We live in an era where everything is shrinking and even pot gardening is not exempt from the shrinking culture. The traditional pot garden has always had some sort of drainage holes in the bottom. This was needed to assist the roots in getting water and nutrients, both for the plant and for the water to flush out of the soil. A large pot garden has more than its fair share of those drainage holes. It seems that more people have accepted that fact than ever before.
With container gardening there really is no way to get rid of the drainage holes. You can’t just dig a hole in the ground and throw a pot in it and hope for the best. If you want to get the most out of your plants, you must make sure to follow some basic rules of thumb when it comes to planning your containers. If you do not follow basic principles of container gardening, your pot will most likely not be as healthy as it could be. Containers are really no different than a regular garden and they require the same things you would need if you were trying to grow a small garden outside.
The most important thing to remember is that pot gardening is all about space. Plan your post carefully. They should take up as much space as possible in your yard. While that sounds pretty basic, many people make the mistake of thinking that large pots mean large spaces. Your drainage holes should be no larger than the width and height of your pot, but not smaller.
If you are looking at large pots, you might have to break them down further to fit them in your yard. The first thing you need to decide is what size container you are going to grow your herbs or vegetables in. Large pots will allow more room for growing herbs or other plants. Small pots will allow less room but will still allow you plenty of room for your favorite plants.
Next you will need to choose the type of pot, or pots, that you want. There are two main types of planters, the hanging planter and the ground planter. Hanging pots will most likely take up more space, depending on the size, but they usually come with more options. Many are adjustable, allowing you to change heights. Hanging pots generally do not need to be planted in the soil, but need to be secured in a hole.
Ground pots generally offer less space but will also keep water away from the roots. The soil type will also affect the size of your pots. Most people who plant vegetables in pots will choose the small pots that have less surface area. For larger plants you will need to use the drainage holes to keep water away from the roots. Most people will use the soil type that their plants are adapted to, or plants with similar needs.
One of the most important considerations when purchasing a pot is how deep the drainage holes should be. You will need to make sure that the pot does not sway in the wind while it is in use. You also need to consider how much light and moisture the planter will get. A planter with very shallow drainage holes may seem ideal, but if you are growing tropical plants it is best to choose one with deeper drainage holes. A planter with a deeper hole will help to prevent root rot, which is one of the biggest problems with outdoor planters.
Some types of container gardening will require that you purchase a larger planter than what you think is necessary. If you are planning on using a raised planter, you will need to make sure that the height is two to three times your height. This will allow your plants to have room to grow comfortably. Raised planters are also often easier to clean.