Anything that drains well but holds soil and allows roots to grow can be used as a container. Some popular examples would include clay, wood, plastic, cement, and metal. Many items around the house can be modified for use as plant containers such as pots, tubs, crates, buckets, bushel baskets, whiskey barrels, tires, wheelbarrows, and hanging baskets.
Lightweight growing media that is well-drained and well-aerated is best for growing plants in containers. Garden soil alone will soon become compacted in a container garden, leading to poor aeration and water drainage. Many garden supply stores offer premixed potting soil or soilless mixes and are ideal for small containers.
Naturally smaller plants are better adapted to the restrictions of a container garden. But even large plants such as tomatoes, melons, and squash can be productive if given a large enough container.
Because container gardens have greater exposure to sun, wind, and heat, they need to be watered more frequently than a garden bed. Smaller containers may need to be watered as often as once or twice a day, depending on weather.
Also, over-watering can be a problem if the soil is kept too wet too often. Feel the soil with your fingers, and then water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be sure to use enough water so some excess runs out of the drainage holes. This will help ensure the entire root area is moistened. Peat moss is very difficult to wet once it becomes dry, so frequently check soilless media.
Lightweight growing media that is well-drained and well-aerated is best for growing plants in containers. Garden soil alone will soon become compacted in a container garden, leading to poor aeration and water drainage. Many garden supply stores offer premixed potting soil or soilless mixes and are ideal for small containers.
Naturally smaller plants are better adapted to the restrictions of a container garden. But even large plants such as tomatoes, melons, and squash can be productive if given a large enough container.
Because container gardens have greater exposure to sun, wind, and heat, they need to be watered more frequently than a garden bed. Smaller containers may need to be watered as often as once or twice a day, depending on weather.
Also, over-watering can be a problem if the soil is kept too wet too often. Feel the soil with your fingers, and then water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be sure to use enough water so some excess runs out of the drainage holes. This will help ensure the entire root area is moistened. Peat moss is very difficult to wet once it becomes dry, so frequently check soilless media.
For more information see this publication by Rosie Lerner, Consumer Horticulture Specialist with Purdue.
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