At a time when garden soil is still far too cold to grow much of anything, the potting soil in containers can absorb plenty of sun for growing plants. Many spring container gardens are planted with ...

Many container gardens fail before a single plant goes in. The pots are too small, the plants are impulse buys, and the overall effect – despite good intentions – feels mismatched or short-lived.

Cool-weather flowers like pansies and cineraria add bright color to early spring pots. Foliage plants like oxalis and coral bells handle chilly temps and fill containers easily. Herbs and leafy greens ...