Totally agree on lemon balm—it's way less invasive than mint, but it'll still sneak around if you're not careful. Couple quick tips:
- Containers are great, but keep an eye on drainage—mine got soggy fast.
- Mulch helps control spread if you do plant directly.
- Regular trimming actually keeps it bushy and fresh-looking.
"Containers are great, but keep an eye on drainage—mine got soggy fast."
Good point on drainage—I learned that lesson the hard way too. If you're working on a budget, you can save money by adding gravel or broken pottery at the bottom of containers to help with drainage instead of buying fancy inserts. Also, I found that spacing containers slightly elevated on bricks or wooden slats really helps airflow underneath and prevents sogginess. Small adjustments like these can make a pretty big difference over time...
Speaking of airflow and drainage, has anyone tried using those plant stands with wheels underneath? I've been thinking about getting a few to make moving containers around easier when cleaning or rearranging the patio. Not sure if they're sturdy enough for heavier pots though...anyone have experience with these things holding up over time, especially in rainy climates?
I've used those wheeled stands for a couple seasons now, and they're pretty handy for lighter pots. But honestly, heavier ceramic or concrete planters can be a bit much for them, especially after they've been sitting out in the rain for a while. The wheels tend to rust or jam up eventually. Maybe look into DIY-ing something sturdier with casters from the hardware store? Has anyone tried building their own heavy-duty plant dollies? Curious how that turned out...
Built one last summer using plywood and heavy-duty casters from Home Depot. Took maybe an hour tops, and it's held up great—even through winter. Definitely beats those flimsy store-bought ones that rust out after a few rains...
