Being a transplanted Iowa farm boy I was familiar with field corn, soybeans, alfalfa and farm animals. Now in our country home in Victoria, I had to deal with country critters such as raccoons, 'possums, armadillos, deer and a few others. I decided pottery gardening on my new deck was a more protected area to grow flowers and vegetables.

Pots expanded gardening opportunities

My early efforts at pottery gardening included using quart to one-gallon size containers with various flowers lined up around the deck rails. A deck rail lined with small flower pots around a huge deck was missing something obvious - and that was significant plants. After going through the Victoria County Master Gardener training, I began buying large five- to 15-gallon decorative pots and large wooden barrels to expand my plant selection.

• Plants work well in pots on deck

I started by growing key lime trees, herb garden, camellia, gardenia, hibiscus and other shrubs. I now have a deck full of every kind of flower, herb, shrub, vegetable, tree and decorative plant.

• Most vegetables can be grown in pots

I found that nearly any vegetable grown in the ground can be grown in a pot if the soil depth is adequate.

Exceptions include tomato as well as vining plants, such as squash, watermelon and sweet potato, which require more expansive root area. Cherry tomato does work in a large enough pot. Some invasive plants, such as mint, should be grown in separate pots.

My pottery vegetable and herb garden includes Swiss chard, kale, sage, rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, bell pepper, poblano pepper, jalapeno, habanero and other hot peppers.

• Garden art adds to variety of pots

Mixing plants according to color, leaf, texture, shape and size can add variety to your patio or deck by grouping garden art with them

Garden art is limited only by your imagination. Birds and animals are fun, as are various statues and antique items. You can personalize your area by changing arrangements from time to time.

Requirements for growing plants in pots

Keep in mind four things that are needed to grow significant plants in pots. They include:

1. Select a large container of 5 gallons or more.

2. Depth of soil should be at least a minimum of 12 inches.

3. Use quality potting soil with some organic material.

4. Mulch on top of soil for moisture retention, weed control and temperature moderation.

• More frequent watering required

Roots of plants in containers are subject to the heat of the sun and outside air temperature. They will require more frequent watering depending on the type plant and the material in the pot. Plastic does not insulate as well as clay or some artificial materials. If a pot is exposed to direct sun it will likely need extra water no matter what it is made of.

• Inspires creativity

Pottery gardening is fun, makes you feel productive and gives you an opportunity to use your personality and creative ability. If you do not feel very creative, just move some pots around and group some plants differently and you may surprise yourself.

• Can complement landscape

Pottery gardening can be a complement to your landscape garden around your house. Some garden art used in your pottery garden can be moved to the landscape for a different look. Since you can grow nearly any plant in containers, why not combine pottery and landscape for a different look and feel in your yard?

Variety is the spice of life, and spice may be growing in your garden. Learn from the Master Gardeners like I did in the training course, symposiums, and Lunch and Learn sessions; it will significantly reduce your errors and increase your overall knowledge and success.

What can you grow in a pot? Nearly anything you can imagine, so start imagining and have a great time in the garden.

The Gardeners' Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or vcmga@vicad.com.