Containers and Soil

• Gardeners have a variety of choices in pot sizes and styles.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Containers are an important aspect of growing successful patio gardens. Choices include clay or plastic pots, rectangular window boxes, planters and hanging baskets. Consider the plant's mature size, how many plants you are growing and their root ball size, when choosing a container. Using a container with appropriate drainage is imperative. Select a container that allows the plant to reach its mature size without crowding. For a dramatic effect on the patio, group multiple-sized containers together.
  
  Soil is another important aspect of container gardening. Select a soiless mix for proper aeration of roots and drainage. Most soiless mixes are a combination of a substance such as perlite combined with organic substances such as peat. Most garden centers sell soil mixes for containerized use. Mixing a time-released fertilizer into the soil keeps the plants growing inside the container fed for approximately three months.
  
  

Vegetable Gardens

• Vegetables such as tomatoes grow well in containers.Dynamic Graphics Group/Dynamic Graphics Group/Getty Images
  
  As long as the patio receives sunlight throughout the day, container gardening with vegetables is possible. Vegetables require daily sunlight for proper growth and fruiting. Consider the time of year, as some vegetables are cool-season types and other perform best during warm weather. Allow adequate space between multiple vegetable plants, as overcrowding and poor air circulation creates insect and disease problems. If growing one or two plants, usually a 3- or 5-gallon container is adequate. If growing a larger vegetable container garden, use a 7- to 10-gallon container for adequate room. Mix a vegetable with an upright growth habit with one that will trail over the container's sides. Vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, eggplant, radish and onions are well suited for container gardens.
  
  

Flower Gardens

• Add color to the patio with flowering container gardens.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Fill the patio with a never-ending display of colorful flower gardens. Many flowering species of annuals and perennials are well adapted to containerized growth. Hanging baskets, window boxes or regular pots all work well. Use a taller plant in the center of the container surrounded by lower-growing ones. Fill the container with plants that have the same water and light requirements. Flowering plants such as petunias, impatiens, blue daze, bush daisy, ice plant, bromeliad, begonia, bougainvillea and gardenia adapt well to growing inside containers. Place plants into the container while they are still small. This allows the roots to grow properly into the container's area.
  
  

Herb Gardens

• Grow your own herb garden on the patio.Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  For a fresh supply of herbs in the kitchen, grow them on the patio inside containers. Many herbs grow well in herb gardens situated inside containers. Hanging baskets, rectangular planters, or regular pots all works well. As with any plant, do not crowd multiple plants too close together, or it will impede proper air circulation. Consider the light and water requirements of each herb when planting multiple species together. Herbs that grow well in containers include rosemary, basil, mint, sage, cilantro, dill and parsley.