How to Choose Containers for a Garden
- 1). Select containers with drainage holes in the bottom. Without proper drainage, the roots suffocate and the plant may die. If you have a decorative pot with no drainage hole, use the pot as an outer shell. Place your plant in a smaller container, and then put the smaller container inside the larger, decorative container. If your wood or plastic container has no drainage holes, use a drill to make holes in the bottom or on the side of the pot near the bottom.
- 2). Consider the container's purpose. If you're planning a hanging container, have a safe, secure place to hang the container. The container will be much heavier when filled with plants and damp soil. Hanging containers, along with window boxes, usually dry out quicker and will need frequent watering,
- 3). Determine how many plants you want to place in your container, and then choose a container large enough to accommodate the plants without crowding. Although plants vary in size, considering the mature size of your plants helps you determine how many plants each container can hold.
- 4). Compare different container materials and colors. Porous materials, such as clay or terracotta, dry out quickly but provide air circulation to plant roots. Protect pottery or ceramic containers during the winter, as the containers may break during freezing weather. Wood containers withstand winter cold but may not last as long, as the wood may rot. Plastic containers are inexpensive, but the lightweight pots may blow over in a strong wind and may not hold up well. Dark-colored containers will be hot and may damage plant roots if placed in direct sunlight.
- 5). Plan accordingly if you want to plant a large, heavy container. Place the container in a permanent spot if you won't need to move it. If you want your large container to be portable, place the container on a rolling platform.