Plastic containers are lightweight and do not break as easily as terra cotta. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
When choosing plant containers for your yard, appearance is certainly important. Whether it's a plain terra cotta (clay pot, a fancy urn, or an old bucket, you want it to enhance the area where it's placed. There are some other qualities to consider when selecting containers, though. Here's a checklist to help you pick the right one to fit your needs:
Check that the pot has sufficient drainage holes, preferably around the side rather than the bottom. If excess water can't escape from a container, plant roots will suffocate, die, and rot.
Get the right size. A
container that's too small may stunt the growth of your plants and inhibit blooms; plus you'll have to water more frequently. One that's too big may induce plant to grow roots at the expense of greenery.
Check the construction. Pots are made of many different materials, and each has advantages and disadvantages.
The classic terra cotta (clay) is typically inexpensive, but is porous enough that moisture evaporates through it. Therefore, it needs more watering.
Plastic containers are also common and come in an almost endless array of colours, shapes, and sizes. Plastic is lightweight and doesn't break as easily as terra cotta.
Metal containers are attractive, natural, and durable, but may be damaged by fertilizer salts over time. Also, metal containers can heat up the potting mix and overheat plant roots if left in the sun. A point to remember.
Wood is another popular natural material, and it can be left outdoors if sealed or lined with plastic.
Concrete is often used to make large containers, which makes them heavy. It is weather resistant, and will develop a natural worn look over time.
Many newer containers are made from polystyrene foam, resin, or fibreglass made to look like stone or other natural materials. These are lightweight but sturdy, and most can be left outdoors year-round No matter what kind of container you choose, don't use native soil from your yard for potting. Fill the pot with a quality potting mix that has rich organic ingredients..., or special sand if you plan to pot a cactus!
Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
The classic terra cotta (clay) is typically inexpensive, but is porous enough that moisture evaporates through it.
Rita Elliott
