by Keith Maiden

Gardening in containers is gaining in popularity. Its no wonder since container gardening has been around for centuries. Sometimes there is no other option BUT to use garden pots, such as apartment or high-rise living. If you are looking into using garden pots in your own garden, here is a list of considerations:

1. Choosing the Proper Material for Your Garden Pots

Garden pots can be made from a variety of materials. Some heavier, some more durable and some more stylish. By thinking about how the pots will be used, you can narrow down your options.

2. Size Does Matter

If you have your plants picked out (or at least an idea of what you are looking for), you will be able to determine how big your garden pots will have to be. As an example, small trees or tomato plants will require a larger pot simply because their root systems are bigger.

3. Vary The 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. 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. 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. Group Plants Requiring Similar Sunlight In Each Pot

Also, keep in mind how much sunlight your plants require. Pots heat up quickly and lose water when they are in direct sunlight so try to make sure they are in 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

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. Waterproof Terracotta Pots

Left unsealed, terracotta pots soak up the water that is intended for your plants. Making sure the inside of the pot is clean, brush on a good water sealant (on the inside only).

10. Use a Good Potting Soil

Use potting soil instead of regular dirt. Potting soil is specially blended for the purpose of putting in pots. Its made to hold water better than normal soil and its considerably lighter in weight.

About the Author:
Before you decide to purchase any type of garden pot for your garden, visit Keith Maiden’s web site: AllGardenPots.com for more information on container gardening and garden pots.

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!