One of the great pleasures of a BC summer is spending time outdoors — and a beautiful patio or balcony garden makes that even better. Container gardening has boomed in recent years, and for good reason: it's flexible, manageable, and surprisingly productive even in small spaces.
Choose the Right Containers
Size matters more than aesthetics. Bigger pots retain moisture longer and give roots room to grow, which means less frequent watering and healthier plants. A common beginner mistake is planting in containers that are too small. Look for pots with good drainage holes — sitting in soggy soil is one of the quickest ways to lose a plant.
Materials matter too. Terracotta is beautiful but dries out quickly in July heat. Lightweight resin or fabric grow bags retain moisture better and are easy to move around.
What Grows Well in Coastal BC Summers
Our mild, sometimes overcast summers are surprisingly good for a wide range of plants. Some excellent container choices include:
- Herbs: Basil, mint, rosemary, and chives thrive in pots and are endlessly useful in the kitchen. Keep mint in its own container — it will take over everything else.
- Cherry tomatoes and peppers: Both do well in large containers placed in your sunniest spot.
- Strawberries: Hanging baskets or tiered planters work beautifully and the harvest is very rewarding.
- Dahlias and geraniums: For pure colour and longevity through summer, these are hard to beat.
- Lavender: Thrives in sunny spots, smells wonderful, and attracts pollinators even on a balcony.
Watering Smarter, Not More
Container plants dry out faster than garden beds, especially in July. Rather than watering on a schedule, check the soil — push your finger about two centimetres in. If it's dry, water deeply until it runs out the drainage holes. A layer of mulch or small stones on top of the soil slows evaporation noticeably.
If you travel in summer, an inexpensive drip irrigation kit connected to a simple timer can keep containers thriving while you're away.
Feed Regularly
Because container soil gets flushed with every watering, nutrients deplete faster than in garden beds. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser worked into the soil at planting, plus a liquid feed every two to three weeks through the growing season, makes a visible difference in how lush and productive your containers become.
Container gardening rewards a little attention with a lot of beauty. Whether you have a sprawling deck or a single sunny balcony, there's a garden that fits your space.