Garden Pot Considerations:
- Besides style and color, climate is important
- Material of container
- Weight of container
- Sun or shade
- Cold climate
Let's Start with Glazed Ceramic Pots:
Ceramic Pot Pros:
- Beautiful colors
- Many styles
- Easy to clean
Ceramic Pots Cons:
- Not porous like terra cotta so if you over water, plant can rot
- Whole vessel can crack in freezing temp’s. Be able to move it indoors.
- Look for a label that reads “frost proof”
- Glaze cracks if watered in hot temp’s
- On the topic of weight, fiberglass & concrete pots look heavy but actually, are not!
Fiberglass & Concrete Pros:
- Many styles from classic to modern
- Different finishes- textured or smooth
- Lighter than real concrete
- You can patch and paint it if you damage it!
On the Downside (Depending on the Quality):
- Color can fade in full sun
- Can crack and warp in freezing/hot temps if has a hole that lets water into container walls and compromises its integrity.
- Absorbs heat so it can cook roots of tender plants
Tips:
- No full sun. Use indoors, in shade, or patio. Water early morning or evening to avoid root damage **Moving on to plastic. We see these everywhere.
- Plastic is one of the most popular materials for containers, many are made using recycled plastic.
Plastic Pros:
- Many shapes, sizes, colors
- Looks like terra cotta
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Plastic Cons:
Depending on Quality
- Doesn't Breathe, Water Can't Evaporate - Don’t Overwater
- Example #1: "Cheap Plastic" In Full Sun, Color Fades, Walls Crack If Plant Has Aggressive Roots- Warps
- Example #2: "Better Plastic"- Thicker Walls & Molded Rim.
- Considered "Commercial" Grade and Can Be Used in Full Sun Without Backing. Used in Many Cityscapes- See Photo
- Example #3: "Best Plastic" Made from A Blend of Plastic and Resin Polymers Plus Other Proprietary Materials, This Is The Strongest And Most Durable Of All The Plastic Type. It Costs More Too.
- Can Be Used in Or Out, All Temperatures. Lightweight.
