Top Ten List – Container Gardening With Garden Pots
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. Choosing the Proper Material for Your Garden Pots
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
If you know what plants you will be using in your garden, the kind of plant will help determine how big the garden pot will be. For instance, small trees require much larger pots to allow for their root systems.
3. Vary the Pot Sizes
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
Add interest or a focal point to your garden by grouping smaller and mid-sized pots around a large pot.
5. Select Plants That You Put In A Pot That Require The Same Amount of Water
Obviously, you shouldn't put a water-loving plant (like a fern) in with a group of cactus. Watering requirements should be the same for all the plants in a single pot.
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. Choose Plants That Require Less Water
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. 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
Its always best to use a good potting soil in your pots. They are specially blended just for this purpose so they are light weight and they have better water holding capabilities.
