Container gardening has been around for centuries and is actually gaining in popularity. In some instances there is no other option BUT to use garden pots for a garden such as high-rise or apartment living. The following is a list of considerations if you are thinking of using garden pots in your own garden:
1. Choose the Proper Material
There is a wide variety of materials that garden pots are made from. Some more stylish while others are more durable and bulky. Think about how you will be using the pots. This will help you narrow down your options.
2. As a Matter of Fact, Size Does Matter
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. Vary the Pot Sizes
If you vary the sizes of the plants and the pots, you will create a garden with a more eye-catching appearance. Place small pots up close and scale them up as you go back.
4. Group Your 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
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. Group Plants Requiring Similar Sunlight In Each Pot
The same goes for how much sunlight your plants require. If you place your pot where they are in direct sunlight for most of the day, they will dry up quickly.
7. Choose Plants That Don’t Require Much Watering
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. Good Drainage Is Key
You will have to drill holes in the bottoms of your pots if they don’t already come with one – most do. Now place a shard from a broken pot over the hole to keep the soil from spilling out the bottom but allowing excess water to drain.
9. Add Waterproofing to 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.
Before you decide to purchase any garden pot for your container garden, visit Keith Maiden’s web site: All Garden Pots for more information on container gardening and garden pots.
Tags: container gardening, diy, garden accessories, garden pot, garden pots, garden tools, Gardening, gardens, hobbies, plant selection, pots, preparation