Top 10 List of Tips for Container Gardening Using Garden Pots

Container gardens have been around for quite some time and are gaining in popularity. In many instances, such as high-rise or apartment living, the only option for a garden is to place your plants in garden pots. Here is a short list of considerations on using garden pots in your own garden:

1. Choose the Proper Material

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

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 Sizes

If you want your garden to “pop”, then vary the sizes of the pots (and plants) you use. Scale your pots so the farther back they are, the larger they get.

4. Group Your Pots

If you place your pots in groups with smaller and mid-sized pots around a single large pot, you will add a lot of interest and a great focal point at the same time.

5. Select Plants That You Put In A Pot That Require The Same Amount of Water

I know it seems obvious, but you shouldn’t put a fern that requires a fair amount of water in with a group of cactus.

6. Select Plants That You Put In A Pot That Require The Same Amount of Sunlight

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 Require Less Water

Small pots tend to dry up fast since they can’t hold much water. Picking out plants that don’t need much water in the first place will make your container garden easier to maintain.

8. Good Drainage Is Key

Most garden pots already have a hole in the bottom for drainage. If the ones you have don’t, you will have to drill them yourself. Place either a screen, a couple layers of newspaper or a shard from another broken pot over the hole. This will allow water to drain out the bottom but keep the soil from falling out.

9. Add a Water Sealant to Terracotta Pots

Terracotta left unsealed (on the inside of the pot) will soak up a lot of your plant’s water before the plant does. Brush on a good water sealant to prevent this from happening.

10. Use Potting Soil

Its always best to use a good potting soil in your pots. They are specially blended just for this purpose so they are light weight and they have better water holding capabilities.