sure you follow the directions!

Before you water a plant in your container garden make sure it needs it. Some plants absorb moisture more quickly than others do. Push your finger down into the soil approximately an inch deep. If the soil feels on the dry side, then it is time to add some water.

On the other hand, do not leave the planters in your container garden parched and crying out for a drink! The vast majority of container gardens need to be watered at least once daily during the summer months. If you have a small container or a hanging planter, you may need to water it more than once a day. This is because the less soil there is the less moisture can be held onto, and therefore it needs to be replenished more often.

When you do water them do not be afraid to give them a good soaking. Remember how good it felt to run through the sprinkler and get drenched on a hot day when you were a kid? Your plants love that feeling, too! If you are too stingy with the water you give them, only the top layer of soil will get wet. Continue to water until a small portion of it finds its way out of the bottom of the container.

Consider carefully the plant to pot ratio of your garden. In other words, the planters you choose should be in proportion to the size of container you buy. Chose at least one (or even two) plants that are as tall as the container they will be planted in. Also choose a few plants that will spill over the sides and give the container more character.

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