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How to choose a pot and
planter
 (ARA)
- There are signs all around us that spring will soon be here.
The song birds are returning, buds are starting to appear on
the trees, and the sales ads at all the garden centers and home
improvement stores are filled with pictures of lush, healthy
plants in pots and planters.
But don't be tempted to run out
and start stocking up just yet. Those pots and planters may look
great, but before you buy, make sure you know what they're made
of and if they'll work well for you. Plant containers are made
from all sorts of materials, from the inexpensive plastic pots
to the ceramic and fiberglass resin planters.
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Because they are the most readily
available and least expensive, plastic and clay are the two most
popular options. Drainage is very important for all plants to
prevent root rot so make sure that whatever container you purchase
there is a drain hole in the bottom of the pot or a way to drill
a hole.
* Plastic pots
Plastic is by far the most popular
material used in plant containers. It can easily be molded into
all shapes and sizes, and comes in colors as varied as the rainbow.
* Terra cotta pots
The classic Terra cotta, or clay
pots are another popular option. You'll find them in all shapes
and designs at your local gardening store. They are usually red,
but can be painted any color or add your own masterpiece to the
pot. |
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Terra cotta has two (rustic) looks.
One: You leave them alone and
let them age. The salts and alkali will stain the outside of
the pots. Moss and mold will grow on the outside of the pots.
The life of the pot will be short -- about 3 to 4 years before
they breakdown and crumble.
Two: To maintain the natural
clean look of terra cotta without adding a glaze spray the terra
cotta pot with a sealant such as Spray N' Seal a pottery sealer.
The sealant waterproofs the clay to help prevent the alkali and
salts from accumulating and prevents the moss and mold from growing
on the pots. By sealing your terra cotta pot it strengthens the
pottery against chipping and flaking in frosty weather which
will extended the life of the pots.
* Foam pots
These containers come in a variety
of shapes and they are lightweight which makes them easier to
handle. The drawback, however, is that they are not very durable.
If knocked around they can crack and brake easily.
* Fiberglass resin urns and
planters
Fiberglass containers are lightweight,
durable, and resistant to water and extreme weather damage. They
come in a variety of colors and designs. They can cost as much
or more than ceramic pots, but are extremely durable.
* Ceramic glazed pots
These come in a wide variety
of shapes, colors, and styles. You can find something to match
just about every decor. The glazing on the outside makes them
durable, but over time, you may have problems with chipping off
of the glaze by water seeping through the clay from the inside
of the pot. To prevent this spray the inside with Spray 'N Seal
Pottery Sealer before adding soil.
* Wooden barrels and planter
boxes
They come as the traditional
half whisky barrel or the red wood or cedar wooden barrel and
planter box made to be planters, and add the rustic look of wood
to your garden.. They are heavy and the bottoms rot out after
a few years. By giving them a lift it will extend the life of
the planters.
 Give
Your Pots a Lift
It doesn't matter if your plant
is in a $5 plastic container or a $100 ceramic pot. If you're
not careful both will stain your deck, carpets and wooden floors.
Prevent this from happening by giving your pots a lift. Use a
product like The Down Under Plant Stand to raise the pot and
saucer off the decks and floors. This allows air to circulate
under the pot and tray to evaporate the excess water and condensation
which causes the damage. Also consider placing the plant stand
not just under the saucer but in the saucer to raise the pot
out of the water that accumulates in the saucer. This will allow
good drainage of your pots which your plants will love.
The Down Under Plant Stand uses
four plastic arms to lift the pot off the floor, promoting air
flow and proper drainage that protects the pot and plant. The
stand can be adjusted to fit virtually any size pot by simply
trimming off the excess length on each support arm so it hides
under the pot. No need to worry how much your pot weighs for
this floor and deck saving device can support up to 500 pounds. |
