Pick the right pot: Tips on container gardening

If you’re looking for gardening that’s flexible and not a total time drain, try containers. “They’re the ultimate in flexible gardening with no garden space, you don’t have to deal with poor soil and you can highlight unusual plants,” says guru Karl Gercens of Longwood Gardens Inc. in Kennett Square, PA, longwoodgardens.org.

Today, Karl, who has been a plant/flower aficionado since grade school, reveals some specifics about the pros and cons of various containers – just in time for your weekend venture to the gardening center. A rule of thumb for choosing the correct container: Bigger is better.

He also has suggestions about soil mixes, plant combinations, site selection, watering, fertilizing and grooming, which I’ll share in upcoming posts. To see a previous post with more of Karl's ideas, visit: teleflora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Container-gardens-are-a-great-way-to-go-green.aspx.

Container garden

• Terra cotta/clay—inexpensive, available, heavy, can’t take winters outdoors.
These should generally be avoided because of the potential of cracking. There are special “frostproof” terra-cotta containers, but their ability to withstand multiple freezes and thaws is unlikely. The expense of the frostproof containers also makes them unobtainable for most gardeners. Weight is also a concern as the empty pot is likely to weigh more than 50 pounds. If terra-cotta is chosen, be sure the pot is tapered with a small base and large opening. This will allow the expanding rootball to push vertically out of the container instead of pushing horizontally on the sides.

• Cast Stone--concrete and composite materials.
Very heavy and durable.

• Plastics/synthetics—Lightweight, many styles available, resistant to cracking.
These are usually the best choice for most gardeners. Color choices range from terra-cotta, gray, green, and white. The fact that these containers look most like natural terra-cotta makes them most desirable. Detailing, like rolled edges and lips, add to the value. These are very lightweight when empty, making it easy to reposition them in the garden.

• Ceramics/glazed—attractive color choices, expensive, missing drain holes.
These are beautiful choices for the summer garden as their range of shapes and colors is outstanding. Expense is a limiting factor as some of these containers can be priced well over $100. These containers typically do not withstand [Pennsylvania] winters and should be protected from the cold by going into a garage or basement.

• Wood—the natural choice, medium weight, prone to decay.
Be careful not to use pressure treated wooden containers for vegetable gardens as the container may leech harmful chemicals, which could be absorbed by your crops. Always look for untreated materials for food crops!

Flower Fact of the Day: Did you know that flowers can help you sell your home? To learn more, visit: http://realestaging.blogspot.com/2008/05/use-flower-power-to-sell-your-home.html.

Jacqueline - Editor

June 5, 2008

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Comments (3)

Comments

Cristi

I like the pictured container garden very much.

Evan Santi

I run a NYC landscaping company; as you can imagine most of our work is done in containers or raised beds.

For the Urban gardener you may want to consider not using terra cotta pots for a roof top or an area that receives excessive wind and unobstructed sun.

Other considerations should be nutrients in the soil. Nutrients are flushed through the drainage holes, so be sure to keep up on fertilizing.

Lastly be realistic, do not plant zucchini or sweet potato vine in an average container and expect not to be a slave to your hose. You want to be able to go away for a couple days in the summer with out worrying.

Evan Santi
www.nyclandscapes.com

Sheryl Palmer

Very well written!

That is so true, I hate when I see people plant large plant material and then it is nearly dead by July.

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