 Starting your pot choices can be lots of fun. Think of container gardens as characters in a pot. You've got lots of choices when choosing the right pot for each area that you want to do some plant and/or flower decorating. Consider the area that you want to place your container garden and what its purpose will serve. Clusters of pots make effective screens, larger pots or groups of pots draw attention and make a major statement. Small pots or single pots can add color, shape or texture. Create a natural effect by choosing pots that blend into your setting by using weathered wood, terracotta, cement or dark green pots. Vary sizes, putting taller pots in the back or center, smaller pots to the front or sides, or to surround the larger pot. Create a focal point by using interesting pots that stand out such as oddities, antiques, reproductions, old items, buckets, boxes, an old wagon, a row-boat...you get the idea, the list is limited only by your imagination. Clay Pots Clay pots are inexpensive, versatile, attractive and come in all shapes, sizes and designs. Clay pots also allow water to wash away from the roots of your plants preventing root-rot. Clay pots are perfect for plants that demand fast drainage, or for plants that prefer dryer soil. Clay pots unfortunately chip easily and the larger clay pots are very heavy and hard to move from place to place. Clay pots also crack in cold weather with repeated freezing and thawing; it's best to bring them inside during frigid weather. Metal Pots Metal pots make beautiful containers; they add an awesome decorator touch. Bronze, cast iron and copper can add a feeling of strength, or prosperity while galvanized tin, worn wrought iron or antiques can add that rustic look. Painted metal pots are likely to peel but many people like the worn, rustic look that it gives once the pot has weathered some. Galvanized metal pots are the best for planting. Galvanized metal won't leach rust or other chemicals into the soil. Metal pots can also hold too much heat in very hot climates. Consider using a plastic container as a liner inside your metal pot. Soil should never touch any of the metal. When planting inside a liner do not punch drainage holes in the liner; instead add a layer of charcoal followed by a layer of seashells, bark, pebbles or marbles, and then add your soil. Glazed Ceramic Pots Glazed ceramic pots are more upsale and they add an artistic touch. Glazed ceramic pots come in many vivid rich colors and designs, and they add a decorator accent. Glazed ceramic pots help retain moisture, they contain thicker walls and are fairly sturdy. Larger glazed ceramic pots can be very heavy; and since you will want to bring them indoors in the winter, you should consider having them on a rolling plant stand. Fiberglass Pots Fiberglass pots mimic their expensive copper, stone and concrete counterparts for a fraction of the price. Fiberglass pots are lightweight and durable. Many fiberglass pots come with plugs over predrilled holes. Concrete Pots Concrete pots are very stable and heavy, very difficult to move. If considering a concrete pot make sure you are placing in an permanent place. Concrete pots are excellent in windy places and for top-heavy plants such as small trees. Concrete pots work well on stone and brick patios, or on firm ground. Avoid placing concrete pots on decks or suspended porches; the porch or deck could buckle under the weight. Since most concrete pots do not have any drainage holes, drainage can be a problem with flat-bottom or box concrete pots. Use feet to lift the concrete pot off the ground so that water can easily flow through. Concrete pots are expensive, but they will last for years. Wood Pots Wood pots are best when made out of rot-resistant materials such as whiskey barrels, redwood, and cedar. Cheaper choices made out of pine or popular must be treated with a wood sealer every spring to prevent rot. As with metal, you can use a plastic liner which will prevent moisture, thus preventing rot. Plastic Pots Plastic pots are inexpensive and come in lots of colors; they are lightweight and hold moisture well. Additionally, the walls are thin which prevents heat transference to the roots which will damage roots of delicate plants. Foam Pots Foam pots are inexpensive, lightweight and attractive - they mimic carved stone tubs and urns. |
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