Easy Container Garden Setup for Every Space

Starting a container garden is easier than most people think. You don’t need a big backyard, special tools, or years of experience.

With just a few containers, some good soil, and the right plants, you can set up a garden on a balcony, patio, or even by a sunny window.

The best part is, container gardens let you grow food, flowers, or herbs right where you are no matter the space you have.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to set up your own container garden, the same way I’ve done mine many times.

1. Single Large Pot Garden

A single big pot can hold more than one plant if you set it up right. Choose a wide and deep container, then fill it with good potting mix.

You can plant herbs together, or mix in flowers and small vegetables. Just make sure the plants you pick like the same amount of sun and water.

Place taller plants in the center and smaller ones around the edges. This way, one large pot can feel like a tiny garden all on its own.

2. Grouped Pots Setup

If you don’t have one big pot, you can group a few smaller ones together. Place them close so they feel like one garden.

You might keep herbs in one pot, lettuce in another, and flowers in a third. Grouping pots also makes watering and care easier, since they’re all in one spot.

You can move them around to catch sunlight or keep them together in a shady corner if the weather gets too hot. This setup works well for small patios or balconies.

3. Tiered Container Garden

A tiered setup is a smart way to use vertical space. Place bigger pots at the bottom, medium ones in the middle, and smaller ones on top shelves or stands. This makes it easy to grow more plants in less room.

You can also plant shade-loving plants lower down, since the taller ones above will give them cover. A tiered garden not only saves floor space but also keeps plants within reach for watering and picking.

It’s perfect for people who want to grow many plants in a tight spot.

4. Hanging Container Setup

Hanging baskets or mounted pots are great when floor space is limited. You just need a strong hook, railing, or wall to hang them from.

Fill the baskets with a light potting mix, since regular soil can be too heavy. Plants that trail, like strawberries or ivy, look and grow well in this setup.

Hanging containers also keep plants safe from pets or pests that crawl on the ground. They’re easy to water, and you can move them higher or lower to get the right amount of sunlight.

5. Rail or Balcony Railing Containers

Balcony railing planters are long, narrow containers that hook onto railings. They make great use of space that might otherwise be empty.

These are perfect for herbs, flowers, or even salad greens. Make sure the containers are secure so they don’t tip or fall. Since they are shallow, water them often to keep the soil from drying out.

This setup brings plants closer to sunlight, and it’s easy to reach for harvesting or trimming. If you live in an apartment, railing containers are a simple way to add greenery.

6. Vertical Container Garden

A vertical container garden works like shelves for plants. You can use a ladder shelf, a tall rack, or even hang pots on a wall frame.

Each level can hold different plants herbs on top, flowers in the middle, and greens on the bottom. This style saves floor space and keeps things neat.

Vertical gardens are also easy to set up indoors if you have good light. They’re perfect for people who want to grow more plants without taking up much room. Watering can be done from the top down carefully.

7. Raised Tub or Trough Setup

Instead of small pots, try a deep trough or raised tub. These are wide and hold more soil, which means plants have space to spread roots.

You can grow vegetables like peppers, carrots, or even small tomatoes in them. Raised tubs are easy to work with since you don’t have to bend down much.

Place them where they get at least six hours of sun. Add a layer of gravel at the bottom for drainage, then fill with potting mix. A trough setup feels like a mini raised bed on a patio.

8. Portable Container Garden

Portable containers are useful if you like moving plants around. You can use pots with wheels or light buckets with handles.

This makes it easy to bring plants inside when it rains too much, or move them to follow the sun. Some gardeners keep a few big pots on plant caddies that roll, so they don’t need to lift heavy containers.

Portable setups also help if you’re renting and can’t build a garden in the ground. Just place your plants where they grow best, and roll them if the weather changes.

9. Window Box Garden

A window box garden is a simple setup that fits right outside a window or along a ledge.

These long, narrow boxes are perfect for herbs like basil, parsley, or chives, since they stay small. You can also grow flowers or lettuce in them.

The best part is, you don’t even need to step outside to care for your plants just reach through the window.

Be sure the box has drainage holes so roots don’t get soggy. A window box setup adds green space in a spot you might overlook.

10. Mixed Plant Container Setup

In one container, you can grow a mix of plants if they share the same needs. For example, you could grow basil, tomatoes, and marigolds together.

This type of setup saves space and can even help plants grow better. Some plants keep bugs away from others, and some share water needs.

To set it up, use a medium or large pot, good potting mix, and plan where each plant goes. Place taller plants at the back and smaller ones in front, so all get sunlight.

11. Self-Watering Containers

Self-watering pots are a smart choice if you forget to water often. These containers have a water tank at the bottom. The soil pulls water up slowly as the plant needs it.

To set one up, just fill the bottom reservoir and add soil and plants on top. You can make your own with a bucket and a smaller cup inside.

This setup keeps the soil moist longer and helps prevent roots from drying out. It’s perfect for busy people or hot climates where soil dries fast.

12. Recycled Container Setup

You don’t always need to buy new pots for a garden. Old buckets, crates, tin cans, or even wooden boxes can be turned into containers.

Just make sure to add holes at the bottom so water can drain. Line the inside with a bit of cloth if the container has wide gaps.

This setup is budget-friendly and gives new life to items you already have at home. You can grow herbs, small veggies, or flowers in these recycled pots. It’s a creative way to build a garden without spending much.

Final Thoughts

Container gardens are all about making the most of the space you have. Whether you use one big pot, a few small ones, or even old buckets, the setup can be as simple or creative as you like.

The main thing is to pick the style that works best for your home and your plants. Once you get started, you’ll see how easy it is to grow food, herbs, or flowers right where you are.

A little soil, a container, and some care that’s all it takes.