These Are Martha Stewart's Top Tips for Container Gardening

If anyone knows all about container gardening, it's Martha. In Martha Knows Best, she shares her top tips for planting pots and how to create a visually appealing garden using planters.

Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money off these affiliate links. Learn more.
August 10, 2020

Martha Stewart has hundreds of potted plants on her 150+ acre farm, so if anyone knows how to master planting containers, it's Martha. On Martha Knows Best, she shares tips on how to plant pots and create a visually appealing outdoor space using containers. Below, we share our favorite tips and planters from Martha's collection on Amazon.

Martha Stewart's farm, as seen on Martha Knows Best.

Martha Stewart's farm, as seen on Martha Knows Best

Martha Stewart's farm, as seen on Martha Knows Best

How Martha Plants Pots

Make sure you have planters, bubble wrap, clay shards, landscape cloth, soil, plants, fertilizer and spacers.

First, add a layer of bubble wrap to the bottom of the planter. This will fill the planter so you don't have to add as much soil. Next, place gravel or clay shards to help with drainage. Add a layer of landscape cloth on top of that. (It lets water drain but prevents soil from passing through the drainage holes of the container. Plus, it prevents the container from deteriorating.) Add the soil and plants, and use a hori-hori knife to push the landscape cloth down into the container. Sprinkle some organic fertilizer on top and finish with gravel or other decorative rocks and pebbles. Lastly, hide spacers underneath the container for extra drainage.

Martha's Method for Creating a Beautiful Potted Planter

To create a visually-appealing planted container, Martha suggests using the "Thrill, Fill and Spill" method.

Thrill: Add an eye-catching plant that will be the focal point.
Fill: Add smaller plants that add mass and color.
Spill: Add plants that spill over the edges of the container.

To complete your garden, Martha suggests using containers in the same color family and adding them on both sides of pathways, stairs and throughout your outdoor space. Check out our favorite planters from Martha's collection, available on Amazon.

Shop Faux Bois Planters

Shop Gray Planters

$39.58 - $74.37
Amazon
$48.63 - $73
Amazon

Shop Terracotta Planters

Shop More Gardening Products

Next Up

The Best Container Gardening Planters and Beds for Healthy, Thriving Plants

From vertical towers to raised metal beds, these are the top containers for growing vegetables, herbs and flowers.

3 Foolproof Container Gardening Combos That Always Look Expensive

These foolproof container garden combinations use simple, easy-to-find plants and designer-approved formulas to create lush porch and patio planters that look far more expensive than they are.

7 Container Gardening Hacks for Stunning Blooms, According to a Professional Gardener

Get easy, expert tips to make flowers thrive while saving your time, money and soil.

These Frost-Resistant Plants Add Instant Color to Your Outdoor Containers

Find five of the best frost-resistant flowers and foliage plants for colorful outdoor containers.

10 Self-Care Tips for Safe and Happy Gardening

From storing chemicals safely to wearing the proper attire, these 10 gardening safety tips will help you to care for yourself as you care for your garden.

Top-Rated Gardening Buys You Need Now, According to Amazon Shoppers

These tried-and-true lawn and garden products are backed by thousands of positive customer reviews.

The Best Self-Watering Containers for African Violets

Keep your African violets happy and blooming with these self-watering pots that do the hard work for you.

The Best Storage Containers for Christmas Decorations

Protect and preserve your precious holiday decor with our favorite boxes, bins and bags for storing ornaments, lights, wreaths and more.

The Best Plant Stands for Indoor Plants

Elevate your botanical display with these freshly picked plant stands.

10 Top-Rated Mailboxes for Security and Style

You've got mail! Keep it safe with one of these bestselling mailbox designs.