Patio/container gardening in Oklahoma City

Question

I’m on a second floor balcony, 20 feet x 10, sun from approx. 9am – noon or 1 pm. Afternoon heat can get brutal here. What would be the best plants to grow and what type of containers should I use? I had very little success last summer.

Thank you, Teri hayden

Answer 1

As long as you stick to plants that can take the heat, you should be okay. This article has a nice variety of recommendations for plants that can take heat and drought. Pay special attention to the container section: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/drought-tolerant-perennials.htm

As far as container selection goes, stay away from dark colors. You'd be amazed how much those things can heat up in the sun. Clay and terra cotta containers dry out quickly, too. Plastic and stone are good choices. Opt for bigger containers - they dry out less quickly. And consider using water retention crystals to keep things moist: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/water-crystals-in-potting-soil.htm