​PLANTER BOX GARDENING 101:
CHOOSING WHAT TO GROW

When choosing what to grow in your planter box garden, it's important to consider what will do well in your region - and what will simply set you up for disappointment. 

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For example, I live in the high desert of the United States. Our humidity is always relatively low and sunshine abounds - especially in the late days of summer. Therefore, I've learned the hard way that moisture-loving tropical plants do not do well in my area. 

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I've tried to grow citrus trees indoors, wisteria flowers on a trellis outdoors, and several family favorites from my mom who lives in Minnesota.  They were all very high maintenance; in fact, too high maintenance for my taste.  After many frustrating months of trying to keep them alive, I surrendered. 

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There are some plants that are simply too difficult to grow out of their comfort Zones. 

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How can you tell what will do well in your climate? 

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1) Listen to the locals.

When I moved from the East Coast to the Western US, I spent time asking questions and listening for trends in what the local gardeners were talking about. At work, at the grocery store - I heard people talking about their tomatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, and onions. I didn't hear them talking about their corn, their watermelons, or their lemon trees. 

 

There is excellent local wisdom to help guide you to what will do well - and what will simply break your heart. 

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2) Visit a nearby nursery. Whether it's a visit to Home Depot or to the locally-owned and operated nursery, there is wisdom to be gained wherever plants are sold. 

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I am a huge advocate for shopping at the locally-owned nursery. I have met several "gardener friends" at places like this - and many of them are the employees! They're both passionate about gardening, and about you growing your plants with success! 

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Every time I visit a local nursery, I find someone whom will answer my questions and point me in the right direction. I've gained a ton of information through these chats - including what grows with ease. 

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A word of caution, though. Depending on where you live, stores like Home Depot or Lowe's may not be the best place to see what grows well in your climate.

 

You see, in my state, there is a "wet side of the state" and a "dry side of the state". Plants are grown in greenhouses and outdoors where there is lots of precipitation, then shipped to my area for sale. Depending on where you live, you may not find this stark contract in your stores. I encourage you to be curious about where nursery plants are grown and ask yourself if they're ready for your climate, too. 

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3) Explore the native plants. If you want to know what grows well in your region, look no further than to native plants. Once established, these plants require nothing more than Mother Nature to meet their needs.

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In my backyard flower garden, you'll find a range of native flowers that thrive in my part of the state. Though they needed a little extra water and protection from trampling dogs at the beginning, they now return year after year with ease. 

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To find native plants, simply search your area for a native nursery. (Ex. Google "native nursery near me") These are often small but mighty nurseries that help with local restoration projects. 

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4) Join Facebook groups for local gardeners. This is my favorite tip for learning all there is to know about growing in your area. Over 50,000 people strong, my region has a huge membership on our gardening group. Most people are passive readers of what others' post - and for good reason. I have learned a ton from simply reading the questions, celebrations, and teachings on my local Facebook gardening group. 

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So join a local Facebook gardening group - and turn on the Notifications. Within one year, you'll have gained a ton of knowledge, and perhaps a few friends, too.