Container Gardening on the Outer Banks

Sandy soil is no problem when you plant a container garden on the Outer Banks

Living on sand has its advantages as a homeowner, like it’s super fast and easy to dig planting holes. But it takes some getting acclimated to find out what grows and what doesn’t on this sandbar we call home, the Outer Banks. Luckily we found a little secret and you won’t have to spend a ton of money on topsoil and planting mix, but can still have a great coastal garden… using containers. Container gardening adds versatility to our coastal landscape, plus it’s fun!

Discover some easy ways to add a pop of color to your beach house without breaking the bank. Plants can add instant texture and color and accent the already beautiful focal points in your beach house. You can place pots on the ground, on pedestals (if they are heavy enough to handle our regular offshore sea breezes), hang them from porch columns or even as a window box. Your beach theme doesn’t have to end inside, why not bring it outside? Outdoors are important to us on the Outer Banks, as that is where we love to entertain and share time together with family and friends. 

1. | DECK GARDENS

Herbs love the warm sun, so your top deck is excellent for growing a container of herbs

The warm and sunshine found on your deck is perfect for creating herb container gardens. If you have multiple decks on your home, choose a convenient place nearest your kitchen or grilling area so you can just step out and snip fresh herbs. Favorites include basil, chives, thyme and other herbs that go well with grilling and chilling at the beach. Think about using these herbs in the fresh seafood you or your friends may catch or buy locally.  

See these best tips for successful container gardening: 10 Container Garden Tips for Beginners.

2. | STAIRWAY GARDENS

Step the plants up to your front door or back deck

Consider arranging groups of pots in both small and large sizes on your stairway. Cluster pots or baskets with varying plants like colorful annuals for pops of color in each season. These are easy to switch around when they grow or repot and replace. 

3. | FRONT DOOR GARDENS

Add taylor-made drama to your main entry by adorning it with oversized pots

Place a pair of large pots on either side of your main entry door, add a variety of plants short and tall, differing in texture will create interest and a warm welcome to your guests. Use dwarf evergreens, perennials, succulents like hen-and-chicks. Try to use different shades of green to create contrast. Your houseplants might even like some cool summer shade and fresh air found outdoors. 

4. | FRONT PORCH GARDENS

Front porch container gardens can be anything you want, change out seasonally like these pretty rose’s for Mother’s Day

Porches are especially fun for container gardening. You can plant or hang plants that are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. There is nothing quite as delightful as watching these stunning creatures harvest nectar from your blooms. Use whatever furniture as props in your front porch gardening like chairs, baskets, driftwood, crab floats or sea shells. Let your imagination run wild!

5. | BACKYARD GARDENS

Use a raised bed or large planters to grow your own “farm fresh” vegetables in your backyard

Sandy soil might make it difficult to plant some vegetables without a ton prep spent in your yard, so a raised bed container is ideal. It’s also easier to cover and protect from local wildlife who may stop by to forage, like deer, rabbits and raccoons. Vegetable crops grow well with the Outer Banks abundant sunshine and summer showers.  

According to the N.C. State University Cooperative Extension the following vegetables can grow well in our area: 

April 

• Plant as seeds: Sweet corn, kale, leeks, radishes, spinach, turnips, sunflowers 
• Plant as transplants: Collage greens, kale, leeks 

May 

• Plant as seeds: Beans, melons, okra, peanuts, peas 
• Plant as transplants: Eggplants, melons, okra, tomatoes, peppers 

June 

• Plant as seeds: Cucumbers, basil, pumpkins, squash 
• Plant as transplants: Cucumbers, basil, sweet potatoes, squash  

Learn more about planting vegetable and cover crops in this article: Vegetable Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide .

BONUS

Keep an eye out for local plant sales like here from The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo

Keep an eye on local Facebook Marketplace pages with seasonal plant sales like the Baum Center in Kill Devil Hills, Sander’s Farms in Jarvisburg (also great for blueberry picking and plants), The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, and others selling locally cultivated plants at farmers markets in Dare and Currituck Counties.

If you’re interested in learning more about gardening, rain barrels, plant sales, workshops, or becoming a Master Gardener, there is a wealth of information on the N.C. Extension Currituck County website.  

CONTACT US

If you’re interested in building, buying or selling a home or vacation rental investment property on the Outer Banks, give the knowledgeable SAGA Realty & Construction Sales Team a call anytime at 252.301.3090. We have model homes in Corolla and Kill Devil Hills available 11-4 daily for you to tour.

Search all available Outer Banks properties on the link below.