Top 10 Tips for Using Garden Pots As A Container Garden
Container gardens have been around for quite some time and are gaining in popularity. In many instances, such as high-rise or apartment living, the only option for a garden is to place your plants in garden pots. Here is a short list of considerations on using garden pots in your own garden:
1. Choose the Proper Material
Garden pots can be made from a variety of materials. Some heavier, some more durable and some more stylish. By thinking about how the pots will be used, you can narrow down your options.
2. As a Matter of Fact, Size Does Matter
If you have your plants picked out (or at least an idea of what you are looking for), you will be able to determine how big your garden pots will have to be. As an example, small trees or tomato plants will require a larger pot simply because their root systems are bigger.
3. Add Variety to the Sizes of Pots
If you want your garden to "pop", then vary the sizes of the pots (and plants) you use. Scale your pots so the farther back they are, the larger they get.
4. Grouping Your Garden Pots
Add interest or a focal point to your garden by grouping smaller and mid-sized pots around a large pot.
5. Group Plants Requiring Similar Watering In Each Pot
This may seem obvious, but you shouldn't group a cactus requiring little water with a fern requiring daily watering.
6. Group Plants Requiring Similar Sunlight In Each Pot
Also, keep in mind how much sunlight your plants require. Pots heat up quickly and lose water when they are in direct sunlight so try to make sure they are in shade at least part of the day.
7. Choose Plants That Don't Require Much Watering
Since pots are relatively small, they tend to dry up pretty fast. Choosing plants that require less water will make your container garden easier to maintain and will also be more forgiving.
8. Proper Drainage Is Essential
Most pots come with drain holes in them. If they don't you will have to drill them yourself. Over the hole, place either a couple of layers of newspaper or a piece of broken pot to allow for drainage but keeping the soil from spilling out the bottom.
9. Add Waterproofing to Terracotta Pots
Terracotta left unsealed (on the inside of the pot) will soak up a lot of your plant's water before the plant does. Brush on a good water sealant to prevent this from happening.
10. Use a Good Potting Soil
Use potting soil instead of regular dirt. Potting soil is specially blended for the purpose of putting in pots. Its made to hold water better than normal soil and its considerably lighter in weight.
Before you purchase any type of garden pot for your container garden, visit Keith Maiden's web site: AllGardenPots.com for more information on container gardening and garden pots.
