What kinds of pots to use?

A brief on types of pots to use for home gardening published in June, 2007, can help you select pots for your many planting projects. As you can imagine there are lots of choices and the type you select should be based on appearance, function, durability and a variety of factors...

News & Observer
June 23, 2007
Tina Mast, Correspondent

Pot Particulars

TERRA COTTA Beautiful and breathable, it ages attractively until the day it decides to break down, usually after three or more winters. It's a good idea to take these pots in over the winter if you want to keep them a long time.

CONCRETE AND CAST IRON Some of the most durable materials you will find, and usually the most expensive.

FIBERGLASS Durable and lightweight, it can be made to simulate other materials. You'll find it in the middle of the price range.

RESIN-FOAM Have the advantage of being lightweight but will age in a few seasons. Get the ones that are the same color all the way through so you won't notice as much if they get chipped or a have chunk taken out of them.

PLASTIC. Despite the yuck factor, plastic can be very practical, not to mention cheap. Thinner plastic pots will age faster than thicker ones, and it helps to select brands that are labeled UV resistant. Nevertheless, plastic still loses out against other materials once the beauty contest starts. Original article...

Movable feast of flowers

Add a few containers to your gardening effort to create movable plants. Then you can put color where you want it and use your plants for any occasion. The options are limitless.

There are several advantages to adding containerized plants to your collection. When entertaining, move them to where they will help dress up your event. When certain areas of your regular plant beds are difficult to dig or plant in, simply place a few containers on bases in those areas to add color without the hassle of dealing with rocky or hard soil. When fall comes move the plants to safer areas or inside to keep them healthy for the next season.

News and Observer
June 23, 2007
Lifestyles

Portable Plantings
Container gardens put instant color anywhere

Container gardening is hot. That's no surprise because it's fun, it's easy and, in a pursuit where patience is often required, it is the ultimate in instant gratification.

There are other reasons to garden in containers. Container gardens can be grown where there is limited space or no soil, such as an apartment balcony or patio. Colorful flowers in pots dress up entryways, providing beauty and a bright welcome to guests (not to mention a nice homecoming to the resident). Container gardens are movable, allowing you to create instant accents in the garden, especially if you select containers that stand out.

A plant that might have added pleasant interest to a garden design can often provide a focal point if it is put in a colorful or interesting container and nestled into the garden bed. In areas where the soil is poor or difficult to work, containers remove the headache and expense of soil preparation.

Occasionally, container gardens can camouflage unsightly septic tank covers or well covers. If you're creative, you can make it look like you intended to have concrete platforms in that spot.

If you haven't tried container gardening, we've got tips to help you get started. And if you've already caught on, maybe you'll be inspired to try a new pot or some interesting plant combinations. Original article...