Hi, I’m Sophie (aka @horti__cultured) and I’ve teamed up with Haws to share some of my best tips and tricks for creating, and then keeping, a thriving potted garden.
I’ve always had a love affair with houseplants, but for the last couple of years, I’ve been creating my first (tiny) outdoor space using mainly pots and containers. It’s not perfect, nor finished, but it’s a space that brings me and my dog Willow a lot of joy, and I couldn’t have done it without my trusty Haws can.
So, if you’re an indoor gardener looking to branch out, a renter who wants a way to grow, or maybe you just feel daunted by your outdoor space, I’ve personally found creating a container garden the perfect place to start. Here are three of the most helpful things I’ve learnt along the way…
Tip 1: Smart Plant Pairing
Container gardens don't have to be regimented or boring! Experimenting with planting combinations is extremely fun and can create some showstopping displays that provide colour all summer long. I think of my space as a tiny, modern cottage garden, where herbs, ornamentals and wildflowers (which some may call weeds) all coexist to create a space that is both practical and beautiful, with a good dose of whimsy thrown in.
However, the key to success with this approach is pairing plants appropriately. It’s easy to choose plants based solely on how they look, but sadly, it is important to pay close attention to their needs and group them accordingly. Drought-tolerant varieties requiring free-draining soil and less frequent watering simply won't be happy if sharing a pot with moisture-lovers that need a richer compost and a regular drink. Lavender and hydrangeas, for example, have totally different needs and won’t thrive in the same pot.
I prefer using a watering can over a hose because it helps me to know how much water I’ve given each pot, creating a nice, consistent watering schedule. Don’t forget, after planting up any container, it's essential to water the plants in well too!
Tip 2: It’s All in the Compost
I know compost can be expensive and it’s tempting to go for the cheap stuff, but I’ve learnt the hard way that investing in a good quality potting medium is well worth it.
When plants are actively growing, they can rapidly use up nutrients, which are essential for strong growth, blooming and overall health. If there isn’t enough goodness to begin with, it won’t be long before your plants start to look sad.
It’s not just about nutrient levels either, but also the structure of the compost itself. Spent compost loses its ability to retain moisture and becomes compacted, meaning that no matter how much you water, it will either drain too quickly or sit on the surface without soaking in properly, and neither is good for your plants.
To invigorate old compost, try mixing in fresh potting mix, well-rotted manure, or adding some slow-release fertiliser to replenish the goodness.
Tip 3: Timing Is Everything
Watering at the right time can make your watering so much more efficient, while watering at the wrong time can lead to unhappy plants.
Watering before or after the heat of the day maximises the time your plants have to soak up the water they need before it evaporates, helping them to stay hydrated when they need it most and to cope with intense sun or heat better. Sometimes, my smaller pots simply can’t hold enough moisture during extreme weather, so I’ll move them into the shade if they need a drink during the day.
Watering your plants while they’re in strong, direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorch or fungal diseases, and no one wants that.
Something I’ve learnt is that pots can often still need watering after a rainshower too, because the foliage of your plants acts as an umbrella and stops rain from properly penetrating the soil.
Don’t forget, your potted friends can’t send their roots down deep into the ground to look for water when it’s scarce, so they completely rely on you to assist them.
Tools I Love: My Favourite Watering Cans
When it comes to container gardening, a good watering can makes all the difference. I use two beautiful Haws cans that I absolutely swear by:
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The Bearwood Brook 2 Gallon: This is my go-to for my large, established pots because it holds loads of water and gives a beautifully balanced pour, making my watering round easy breezy.
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The Warley Fall HDG: I absolutely love the finish of this can, as well as its long-reach spout. It’s ideal for more delicate jobs, like my smaller pots or hard-to-reach hanging baskets. It’s functional and just really lovely to use.
Both of these cans make watering feel like part of the joy, not a chore! So, if you're thinking of investing in a can, I honestly couldn't recommend these more.
Ready to Get Growing?
I hope these top three tips give you the confidence to get planting, experimenting, and enjoying your own outdoor space, no matter how small. Remember, container gardens can be extra thirsty and need consistent liquid love and attention, but they’re absolutely worth it.
Happy gardening!
