What to Plant in My Garden Box

Herbs

• Herbs are hardy and adaptable plants that grow well in containers. They generally need a lighter soil medium than other plants, especially Mediterranean herbs such as thyme and rosemary, so add light sand and gravel and mix them well with the soil and organic matter in the box. Culinary herbs such as basil, thyme, sage, oregano, parsley, cilantro, chives, sweet marjoram and rosemary will fill a garden box with fragrant cutting herbs in a season and will grow well under lights all winter.

Vegetables

• Many vegetables are easy to grow in a garden box or container. At least 3 feet of soil and a sturdy stake or trellis will accommodate tomato plants. Bush zucchinis grow well in medium to large containers and provide bountiful harvests of tender green vegetables for grilling and salads. If you have the space, five to 10 garden boxes will support almost as many vegetable plants as a small garden plot and will keep you busy harvesting peas, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, turnips and onions all autumn. You can even grow a pumpkin vine in your garden box as long as you give it good rich soil, plenty of fertilizer and lots of water.

Ornamentals

• Ornamental plants and shrubs grow well in larger containers. Azaleas, dwarf lilacs, bamboo and ornamental grasses produce a showy display in containers around patios and decks or even swimming pools. Potted ornamental plants need winter protection in a covered area that doesn't get colder than 45 degrees Fahrenheit to survive until the spring.

Exotics

• Exotic tropical plants such as orange and banana trees, canna lilies, passion flowers and bird of paradise flowers make spectacular container plants. If they are large, mature plants, they require large containers and a lot of soil, and the containers require some strength to move, so they are more expensive than other container plants but are worth the extra effort and money for the unusual growing opportunities they provide. Exotics require a controlled winter environment with light and warmth.