CONTAINERS AND CONTAINER MATERIAL
Interesting containers often make plants more picturesque, and the varieties available are almost endless. Colour, size and texture are important, but the most important consideration when choosing a container is whether it has adequate drainage holes. If you choose an attractive pot without provision for drainage, use a system of “double potting.” This requires that you pot the plant in a container that has drainage holes, and then place it on gravel inside the pot without drainage holes.
Container size is also important. Outdoor container plants, especially rapidly growing ones such as dry season flowering annuals, need adequate space for root development. Small pots restrict root growth, which causes limited top growth. The end result is fewer flowers.
While small 6-inch flower pots are often used, gardeners should think in terms of containers holding several gallons of potting mixture. These produce the most attractive plants and by far the most flowers. They also do not require such frequent watering.
Nursery containers offer potential for container gardening. They are easy to find, economical and come in a variety of sizes ranging from 2 to 15 gallons. Containers ranging in size from 3 to 7 gallons are commonly used.
Heavy fibre pots are quite acceptable. They are attractive, reasonably priced and will last an entire season if not placed directly on the soil.
Termite damage is likely if fibre pots are in direct contact with the soil.
The container material is also a factor to consider when choosing your vessel. Some of the most common options are highlighted below.
Plastic or resin is lightweight, inexpensive, and durable. But these materials can also become over saturated, causing root disease. It’s also worth noting that the standard black plastic or resin pot absorbs more heat, so if you are putting a container in a hot, sunny location, choose a lighter colour instead.
Terra cotta or clay pots are a popular option for those who live in wetter coastal climates. Terra cotta pots dry much quicker than plastic (and smaller pots dry out more quickly than larger ones), which helps control associated moisture diseases.
A downside is that they are heavy, breakable, and need to be emptied or protected in locations that freeze in the winter.
Glazed clay pots offer a wide range of colour and size providing significant impact in any space. However, like the plastic or resin, clay pots can become saturated with water causing root disease and also need to be emptied or protected in winter.
Eco pots or fibre pots have a high porosity and breathe well, which promotes healthy root growth, particularly for vegetables. These pots can be made from coconut coir, pressed paper or other grain husks, each with its own life span.
A primary benefit being that these pots will degrade naturally with little impact on the environment by contributing to the landfill at the end of their lifespan.
Wood is the most common planter material for raised beds or planter boxes. Mostly constructed with cedar, wood is beautiful, easy to build and can be made to any size or shape. One of the disadvantages for wood is that wood can rot, making it more attractive to the pill bug which also likes to feed on plant material.
Glass or plastic terrariums are meant to provide a moist, humid environment for tropicals and a beautifully unique way to create a lush environment in a small space. The terrarium can be created using an old aquarium, a large vase or clear bottle. Given that drainage cannot be added, over-saturation can be an issue encouraging rot and gnats. Ensure that the base of the vessel has a sufficient layer of coarse gravel and a thin layer of charcoal to alleviate these potential problems.
Uncommon vessels like metal buckets, washtubs, old boots, boats, baskets, sinks, bathtubs, wheelbarrows, and even toilets can be used to personalise your landscape. With the addition of holes for water drainage, transforming these non-conventional containers to a planter requires little else.
Metal buckets
Metal containers can be beautiful, but they easily transfer heat and cold to roots in contact with the interior walls. Extreme temperatures can scorch or frost roots and damage the plants, so it is a good idea to keep metal containers out of sunny locations. Karen also recommends lining them with bubble wrap (pierced in several areas to allow for water drainage). You will not see the bubble wrap once the pot is filled, but the plants will appreciate the insulation.
Washtubs
Old boots:
Old Boats
Baskets
Sinks
Bathtubs
Wheel barrows
Old toilets:
Old bottles
Barrels: Barrels can easily be transformed in vertical gardens with a lot of fresh food.
Sacks
Bags
