Hardy Container Garden Recipes for Surviving Southern Summers

go_auto

When the heat of a Southern summer hits, it can be tough to keep your container garden thriving. However, with the right combination of plants and a little TLC, you can create a beautiful and resilient container garden that will survive the hot and humid climate. Southern Living has some great container garden recipes that are perfect for withstanding the summer heat. These recipes combine a variety of hardy plants that will not only survive the summer, but also add beauty and interest to your outdoor space. Here are some container garden recipes from Southern Living that are perfect for surviving the summer in the South.

Recipe 1: The Heat-Tolerant Succulent Garden

Succulents are known for their ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions, making them the perfect choice for a Southern summer container garden. To create a heat-tolerant succulent garden, start with a large, shallow container with good drainage. Fill the container with a well-draining cactus and succulent potting mix. Then, choose a variety of heat-tolerant succulents such as echeveria, sedum, and crassula. Arrange the succulents in the container, leaving some space between them for growth. Water the succulents sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Place the container in a sunny spot, and watch as your heat-tolerant succulent garden thrives throughout the summer.

Recipe 2: The Drought-Tolerant Herb Garden

Herbs are not only delicious to cook with, but they are also great for creating a container garden that can withstand the summer heat. To create a drought-tolerant herb garden, start with a medium-sized container with good drainage. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix, and then choose a variety of drought-tolerant herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage. Plant the herbs in the container, leaving some space between them for growth. Water the herbs sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Place the container in a sunny spot, and enjoy fresh herbs throughout the summer without having to worry about watering them constantly.

Recipe 3: The Tropical Oasis Container Garden

While tropical plants may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about surviving a Southern summer, there are certain tropical plants that can thrive in the heat and humidity. To create a tropical oasis container garden, start with a large container with good drainage. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix, and then choose a variety of heat-tolerant tropical plants such as elephant ears, cannas, and hibiscus. Plant the tropical plants in the container, leaving some space between them for growth. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the container in a partially shady spot to protect the plants from the intense summer sun. With the right care, your tropical oasis container garden will bring a touch of the tropics to your outdoor space all summer long.

Recipe 4: The Desert Escape Container Garden

Desert plants are naturally adapted to hot and dry conditions, making them perfect for surviving a Southern summer. To create a desert escape container garden, start with a large, shallow container with good drainage. Fill the container with a well-draining cactus and succulent potting mix, and then choose a variety of desert plants such as agave, yucca, and desert spoon. Plant the desert plants in the container, leaving some space between them for growth. Water the plants sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Place the container in a sunny spot, and enjoy the beauty of the desert in your own backyard all summer long.

Recipe 5: The Shade-Loving Foliage Garden

If your outdoor space doesn't receive a lot of direct sunlight, you can still create a beautiful container garden that will thrive in the shade. To create a shade-loving foliage garden, start with a large container with good drainage. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix, and then choose a variety of shade-loving foliage plants such as ferns, hostas, and caladiums. Plant the foliage plants in the container, and water them regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Place the container in a shady spot, and watch as your shade-loving foliage garden adds beauty and interest to your outdoor space all summer long.

Tips for Maintaining Your Container Garden

No matter which container garden recipe you choose, there are a few important tips for maintaining your garden throughout the summer:

Water regularly: In the heat of a Southern summer, it's essential to water your container garden regularly to keep the plants healthy and hydrated. Be sure to water the plants in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation, and adjust your watering schedule based on the weather and the specific needs of the plants.
Provide the right amount of sunlight: Different plants have different sunlight requirements, so be sure to place your container garden in a spot that receives the appropriate amount of sunlight for the plants you've chosen. If you're not sure about the sunlight requirements for your plants, do some research or ask for advice at your local garden center.
Fertilize as needed: Depending on the plants you've chosen for your container garden, you may need to fertilize them throughout the summer to keep them healthy and thriving. Be sure to use a fertilizer that is appropriate for the types of plants you're growing, and follow the instructions on the packaging for best results.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases: The heat and humidity of a Southern summer can create the perfect conditions for pests and diseases to thrive. Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases in your container garden, and take action to address any issues before they become a bigger problem.

By following these tips and choosing the right combination of hardy plants, you can create a beautiful and resilient container garden that will survive the heat of a Southern summer. Whether you choose a heat-tolerant succulent garden, a drought-tolerant herb garden, a tropical oasis container garden, a desert escape container garden, or a shade-loving foliage garden, you can enjoy a thriving container garden throughout the summer months. So roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening gloves, and get ready to create a container garden that will not only survive, but thrive in the Southern summer heat.