Do you want to keep and tend to outdoor plants but are discouraged by obstacles along your path to garden gold? Whether you are living somewhere temporarily, have poor or rocky soil, or run into problems with gophers or moles, container gardening can be the simple solution. Consider the following when selecting beautiful pots and planters.
Choosing the Right Containers
You'll find plenty of pots made from clay, plastic, ceramic, concrete, metal, and fiberglass. Ensure they are frost proof and the right size for the plant and space. Keep in mind that heavy pots will help with stability, while lightweight ones are best if you'll be moving them often.
Your collection will likely grow and change over time depending on the needs of your plants. Stick with a simple color palette that will be easy to find even when the exact items you purchased are no longer available. Terra-cotta and white are timeless. (White is also ideal for heat-sensitive plants as the color reflects the sun and helps keep roots cool.) Vibrant colors like cobalt blue continue to be popular, and blue helps imbue any space with a sense of calm.
Filling Your Pots the Smart Way
Fill large pots with more than just soil. A lot of soil is not always in the best interest of the plant and it can be expensive too. Add a formal planter insert or place smaller pots upside down inside the larger pot. Many people use recyclables, such as plastic bottles, to reduce the overall weight. For a natural alternative (and for edible gardens) source small branches, leaves, or pine cones. Aged logs are lightweight, break down easily, and absorb water, making them ideal for raised beds. Make your own stylish raised beds with two-by-fours and corrugated metal that can be spray-painted to complement your aesthetic.
Don't Forget Drainage
Proper drainage is paramount. If there aren't drainage holes in your containers, add them with a drill before planting. Plants that may work well in your growing zone when planted directly into the ground might not be as successful in pots; for example, cactuses might get too much water too quickly in the rainy season and rot. Keep a close eye on container soil—and water, refresh, or fertilize when needed. As plants grow and demand more space, research their individual needs and time transplants accordingly to keep them happy for the long haul.
Photography provided by Dima Berlin/iStock/Getty Images
Give It a Glow-Up
Pots and planters, though beautiful and often long-lasting, aren't cheap. If you aren't ready to make the investment or are aiming for a collected aesthetic, there are plenty of creative ways to make your own. Here, we share some found items that can be easily upcycled in a weekend.
For your outdoor garden, consider things that are designed to weather the elements. Metal items are often easy to come by or might already be in your shed. Old wheelbarrows, wagons, mailboxes, toolboxes, wood-burning fire bowls, and even gutters can be turned into good-looking planters. Metal bed frames, enamel stockpots, vintage birdcages, and colanders can all be upcycled, too. If you love a linear look, source an old file cabinet. Remove the drawers, lay the cabinet on its side, and spray-paint your color of choice. Line the openings, and plant away!
Concrete, marble, or terra-cotta birdbaths and fountains already have the right shape for planting. Bonus? You no longer need to worry about them being watertight.
