Secret Three - Containers

 

The usual containers are terra cotta pots or rectangular trays with drainage saucers under them. Also window boxes in the Terra Cotta line. Terra Cotta pottery has the advantages for allowing air movement through the sides of the pot and possessing good drainage. Air circulation through the root system along with drainage is necessary to prevent root rot, mildew and other diseases. Six inch pots are generally $2, 10 inch pots at $ 8 and 12 inch pots at $12. But again check your local nursery, Dollar Tree, Amazon, eBay and do a Google search for terra cotta pots.

If terra cotta pots are used outdoors, they will allow the potting medium to dry out more quickly than enameled pots or metal containers.

I currently use 5 and 6 inch terra cotta pots for my little herb garden. So far, the plants seem happy.

Plastic is another option but not as good as terra cotta. Plastic tends to hold water and does not allow air to pass thru to the roots thus promoting root rot more often than other types of containers.

Coconut Fiber pots are also a good option allowing for drainage and air transpiration through the sides of the pot. Roots can grow through the sides and bottoms of the coir pots as the plant matures. Plus the prices are reasonable. But you will have to have an outside container as the Coir pots by themselves drain water too fast.

http://www.amazon.com/Planters-Pride-RSQ03000-Square-Coconut/dp/B004X4NRIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325053655&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Panacea-Products-30-Inch-Trough-Fiber/dp/B000ZOPXX0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1325053655&sr=8-4

http://www.ecodepotsales.com/commerce/products/detail.aspx?i=10  Lowest prices I have found. 8 inch pots with 48 pots per package for less than $2 dollars including shipping as 12/27/2011. I don’t think anyone can beat this price.

Orchid Pots are excellent for indoor gardening. These may also be called net pots. They consist of an inner container of mesh to allow for root growth and excellent drainage. The mesh pot fits inside an outside container with drainage so the roots don’t sit in water. You can also monitor the root condition with these type of pots.

Wooden planters and window boxes made from cedar or other wood make good planters or pot holders.  These can be painted for decorative purposes and they allow good drainage.

Metal or plastic pails can be turned into planters once you make drain holes in them. Old wheel barrows, watering cans and other such items can be made into decorative outside planters.