Choosing the Proper Container

In broad terms, containers can be divided into two categories, those made from natural materials and those made from synthetic or man made materials. Materials such as terra-cotta or earthenware (made from clay) seem to fall halfway between the natural and synthetic finishes and can often be usefully linked by the two. They have a warm, red-brown earthy appearance and can be simply formed or molded into intricate patterns to suit virtually any situation.

These unglazed pots are porous, which means the plant roots in them are cooler and dry out more rapidly than those in glazed pots. They also tend to have a rougher exterior finish, which quickly enhances the natural appearance of the pots after planting in them.

Terra-cotta containers come in many shapes and sizes from simple pots to square sided decorative planters, urns and troughs. The simple round terra-cotta pots are reasonably priced up to about 10" diameter, after which the higher cost of producing them by hand makes larger pots and more decorative container more expensive.

Carefully prepare your containers for planting. A lack of adequate drainage is probably the greatest single cause of trouble among container grown plants. Water must escape freely from terra-cotta pottery for outdoor use. Rain can soon upset all your plants in soil that is waterlogged for long periods of time. Plants can grow outdoors in containers without drainage holes only if they are sheltered from rain. Otherwise containers must have holes at or near the base. Most manufacturers provide these.

Take steps to prevent fine soil from being washed out of containers and silting up your drains. Do this, first by filling containers correctly and taking particular care over crocking** and second by using drip saucers or trays. Use drip trays wherever stains from escaping water may cause problems. They catch the nutrient rich drainage water, through reducing the growth of green algae film on paths, windowsills and walls. They trap sediment close to is source, which prevents blocked drains, where they consist of trays filled with moist pebbles, they raise the humidity of the air around the plants and so help them on hot days. A pot in a tray should be raised either on gravel or small pot feet so the pots base is not constantly standing in water.