Container gardening brings life and color to any space, no matter how big or tiny. I love mixing up different plants in pots—it’s a way to create a little world that fits my style and whatever space I’ve got.
The best thing about container gardens? They’re simple to start and easy to care for. Perfect if you want greenery without a lot of fuss.
Whether you have a balcony, a patio, or just a sunny window, container plants can brighten your day. And honestly, who doesn’t want a splash of green nearby?
1. Succulent and cactus mix for a low-maintenance display
I like combining succulents and cacti—they hardly need any water and almost no attention. These plants look cool together and love the same sunny spots.
You can mix aloe vera, jade, and prickly pear cactus for a fun mix of shapes and textures. This combo works indoors or out, and it saves me so much time while still making the space pop.
“A little water and lots of light make these plants happy.”
2. Herb garden with basil, thyme, and rosemary
I like growing basil, thyme, and rosemary together. They all want similar light and soil, so it just makes sense.
Basil loves warmth and sun. Thyme and rosemary like well-drained soil and can handle things a bit drier.
Rosemary goes in the back since it grows taller, and I let basil and thyme fill in the front. I use this trio in my kitchen all the time—fresh herbs make everything taste better!
If you want to try it, pick a pot with good drainage. Water basil a bit more than the others, and you’ll have happy, tasty herbs on hand.
3. Tomato plants in large, deep pots
Tomato plants need room for their roots. I always use big, deep pots—at least 5 gallons or about 20 inches wide—to keep them strong.
Pots made of plastic, clay, or fabric all work. I just make sure they have drainage holes so the roots don’t drown.
I support my tomato plants with cages or stakes. That way, they stay upright and I get more fruit without the vines flopping everywhere.
4. Lavender and chamomile blend for fragrance
Lavender and chamomile together? Yes, please. Their scents blend into this calming, gentle aroma that instantly makes a space feel more relaxing.
Lavender loves the sun and dry soil. Chamomile is easygoing and brings a soft, floral vibe. I love that they attract helpful bugs, too.
I sometimes stash a few sprigs in glass bottles for a homemade essential oil blend—it’s my little trick for making the indoors smell amazing.
5. Ferns paired with peace lilies for shade
I pair ferns with peace lilies because they both love shade and moist, well-drained soil. It’s a combo that just works, especially for those darker corners.
Peace lilies give you those crisp white flowers, and the ferns add a delicate green backdrop. I keep the soil damp but not soggy so both plants stay happy.
6. Trailing ivy with colorful begonias
I love mixing trailing ivy with begonias in my pots. The ivy spills over the sides, and the begonias bring those bold pops of red, pink, and orange.
Together, they look lively and a bit wild. This pairing works for hanging baskets or regular pots, and honestly, it’s pretty low effort—just water and a little shade.
7. Compact blueberry bushes in large containers
Growing compact blueberry bushes in big pots is one of my favorite tricks. They fit right on the patio or a balcony and don’t hog much space.
Blueberries need acidic soil and lots of sun. I use a special mix to keep them happy and healthy.
Planting two varieties close together helps with pollination and usually means more berries for me. I water them regularly but stay careful not to overdo it—large containers hold water but drain well too.
8. Miniature citrus trees like lemon or lime
I get a kick out of growing miniature citrus trees in containers. Lemon and lime trees stay pretty compact—8 to 10 feet tops—but I prune them to keep things manageable.
They need plenty of sunlight, at least six hours a day. In winter, I move mine near a south-facing window, and in summer, they get some fresh air outside.
Mini citrus trees brighten up any spot and smell amazing. Plus, picking your own lemons or limes? That’s just the best.
9. Combination of petunias and marigolds for color
Petunias and marigolds together? It’s a color explosion. Petunias are soft and bright, and marigolds add a warm, happy glow.
This combo loves full sun and keeps my space lively for weeks. Pollinators love them too, so the whole area feels more alive.
It’s a simple way to get a burst of color in a small spot, and it barely takes any effort.
10. Snake plants with aloe vera for air purification
I pair snake plants with aloe vera in my containers. They’re both tough and barely need watering.
Snake plants release oxygen at night, and aloe vera is great for its healing properties and air-cleaning abilities. Together, they freshen up any room with almost no work.
I usually keep them by a sunny window, but they can handle low light too. It’s a simple, effective way to add some green and clean the air a bit.
11. Vertical garden with strawberries and spinach
Strawberries and spinach are my go-to for vertical gardens. Both plants grow up instead of out, which saves me a ton of space.
Strawberries like about a foot between plants, while spinach prefers a bit of shade and closer spacing. Here’s a quick cheat sheet I use:
| Plant | Spacing | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | 12 inches apart | Keep soil moist, avoid overwatering |
| Spinach | 4-6 inches apart | Partial shade, water regularly |
Stackable planters or hanging pockets make this setup easy. It’s a fun way to grow fresh food, even in a tiny spot.
12. Ornamental grasses with dwarf shrubs
Mixing ornamental grasses with dwarf shrubs in containers is one of my favorite ways to liven up a small space. The grasses sway in the breeze, softening the look, while the shrubs anchor everything with their shape and color.
I lean toward dwarf grasses that stay under 2 feet tall. They’re tidy and won’t take over the pot.
Pairing these with compact shrubs creates a balanced look. For example, golden variegated sweet flag next to a small boxwood just works.
I love how these combinations keep things interesting through every season. Even when winter hits, the dried grass still adds texture.
13. Bright coleus and impatiens for shady spots
I often use coleus and impatiens together in shady containers. Coleus puts out those wild, colorful leaves that brighten up any dark corner.
Impatiens add soft, cheerful blooms and blend in nicely. Both thrive in partial shade and appreciate moist soil, so they’re easy to care for as a pair.
This combo is low-fuss and instantly perks up a dull, shady spot. It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to bring color where the sun rarely shines.
14. Succulent garden with echeveria and jade plants
I love putting together a small succulent garden using Echeveria and Jade plants. They’re tough, forgiving, and look cool side by side.
Echeveria brings those neat rosette shapes in soft colors. Jade plants add a splash of bright green and a bushy vibe that stands out in a shallow pot.
I usually toss in a few decorative rocks for drainage and looks. It’s a simple way to keep things tidy and stylish.
15. Vegetable tower with peppers, lettuces, and radishes
Vegetable towers are kind of brilliant if you’re short on space. Peppers need warmth, but lettuces and radishes prefer cooler spots, so stacking them works out perfectly.
I fill my tower with a light potting mix. Radishes grow fast and keep the soil loose, while lettuces throw a bit of shade that helps peppers stay happy.
This setup lets me grab fresh veggies from a tiny footprint. Plus, it’s easy to water everything at once—no fussing over each plant.
16. Trailing nasturtiums with herbs in window boxes
I like to plant trailing nasturtiums along with herbs in my window boxes. Nasturtiums spill over the sides, adding bright color and a soft, wild look.
Their flowers pop against the green herbs. Both love full sun, so they’re a natural fit.
I keep an eye on watering since containers dry out quickly. My go-to herbs are basil, parsley, and thyme—none of them get too tall, so the nasturtiums have room to shine.
This mix looks great and comes in handy in the kitchen. Can’t beat that!
17. Pothos with philodendron for easy care indoors
Pairing pothos with philodendron just makes indoor plant care a breeze. They both like the same light and moisture, so I don’t have to fuss over different needs.
Pothos climbs up moss poles, while philodendrons trail down or stand upright. Together, they add texture and a splash of green variety to any room.
If you want low-maintenance plants that play well together, pothos and philodendron are a solid pick.
18. Mixed bulbs like tulips and daffodils in pots
Planting tulips and daffodils together in pots brings a long stretch of color to spring. Daffodils pop up first, and tulips follow a bit later, so the show keeps going.
I use rich potting mix and set the bulbs about 6 or 7 inches deep. A good soak after planting helps them settle in.
My pots sit in a sunny spot, and sometimes I’ll layer bulbs for a fuller look. It’s a simple trick to add some spring energy to any space—even a balcony.
19. Zinnias and sunflowers for a summer burst
Mixing zinnias and sunflowers in containers is my go-to for a bold summer vibe. Zinnias bring those big splashes of red, pink, and orange, while sunflowers stand tall and cheerful.
Both love full sun and well-drained soil, so they’re happy together. They also attract pollinators, which is always a win for the whole garden.
Honestly, they’re low maintenance and handle the heat like champs. If you want a container garden that feels like pure summer, you can’t go wrong with these two.
20. Sage, oregano, and parsley kitchen planter
I love growing sage, oregano, and parsley together in one big container. Honestly, there’s something satisfying about seeing all that green right on the counter.
These herbs have different water needs, so I check the soil often. Sage likes things on the dry side, but parsley wants it a bit wetter.
Oregano’s pretty chill and handles drier soil, so it doesn’t complain much. This trio just seems to get along, even if they bicker over water now and then.
If you’ve got a sunny kitchen window, this setup is perfect. I usually grab a large pot with solid drainage, and it makes harvesting a breeze.
Fresh herbs within reach? Cooking feels way more fun that way. Plus, the scent of real herbs beats any store-bought seasoning, hands down.
