Container Gardening Tips for City Dwellers

Living in the city (or with limited outdoor space) doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of gardening. When we bought our house in 2017, almost everyone told me I’d never be able to grow anything on our rooftop patio. Well, have I proved them wrong! Every year our rooftop is bursting with thriving plants and blooms, granted I’ve also had to see some plants die a slow death, but I’ve learned a lot about plants that thrive in a hot, sunny environment. Today, I’m excited to share some container gardening tips and the top three plants that thrive in such conditions: Petunias, Succulents, and Sunflowers.

1. Petunias: Vibrant Blooms for Sunny Spaces

Petunias are a classic choice for container gardening, thanks to their vibrant blooms and ability to withstand hot, sunny conditions. These hardy annuals come in a variety of colors, from bold purples and pinks to soft pastels and whites, making them a versatile option for adding a pop of color to your rooftop patio. When planting petunias, be sure to choose a well-draining potting mix and place them in a sunny spot where they can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. Someone once called these “old lady” flowers but they thrive in these conditions and they also smell so nice.

@camillia.courts

Some watering ASMR for you #asmr #gardening #friendsreunion

♬ original sound – Camillia Courts

2. Succulents: Drought-Tolerant Beauties

Succulents are a must-have for any city gardener dealing with hot, sunny conditions. These water-wise plants come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a versatile and low-maintenance option for container gardening. From rosette-shaped Echeverias to trailing Sedums, there’s a succulent to suit every taste and style. Plant succulents in well-draining containers filled with a gritty succulent mix, and place them in a sunny spot where they can bask in the sun’s rays. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and be sure to protect them from frost during the colder months.

I like to plant Echeverias because of their desert-like beauty, but recently I’ve fallen in love with Hens and Chicks. They propagate so easily and fill in every pot I plant them in, and bonus! They survive the cold Canadian winters and I don’t have to re-purchase them every year. Don’t sleep on Hens and Chicks if you’re a newbie to container gardening!

3. Sunflowers: Tall and Cheerful Additions

For a touch of whimsy and charm, consider adding sunflowers to your rooftop garden. These tall and cheerful plants thrive in hot, sunny conditions, making them an excellent choice for city dwellers looking to make a statement. Choose a large container with plenty of room for root growth, and plant sunflower seeds directly into the soil once the danger of frost has passed. Place the container in a sunny spot where the sunflowers can receive full sun throughout the day, and water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. As they grow, provide support for the stalks to prevent them from toppling over in strong winds.

Here’s a tip: don’t go overboard with planting sunflowers everywhere. I learned this the hard way back in 2022. I scattered seeds all over, and next thing I knew, they were sprouting up in places I never intended! They just wouldn’t stop growing, even in spots where they shouldn’t be. While I loved the sunny vibe they brought, getting rid of them at the end of the season was quite the challenge. Lesson learned—I stick to just two containers for my sunflowers now.

@camillia.courts

In late April I planted sunflower seeds expecting a few small plants and thats not what I got 🌻🌻🌻#gardening #sunflowers #okanagan

♬ A tropical house that feels Summer vibes – Roa

In conclusion, container gardening offers city dwellers a simple and accessible way to bring the beauty of nature into their urban surroundings. By choosing plants that thrive in hot, sunny conditions, such as Petunias, Succulents, and Sunflowers, you can create a lush and vibrant rooftop oasis that brings joy and tranquility to your everyday life. So roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening gloves, and get ready to transform your rooftop patio into a lush urban garden that’s sure to impress.