When choosing plant containers for your yard, appearance is certainly important. Whether it's a plain terra cotta pot, a fancy urn, or an old bucket, you want it to enhance the area where it's placed.
There are some qualities other than looks to consider when selecting containers. Here's a checklist to help you pick the right one to fit your needs.
Provide Drainage
If excess water can't escape from a container, plant roots suffocate, die, and rot. So be sure your container has at least one drainage hole in the bottom. If it doesn't, you can usually drill one.
Get the Right Size
A container that's too small may stunt the growth of your plants and inhibit blooms; plus you'll have to water more frequently. One that's too big may retain more moisture than the plant likes.
Fit the Shape to the Plant
Taller containers are important for plants that have deep roots or grow long taproots instead of a system of fibrous roots that spread through the soil. Taller containers also drain better.
Check the Construction
Pots are made of many different materials, and each has advantages and disadvantages.
- The classic terra cotta is typically inexpensive, but is porous enough that moisture evaporates through it. Because the pores hold moisture in the winter, you'll need to move terra cotta containers to a frost-free spot if you have freezing winter weather.
- Plastic containers are also common and come in an almost endless array of colors, shapes, and sizes. Plastic is lightweight and doesn't break as easily as terra cotta.
- Metal containers are attractive, natural, and durable, but may be damaged by fertilizer salts over time. Also, metal containers can heat up the potting mix and overheat plant roots if left in the sun.
- Wood is another popular natural material, and it can be left outdoors in freezing weather. Except for rot-resistant woods like redwood and cedar, wood containers need to be sealed or lined with plastic.
- Concrete is often used to make large containers, which makes them heavy. It is weather resistant and will develop a natural worn look over time.
- Many newer containers are made from polystyrene foam, resin, or fiberglass made to look like stone or other natural materials. These are lightweight but sturdy, and most can be left outdoors year-round in most climates.
No matter what kind of container you choose, don't use native soil from your yard for potting. Fill the pot with a quality potting mix that has rich organic ingredients to provide a healthy growing environment for your plants.
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