2 of 21

Write now Article Tools

Any container can be used for a planter, provided it has adequate drainage. A basket, wood box or metal container filled with annuals and placed in a garden bed is an easy way to provide charm and visual interest in your garden. Planters are easy to create and personalize. So whether you create your own or decorate one you buy, planters are a means of showcasing show your personal style in the garden.

Any container that has adequate drainage can be used as a planter. If a container does not have drainage holes, you need to create them. If you can use a drill, or a hammer and nails, drainage holes can be created. So when you see an old metal watering can and picture it with annuals sprouting out of it, do not pass it by because it does not provide adequate drainage. A hammer and nails, or a drill, will quickly solve your drainage problems. Wood, heavy plastic and metal are all easy materials to drill through. A hammer and thick nail will also produce adequate drainage holes though there is an increased chance of wood or heavy plastic spliting.

Thin plastic and ceramic containers present the most difficulty when attempting to create drainage holes. Slowly turning a screw driver or other pointed object, will create the holes needed to use containers made of these types of materials. Often times, the container will break even if great care is used in creating drainage holes. This does not occur as frequently with wood, metal or heavy plastic so keep the difficulty of working with thin plastics or ceramics in mind when you are searching for containers to use as planters.

Last season I used baskets as planters throughout my garden. I had a large number of baskets that were no longer suitable for interior use. Not wanting to merely throw these baskets away, I was inspired to create a basket theme for my garden. In some of the baskets, I placed impatiens I had previously planted in small terra cotta pots. Other baskets I used as planters, placing a thin piece of perforated plastic on the bottom of the basket to prevent the potting soil from escaping after a rainstorm. The baskets stayed in the garden all summer and were finally placed in the trash bin come fall.

Since I only intended for the baskets to last one season, I did not bother sealing the baskets against the weather. If you want your planters to last for more than one season it is important to coat them with a weather proof sealer. Sealers can be found at your local paint or craft store.

Garage sales or thrift

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Guide to container gardening ?
We want to hear your view. Write now!