Planting Evergreens in Containers Outside

This is the time of year when our customers are asking about planting an evergreen shrub or small tree in a pot, box or whisky barrel outside. Fortunately, there are many great options that will be beautiful through the winter and in some cases, years to come. Here are the keys to success:

1. A Larger Container is Usually Better

Plant your shrub or tree in a container that is 12 inches or more wider than the pot that the plant is purchased in. If the pot or box that you’re planting in already has soil in it, you can reuse that potting mix for the winter. But if your thought is to grow that shrub or tree in the container for a year or more, start with fresh soil. The Coast of Maine Raised Bed Mix is good for shrubs and trees.

2. Make Sure There Are Drainage Holes

Whether you’re planting in a wooden, metal, fiberglass or plastic container, make sure that there are drainage holes. Should it be a wet winter, it’s not good for the plants to be without good drainage. Don’t depend on the old-school practice of putting rocks in the bottom of a pot or box! Drill holes so that all excess water runs out.

3. Water Your Pot or Box if it Doesn’t Rain!

Keep track of the rainfall and if Mother Nature hasn’t provided an inch or more of water per week, use watering cans or buckets to soak your pots or boxes well.

4. Decide if You Want to Transplant in The Spring

Evergreens can be grown in containers for the winter, or even for a year or two, and then transplanted into the landscape. Plan on where you might use the shrubs or trees in your yard and garden next spring.

5. Yes, by all Means Use Lights!

After your pots or boxes are planted, string lights up for winter cheer on these getting-dark-at-four-PM days. When placed on a timer, you can have your yard illuminated at sunset, which is welcoming when you return home after five o’clock.