• Go for holes. Plants do best in containers with good drainage. "You've got to have drainage," said Peggy Poore of Uncommon Gardens. "If you don't, your plants will drown."

• Before you plant, consider the site. Are you planting a two-dimensional window box or a freestanding container that will be seen from the street? Also, determine how much sun your container will get. That will help determine the plants you choose and how you arrange those plants.

• Limit the type of plants you put in a single container. Sure, you want a mix of colors, shapes and textures, but you don't want chaos in a container. "Don't go overboard with so many things," said Corrine du Prez of Gertens Greenhouses. Poore recommends no more than five different plants in one pot.

• Don't be afraid to use some unusual plants. While most gardeners pot up annuals, perennials can make the mix. "You can always plant them in the ground at the end of the season," said Terry Cohen of Halla Nurseries. Herbs, groundcovers and tropicals also work well in containers.

• As summer heats up, you may need to water containers daily. If it's especially hot and windy, you may need to water smaller containers twice a day. Fertilize with a water-based solution every two weeks.

• Be sure to trim any plants that get out of control or look straggly. You also can pull out any plants that fizzle and swap them for fresh replacements.

CONNIE NELSON