by Gina Alfani

Created on: June 25, 2008

Containers should complement your home's style and the appearance of the plants you intend to add to them. Keep in mind the mature size of the plants that will inhabit them when selecting containers.

Poured-concrete "stone-look" containers are very popular. They should be considered a permanent part of the landscape once they are planted since they are very heavy.

Terracotta comes in a huge selection of shapes and sizes. As clay pots age, they acquire a beautiful patina, algae appears on the outer surface, as well as mineral salts from fertilizer and water. The disadvantages of terracotta pots are that they allow the soil to dry quickly, needing more frequent watering, and in cold climates they may crack as soil expands and contracts.

Today's plastic containers are less expensive and readily available in many designs, resemble terracotta, stone and other popular materials used in container gardening. They're lighter in weight but will never attain the attractive aged, mossy look of the real thing. Plastic containers retain moisture better than clay or stone, which is an advantage in hot or dry climates. Since they are lighter than clay or stone pots be away that they may topple if plants are top-heavy and select your plantings accordingly.

Fiberglass containers are lightweight, long-lasting and can be made to look like terracotta pots, wooden containers, even bronze or copper containers with a finish that resembles the metal's natural patina. They won't crack if left outside for the winter.

Wood is an excellent traditional choice and comes in a variety of styles from redwood buckets to upright square boxes with feet. Wood dries out more quickly than other materials and may not last as long. Some plastic planters look a lot like wood and may practically last forever.

Dark-colored pots absorb more heat than lighter ones; roots stay cooler in lighter pots. If you live in a cool climate and want to grow cacti, choose a dark pot; if you live in a warm climate and want to grow tender annuals, select a light-colored container.

The standard pot is as wide as it is tall, so one with a 6" diameter is generally about 6" tall. A standard-shaped pot is a good choice for most plants. Make sure that all containers have drainage holes.

The popularity of trash-to-treasure has opened endless possibilities in container gardening. One of my favorite semi-permanent outdoor creations is to stack used tires as high as you want your container directly where you want it placed. To ensure good drainage, add a couple inches of pebbles, followed by an appropriate soil mix for the plant. Tires are strong, durable, blend in the garden nicely and an excellent recycling alternative.

Use your creativity and imagination to come up with unique recycled items as containers appropriate for your garden using the guidelines outlined above.

Happy gardening!

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