Have not done much the last couple years with the containers on the back deck in the middle of the lawn

This year I took four containers so far and placed a water reservoir bowl down far enough and then planted a perennial  in each container. I also mixed in water saving crystals in the potting mix. 

In my 3 x 4 foot elevated container I sprinkled water saver crystal in it and then planted radishes in it. They are up already.