Container gardening doesn’t just make fresh food and flowers possible in small spaces—it’s also a chance to garden smarter and greener. Choosing eco-friendly pots can reduce waste, support sustainability, and still give your plants everything they need to thrive. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 Traditional plastic pots often crack in the sun, end up in landfills, and can leach chemicals into the soil. By switching to sustainable materials, you’re not just helping your plants—you’re helping the planet, too. 🌱 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝟏. 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐚 & 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐬 * Natural, breathable, and timeless * Keep roots cooler in warm weather * Downside: can dry out faster, so monitor watering 𝟐. 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 * Rustic and durable, especially with cedar or redwood * Can be lined to prevent rotting * Great for larger container gardens 𝟑. 𝐅𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐬 * Lightweight and reusable * Excellent root aeration = healthier plants * Fold flat for easy storage in the off-season 𝟒. 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐝 & 𝐔𝐩𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 * Buckets, crates, tin cans, and even old boots can become planters * Low-cost and creative * Make sure to drill drainage holes 𝟓. 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐬 * Made from materials like coconut coir, peat, or rice husks * Great for seedlings—plant directly in the soil without disturbing roots * Naturally break down over time 𝟔. 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 * Recycled galvanized tubs or steel planters are long-lasting * Add a modern or farmhouse look * Watch for heat in full sun (line or shade if needed) * 🍂 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐩 As you swap out summer blooms for fall plants like mums, kale, and ornamental grasses, consider trying at least one eco-friendly container. Small swaps add up over time! 🌟 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 Eco-friendly containers combine style, function, and sustainability. Whether you love the earthy look of clay, the convenience of fabric bags, or the creativity of upcycling, there’s a planet-friendly option for every gardener. 👉 What’s the most creative container you’ve ever used? Share your eco-friendly container ideas with the group!

Glad to be joining The Potted Garden Society. I've been gardening since I was 4. I decided to delve in to growing food this year, but have grown herbs for 16 and flowers for 52 years. I was 8 when I rescued my first houseplant.

Fall may feel like the end of the growing season, but for perennial herbs, it’s just the beginning. Planting them now gives roots time to establish before winter, so they’ll come back stronger and fuller in the spring. If you love cooking with fresh herbs, fall planting is the secret to a head start! 🌱 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝟏. 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 Mild onion flavor, easy to grow, and perfect for sprinkling on soups, salads, and potatoes. Chives are hardy and bounce back quickly in spring. 𝟐. 𝐓𝐡𝐲𝐦𝐞 Low-growing, fragrant, and excellent for seasoning meats and vegetables. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in containers. 𝟑. 𝐎𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐨 A Mediterranean classic, oregano brings bold flavor to sauces and pizzas. Hardy and fast-spreading, so give it room! 𝟒. 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐭 Refreshing for teas, desserts, and cocktails. Best grown in its own container since it can spread aggressively. 𝟓. 𝐒𝐚𝐠𝐞 A fall favorite with earthy flavor, great for roasts and holiday dishes. Its silvery leaves also add beauty to container gardens. 𝟔. 𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐦 Bright citrus scent, wonderful for teas and pollinator-friendly. Can handle cooler temps and self-seeds easily. 🪴 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: Choose at least 10–12” deep pots with good drainage. 𝐒𝐨𝐢𝐥: Use a well-draining mix; herbs dislike soggy roots. 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: Place in a sunny location—6+ hours daily for best growth. 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞: Mulch or move containers closer to the house to protect roots. 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐬: You might not harvest much this fall, but come spring, you’ll be rewarded with lush, flavorful herbs. 🌼 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 Planting perennial herbs in fall is like giving yourself a gift for next year. By spring, your containers will be bursting with fresh flavors ready for your kitchen. 👉 Which perennial herb is a must-have in your garden? Share your favorites (and recipes!) with the group!

This week’s spotlight goes to 🌿 @GreenThumbGail 🌿 for her creative kitchen container garden! She turned old mason jars into mini herb pots — lining them on her sunny windowsill with basil, mint, and parsley. 🌱 Not only do they look beautiful, but they make dinner prep extra fresh! ✨ Let’s give Gail some love in the comments — and share your own creative container ideas too! 💬 What’s the most unusual container you’ve used for planting? (We’ve seen everything from teapots to old boots — let’s see if anyone can top that! 😄)