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 are made from a large variety of materials, like clay, plastic and stone. Some of these materials are more durable than others and some more stylish. How you will use the pots will help you narrow down the options.
2. Size Matters
The kind of plant you will be planting (and the number of plants) will help determine how big the pots you will need to have. Obviously, small trees will require a larger pot than, say, a tulip.
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. Place Your Pots in Groups
By grouping small and mid-sized pots near and around a larger pot, you will add a lot of interest and a focal point in your garden.
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. Place Plants That Require The Same Amount of Sunlight In Each Pot
Pots left in direct sunlight dry up very quickly because of their small size. Try to place them where they get some shade at least part of the day.
7. Pick Hardy Plants That Don't Need Much Water
Pots do dry up fast, especially if they are small. Choose plants requiring less water to make it easier to maintain your container garden. You won't be sorry you did.
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. Waterproof Terracotta Pots
Terracotta makes a great material for pots, but they tend to soak up quite a bit of the water intended for your plants. Brush on a water sealant to the inside of the pot to keep this from occurring.
10. Use Potting Soil
For pots, its best to use a good potting soil as they are specially blended for this purpose. Potting soils are lighter in weight than normal soil and they hold water much better.
