34 Tall Garden Troughs to Tickle Your Creative Bone

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Looking to add some height and style to your garden? Tall garden troughs are a great way to do just that! These versatile containers can transform any outdoor space, big or small. Tall garden troughs let you grow plants at eye level, making them easier to care for and enjoy.

You can use tall troughs to create stunning displays of flowers, herbs, or even small trees. They work well on patios, balconies, or as focal points in larger gardens. The best part? You can move them around to change up your space whenever you want.

Want to try something unique? Fill your tall trough with succulents for a low-maintenance garden that looks great all year. Or plant a mix of colorful annuals for a bright, cheerful display. You can even grow vegetables in your trough – imagine fresh tomatoes or peppers right outside your door!

Designing Your Tall Garden Troughs

Tall garden troughs offer a unique way to add style and greenery to your outdoor space. They’re versatile, eye-catching, and perfect for small areas or patios.

Selecting the Right Trough

When choosing your tall garden trough, think about size and material. Metal troughs give a modern look, while stone or concrete ones feel more classic. Pick a size that fits your space – not too big, not too small.

Make sure your trough has drainage holes. If it doesn’t, drill some yourself. This stops water from pooling and hurting your plants’ roots.

Consider the weight too. Bigger troughs get heavy when filled with soil and plants. Put them where you want them before you start planting.

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Do not think you need to follow everybody’s ideas of what tall garden troughs should look like, do use your imagination and match the planters to your garden’s theme and color pallet, along with the plants you choose. See backyardmastery.com for more ideas. — source

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Matching Troughs with Garden Design

Your troughs should fit in with your garden's style. For a rustic look, try galvanized metal or wooden troughs. Want something sleek? Go for smooth concrete or shiny metal.

Think about color too. You can paint metal troughs to match your garden furniture or house. Or leave them natural for a more organic feel.

Group troughs of different heights for visual interest. Place taller ones at the back, shorter in front. This creates depth and makes your space look bigger.

Ideal Plants for Your Troughs

Choose plants that suit your trough's size and your climate. Tall plants like ornamental grasses or small trees work well in big troughs. For smaller ones, try herbs or flowers.

Succulents and sedums are great for sunny spots. They don't need much water and come in lots of colors and shapes. Mix different types for a fun, textured look.

Don't forget about trailing plants. They can spill over the edges of your trough, softening its lines. Ivy or cascading petunias are good options.

Remember to pick plants with similar needs. Don't mix sun-lovers with shade plants in the same trough. This way, all your plants will thrive together.

Maintaining Your Trough Gardens

Taking care of your tall garden troughs is key to keeping your plants healthy and thriving. Let's look at how to care for your plants and fix common problems.

Sustainable Plant Care

Water your trough gardens regularly, but don't overdo it. Check the soil moisture with your finger. If it's dry an inch down, it's time to water. Use a watering can with a long spout to reach all areas.

Fertilize your plants every few weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Mix it at half strength to avoid burning the roots.

Prune your plants to keep them in shape. Remove dead or yellowing leaves to keep your garden looking fresh. For succulents and sedums, pinch off any leggy growth to encourage bushiness.

Rotate your troughs every few weeks. This helps plants grow evenly and prevents them from leaning towards the sun.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pests can be a nuisance in trough gardens. Look out for aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you spot them, spray the plants with a mix of water and mild soap.

Overwatering is a common problem. If leaves turn yellow or mushy, you're watering too much. Let the soil dry out before watering again.

Root rot can occur in poorly draining soil. Make sure your troughs have drainage holes. Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage if needed.

Sunburn can happen to your plants. If leaves show brown spots, move the trough to a spot with less direct sun.

If plants outgrow their space, it's time to divide them. Gently remove the plant, separate the roots, and replant in fresh soil.