1. To get started, first choose a container that will withstand freezing temperatures. Frost proof containers are often made of metal, wood or masonry, but an inexpensive choice for winter plants is plastic or resin containers. Unlike ceramic or terra cotta pots that often crumble when exposed to freezing temperatures, plastic containers are better able to expand and contract against harsh freezing weather. Make sure there is a drainage hole in the bottom. If not, it is easy to drill a small hole through resin or plastic material with a drill bit. 2. Fill the container half-full with a high quality soil mix that contains moisture absorbing peat and sphagnum moss. Winter can be especially drying to soil in containers. Add water-retaining polymer granules to your soil mixture. Layer on more soil and you're ready to plant!
3. Use large heads of ornamental cabbage. It will provide a focal point for your container. Start positioning other plants around the cabbage and pay careful attention to combining big and small plants. An ornamental chard, acorus grass and variegated sage adds height so place it toward the back of the container. If you've never used chard or acorus grass, it's readily available at most garden stores during the fall season.
4. From big, go small, using accent plants like pansies in the front. Pansies are good because they add a dash of bright color and come in so many colors. Don't worry about them getting damaged in cold weather. They survive to bloom even after a heavy frost.
5. Finish off with ivy -- and lots of it. Ivy is great to use for trailing over the edge of the container and withstands cold temperatures beautifully. An added benefit to growing cabbage, chard and even pansies in the winter is that you have a ready supply of edible garnish for your holiday dishes!
