How to Choose Garden Containers

The type of garden containers used when container gardening doesn’t just depends on the type of garden seeds or products that will be planted. It also depends on what the homeowner is comfortable with.

While container gardening can mean planting flowers, herbs or vegetables in containers typically used for planting, it also can mean using containers not typically used for planting. The choice falls on the gardener.

Container gardening also usually means that said containers will be individual free-standing units. However, garden containers can be partially planted or fully planted for stability, depending on the elements surrounding the location. For instance, securing a container in a couple of inches of dirt is a good way to combat areas that are buffeted by excessive winds. Normally, however, container gardening means creating a garden by planting garden seeds or garden products in free-standing containers.

Choosing Garden Containers

Choosing garden containers such as small garden pots for herbs or flowers is the perfect place for a beginner to start. Garden pots are very different and learning how to place the pots for best sunlight exposure is not always the easiest item on the gardener’s list of things to accomplish in order to have a productive garden. But setting one or two small garden pots together in an area of the patio or on the steps at the back door is a good way to satisfy a green thumb as well as create atmosphere for the beginner. Watch for over exposure as well as under exposure and move pots accordingly as the seasons wane.

With time and patience the gardener will eventually learn that some pots simply work better for their needs. For instance, clay garden pots work better than glazed or painted garden pots or garden pots without drainage holes. This is true no matter what type of plant is planted in a clay pot. However, clay pots are porous and tend to dry out quickly and require daily watering. Plastic garden pots also are not ideal as they are lightweight. A little wind and the pot will be tipped over, time and time again.

To combat lightweight garden pots, add a layer of river rocks at the bottom. This will create weight and also allow for roots to remain dryer to prevent rot. Lightweight pots can also be placed between heavier pots.

Plants that do well in small and lightweight garden pots include:

• herbs
• flowering plants
• individual vegetable plants

How to Grow Vegetables in Garden Pots

Vegetables can be planted in a variety of different garden pots. Small vegetables grow well in flower boxes as well as in individual pots placed on the back step. Large vegetables require a little more dirt and a little more growing space, so plant them in large garden containers such as wooden crates, half barrels or other large wooden or plastic containers.

Larger containers work really well for vegetables such as tomatoes, green peppers, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and eggplant. Burlap bags with a couple gallons of dirt in them are perfect for a hill or two of potatoes, as well.

How to Choose Garden Containers

Not all garden containers were created equal. Some pots come without proper drainage holes, some come covered in paint that can leach into the potting soil and some are too big, too small, too clumsy, too flimsy, or have sharp edges or sides and can be hard to handle. Plastic containers are easily damaged by constant sunlight and clay pots often crack and crumble if left outside over the winter or stored with dirt or plants still in them. (See photos.)

To ensure compatibility, know everything there is to know about a plant before it is placed into a garden pot, and know all there is to know about the garden pot before it is purchased.

Sources accessed on 5-1-2010 include the AZ Master Gardener Manual, Guide to Container Gardening, and Container Gardening Tips.

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