Welcome to container gardening in New Hampshire, a fantastic option for those with limited garden space or less-than-ideal soil conditions. Container gardening offers a versatile solution, whether you’re interested in brightening your winter landscape or filling your home with fresh veggies and herbs. So, what kind of containers do you use for growing vegetables?
Well, you have options ranging from terracotta pots to plastic containers, each with advantages. And when the winter months roll around, you might wonder, “What garden container for winter?” The answer lies in choosing containers that can withstand freezing temperatures, such as those made from resin or heavy-duty plastic.
As for the plants themselves, some of the best vegetables for container gardening include tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers, which are some of the easiest vegetables to grow in pots. This guide will recommend the best plants for planter boxes in full sun, the best for planter boxes in shade, low-maintenance window box plants, and more. With these tips, you’ll soon have a garden that thrives all year round.
Best Container Plants for New Hampshire in Winter
During the frosty months, container gardening need not come to a standstill. Kale, spinach, and collards are among the vegetables that can tolerate New Hampshire’s winters and grow faster in winter if properly cared for. For herbs, consider rosemary and thyme, which are fairly hardy and can survive the chill.
Pansies and violas are flowers that offer vibrant hues even in the cold. Finally, dwarf blueberry and cranberry bushes are great additions if you want to grow some fruits. These selections are low maintenance and perfectly suited to thrive even in harsh winter, offering visual beauty and practical utility.
Easy Container Plants for Shade in New Hampshire
If your garden is graced with more shade than sunlight, fret not. Impatiens and begonias are some of the best flowers for window boxes in the shade. These bloom generously and are relatively simple to care for. Consider leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard for vegetables. Herbs such as mint, chives, and parsley also do well in shady areas. For fruit, strawberries can surprisingly tolerate shade and still produce juicy berries. Ferns are another low-maintenance option, offering lush greenery without the need for abundant sunlight.
Top Container Plants for Full Sun in New Hampshire During Summer
Summer in New Hampshire is an ideal time for container gardening, particularly for those spaces drenched in sunlight. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are among the best vegetables for container gardening in full sun. Basil, oregano, and sage are sun-loving herbs that thrive in planters.
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For flowers, petunias, geraniums, and zinnias are some of the best plants for planter boxes in full sun, offering vibrant colors and heady fragrances. Blueberries and raspberries can also be grown in containers and love the full sun, yielding delicious fruit in the summer season.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Container Plants for New Hampshire
First, the size of your container matters; small pots are perfect for herbs, while larger containers are better for vegetables and larger plants. Drainage is crucial for all plant types, so ensure your containers have adequate drainage holes. Lastly, pay attention to the soil type, as different plants have varying soil requirements for optimal growth.
Native and Adapted Container Plants for New Hampshire
Going local is always a wise choice when it comes to gardening. Native plants like aster and goldenrod can add a touch of New Hampshire’s natural beauty to your containers. Lowbush blueberries are native fruits that do well in pots, while sage and wild mint are local herbs that are both beautiful and useful. You can also put native ferns and grasses, like purple love grass, in pots, and they usually don’t get bothered by local bugs and illnesses as much.
Colorful Foliage Container Plants for New Hampshire
Foliage plants offer a fantastic alternative for those looking to go beyond flowers for a splash of color. Coleus and caladium both have stunning leaves that come in various hues. Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells, is another foliage plant with a striking leaf color. For herbs, consider purple basil or golden oregano to add color and flavor to your container garden. With its rainbow-colored stems, Swiss chard also makes a vibrant, edible addition. Finally, ornamental peppers can provide both colorful foliage and edible fruits.
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Low-Maintenance Container Plants for Winter in New Hampshire
Winter doesn’t have to be dormant for your garden, especially if you opt for low-maintenance options. Succulents like sedum and sempervivum are hardy and require little attention. Kale and chard are easy to grow and add a nutritious punch to your winter meals. Lavender and thyme are herbs that do well with neglect in terms of watering and overall care. For flowers, consider hardy snapdragons and pansies, which provide pops of color. Finally, dwarf varieties of apple trees can also thrive in containers and are relatively easy to manage during winter.
Low Maintenance Outdoor Potted Plants for New Hampshire
For a fuss-free container garden, several options require minimal care. Ornamental grasses like fountain grass are not only visually appealing but are also quite hardy. Perennials like daylilies and hostas can thrive in containers and are extremely low maintenance.
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Herbs like rosemary and mint require little attention but offer much in return, both in aroma and culinary use. Cacti and other succulents are also easy to maintain, requiring minimal watering and care. Finally, cherry tomatoes and radishes are some of the easiest vegetables to grow in pots, making them perfect for those looking for a low-effort, high-reward garden.
Best Practices for Overwintering Container Plants in New Hampshire
Caring for your container plants doesn’t have to be daunting when winter sets in. Cover the soil with mulch to keep the roots warm and safe from the cold. Also, consider moving more delicate plants indoors or into a greenhouse for added protection. You may even wrap your outdoor containers in burlap or bubble wrap to provide extra insulation. Some plants may require less frequent watering, but don’t let the soil dry out completely; remember, a dormant plant is not a dead plant. Check regularly for pests and diseases, as a stressed plant is more susceptible to these issues.
Drought-Tolerant Container Plants for Full Sun in New Hampshire
Consider drought-tolerant plants if your container garden is located in a sun-soaked area and you want to conserve water. Lavender, sage, and thyme are well-adapted herbs to dry conditions. For vegetables, go for cherry tomatoes and peppers, which can tolerate less frequent watering. Portulaca and sedum are flowers that are not only beautiful but also very drought-tolerant. For fruits, consider dwarf varieties of figs or pomegranates. These plants are well-suited for New Hampshire’s summer and are relatively low maintenance, requiring less water than most.
Best Container Plants for Vegetables, Flowers, Herbs, and Fruits in New Hampshire
| Category | Best Container Plants in New Hampshire |
| Vegetables | Tomatoes, Lettuce, Peppers, Kale, Spinach, Cucumbers, Collards, Swiss Chard, Radishes, Carrots |
| Flowers | Pansies, Violas, Petunias, Geraniums, Zinnias, Impatiens, Begonias, Portulaca, Snapdragons, Sedum |
| Herbs | Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Mint, Chives, Parsley, Lavender, Golden Oregano |
| Fruits | Dwarf Blueberry, Dwarf Cranberry, Strawberries, Raspberries, Dwarf Fig, Dwarf Pomegranate |
Conclusion
Container gardening in New Hampshire offers both novice and experienced gardeners endless possibilities. Whether you’re looking to grow vibrant flowers, fresh vegetables, or aromatic herbs, there’s a plant perfectly suited for your needs and conditions. So grab those containers and start your gardening journey today!
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