Each spring, when the foothills turn green and snow in the Wasatch melts a little higher up the slopes, thousands of winter-weary valley residents drag old, battered wheelbarrows across their lawns and patios to begin “The Annual Reawakening.” Sinking their hands into bags of loamy potting mix, they scoop and sift the rich, earthy promise of new growth, and begin filling well-worn terracotta pots. Some are chipped and weathered; all are well-loved from years of careful tending.
Most container gardeners begin modestly: A cherry tomato plant in a five-gallon bucket by the back door. Potatoes in a thrift store laundry basket. The yield might be humble — four tomatoes, a few misshapen potatoes — but the joy is immediate and unforgettable.
Utah’s growing season is as unpredictable as our spring storms — sunshine one moment flurries the next. Containment gardening isn’t just practical for urban dwellers, renters, or anyone with more patio than a plot of land. It is personal, portable, and perfectly adapted to Utah’s many microclimates. Raised beds may be the dream, but containers are the realists’ delight.
“I grow rosemary in clay pots that breathe in the dry Salt Lake air, and leafy greens in the shade of my patio awning. Strawberries hang in baskets, tempting the robins. Peppers thrive in recycled wine barrels from a local winery. And every year, my ‘soil recipe’ evolves — compost from kitchen scraps, vermiculite, coconut coir,” said Kathleen Forsey, a longtime Millcreek Gardens employee who’s worked her way from bedding plants to houseplants to buyers of all things pottery. Whether she needs fresh inspiration or just a bit of garden therapy — she heads to the garden shop to visit with her colleagues.
Tucked away on 33rd South, this family-owned nursery feels more like a sanctuary than a store. You’re greeted like an old friend. The staff doesn’t just know plants — they speak their language. It’s where you can discover dwarf lemon balm, paired with creeping Jenny and blue salvia in a single pot, and where you can learn just how much joy you can fit in twelve inches of glazed ceramic.
“We love container gardens,” says Forsey. “They’re a fun, flexible way to add color and life to patios, porches — anywhere you might not be able to plant in the ground.”
Forsey should know. She’s entering her twelfth year at Millcreek, and her passion is contagious. “The biggest mistake I see,” she says, “is overwatering. You can kill a plant faster with love than neglect.” Her advice? Water in the mornings, check soil moisture with your finger, and don’t fertilize too early after transplanting — plants need time to adjust.
As Tanaya Moss, Millcreek Graden’s container gardening expert explained to me, “Container gardening is an art form. One that has its own roadmap: the beloved “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” method.”
- Thriller: The bold, vertical centerpiece. Try Cordyline, Calla Lilies, or Hellebores (which can later be planted in the yard).
- Filler: Lush, colorful companions like pansies, begonias, or primrose.
- Spiller: Trailing plants that cascade over the edge — think creeping Jenny, sweet potato vine, or the whimsical Johnny Jump-Ups.
Another option for the Thriller, Chiller, and Spiller method is to use herbs. Grab your 12” glazed pot and plant away. The younger generation of gardeners like this because it’s all edible.
- Thriller: Rosemary keeps on growing tall even after you’ve snipped it off for your dinner plate.
- Filler: Parsley, and of course basil, maybe a flowering nasturtium.
- Spiller: Think Thyme, whimsical Johnny Jump-Ups with a few Pansies in the beginning.
“Younger gardeners love edible arrangements,” Forsey shares. “In a 12” glazed pot, plant rosemary in the center. Surround it with parsley, basil, and maybe oregano or tarragon. Add thyme along the edges — it’ll spill beautifully. And don’t forget the flowers — nasturtiums are edible and gorgeous.”
Container gardening tips from Millcreek Gardens
- Pick the right pot. Classic terracotta is charming but dries out quickly in our Utah summers. Glazed ceramic holds moisture better. Plastic and fiberglass are lightweight and ideal for balcony gardens.
- Choose quality soil. All dirt is not created equal. Millcreek Gardens recommends FoxFarm potting mix — it is rich, well-draining, and perfect for herbs and veggies.
- Mind your exposure. East or southeast-facing spots offer gentle morning sun. Know your space — shade lovers need a different combo than heat-loving annuals.
- Fertilize smart. A rooting and bloom-boosting fertilizer helps promote healthy growth and blossoms, but only after plants are established. Remember, there are different types of fertilizers so ask which one you should be using.
- Water consistently. From June through August, containers typically need water daily, especially if they’re in 10” to 16” pots in full sun.
- And here’s the thing: even if your tomato plant flops or your mint bolts, it’s okay. “There’s no failure in gardening,” Forsey says. “It’s trial and error. Mother Nature always has her own plans.”
Feature Image: Owner LaRene Bautner and her daughter Heidi Orme. Photos by Dung Hoang.
