To plant in containers, follow these 8 steps: 

Step 1 The best soil for container plantings is commercial potting mix sold by the bag at most hardware stores, home centres and garden centres. This soil is generally richer, cleaner, more insect- and disease- free, and lighter in consistency than soil found in the ground. Step 2 Plants cannot survive in waterlogged soil, they must have good 'drainage' to keep their roots healthy. All containers must have drainage holes in the bottom. Step 3 Choose containers deep enough for the plants you wish to feature (check-planting instructions on the plant label).

Step 4 Fill the pot one-quarter to one-third deep with soil, position plants at the proper depth (read planting instructions that come with the plants). Fill in additional soil up to one-inch below the pot top. This extra space at the top provides room for mulch if needed, plus allows room for watering. Step 5 In autumn you can even plant more layers in one container to have a spring garden in one pot. This is called the ‘lasagne-technique’. You either choose bulbs, which flower one after another, this way you can get 100-days of bloom in one container. Or you choose to have two type of flower bulbs to flower at the same time. Step 6 You can display the planted container as is, or sink it into another more decorative outer container. When 'double potting' be sure that water won't collect at the base and 'drown' the inner pot. If water does collect, drain it as needed. A good trick; elevate the inner pot by placing it upon a brick or inverted plant saucer positioned inside the outer pot.

Step 7 Among good containers to try are: terracotta pots, plastic planters, moulded fibreglass planters, wooden half-barrels, wicker baskets, ceramic pots, old wooden wagons and wheelbarrows, and even tires. Step 8 Group pots together for greater visual effect, and to minimise watering labour.