The main thing that stresses amateur gardeners out is trying to figure out what type of containers to use. You can honestly plant something in just about anything. However, there are many things that vary when it comes to different materials, such as durability, weight, size, expense, look, or whether you want the plant containers to be inside or outside. Each different type of container has its own advantages and disadvantages.
First, there are the most common types like terracotta and ceramic pots. Terracotta pots are a red-brown color, come in many different sizes and are made from a special type of clay specifically made for making plants. Terracotta is a good choice because it is affordable available almost everywhere. Its is good at circulating water and air but dry out quickly in sun or wind. Also, terracotta is not glazed and is highly permeable. It can soak up moisture and release it, so it is important to maintain your plants water. It is more fragile than other types of containers and not very durable in harsh weather conditions. It is scratch resistant and is unlikely to produce clay dust but cold weather can cause terracotta to chip or crack.
Another type of popular container would be ceramic. Ceramic is an easy way to add some color anywhere you would like since it comes in many different colors, shapes, and sizes and you can use ceramic inside or outside. They are stable during bad weather due to its weight but they can crack during autumn and winter, depending on how cold it gets. A disadvantage would be that ceramic pots can be very heavy and expensive.
Plant containers like pressed paper and coir can only be used outside but they are biodegradable and eco-friendly. Pressed paper is a good insulator and are very good for root growth and can breathe very well so these are a good choice when considering your plants health and is very cheap. Coir is another biodegradable pot made of coconut husks and resin. They are more durable than the pressed paper and cost a bit more. They both some in many shapes and sizes. Both can be planted in the ground with the plant and will get broken down in the soil over time and will provide a little bit of compost for the plant.
Wood is a common material for a plant box. It is a sturdy and reliable material against all kinds of weather and inexpensive, depending on the size of the planter. They can be inside and outside and while they usually come in square and rectangular shapes, they can sometimes be round as well. Their only downside is rot, which is caused by lack of drainage and the wood will soak up all the water at the bottom. To prevent rot, some people line the bottom of a wooden container with a plastic liner and poke holes in the bottom for drainage. Wood can also be treated to make it immune to rot. Wood is ideal because it can be portable or permanent based on the gardeners wishes.
Metal, concrete and plastic containers are also good options. Plastic containers are very common and very cheap. They can be made to be thicker for outdoor use and durability and can be thinner for portability and light weight. They can come in any shape, size, design, and can even be made to look like other materials. They can fade over time in the sun and can crack in extreme cold so it is recommended that plastic containers should be moved indoors during winter.
Metal containers are expensive and very heavy but they are extremely durable. To avoid rust, the type of metal needs to be aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, or copper-coated stainless steel. Smaller metal containers are not recommended because the sun heats up the plant and can cause damage. Concrete planters are the most durable kind of planter but most are permanent and cannot be moved. Most are built into a patio or into the ground and those that are made with a large mold to shape it are extremely heavy and very difficult to move.
Plant pots come in an infinite number of colors, shapes, sizes and designs. There are also different forms that plant containers can come in. Some are decorative, some are practical. Some people use window boxes which are both decorative and practical. They add color to the house and are easy to access. There are huge ceramic pots that can be put out of the patio or hang planters from the top of the porch for decoration.
There are also large wooden and concrete planter boxes that are use outside for vegetable gardens. There are pots, bags, trays, boxes, baskets, etc. and they all have different uses. Pots and baskets are decorative. Bags, trays and boxes are portable and easy to manage. Some people have found the strangest ways to put a plant for all kinds of reasons, from lack of money to upscale interior decorating. People use anything and everything for a planter. From an old shoe to a flower box built into your coffee table. The possibilities are endless when it comes to a container.
Plant containers can be found, built or bought. They can be two inches or two yards. They can be made of paper or concrete. The material and size and sometimes the shape of the container can help your plant grow and thrive. Each characteristic can make a difference to you and the plant. If you cannot move or reach the container then the plant will die and you will either have to start over with a new plant or you waste space and money over a planter you cannot use. There is an infinite number of places and possibilities for gardening. All plant containers are different and each has its advantages and disadvantages but it is up to the gardener to determine which one will suit their needs best.
