Container gardening is a great way to create spots of color and add life to your home. As you pull out your pots and start your spring plantings, here are a few tips:
1. Never use a dirty container- harmful organisms can linger inside. Rinse it with 1/4 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water. Allow to dry.
2. Start wtih a quality soil mix, not garden or topsoil.
3. Ensure adequate drainage. Few plants will thrive in waterlogged soi so its important that containers have at least one drainage hole at the bottom.
4. Provide sufficient water. Soil in containers tends to dry out quickly. To test, stick your finger in the soil up to your second knuckle.
5. Know when to repot. If you see roots poking out of drainage holes, it is time for a bigger pot.
Elephant's ears love jungle like weather so they'll thrive anywhere summers are hot. However, they like to have moist soil so that is a big consideration here in SA with our seemingly never ending drought. A container is the easiest way to provide ideal growing conditions for elephant's ears with frequent watering.. In beds, plant in areas that remain constantly wet like near a backyard pond or stream. Foliage will die back in the fall but bulbs will survive in the ground if they are mulched. 
