Choosing the Right Container for Your Outdoor Flowers

Welcome to the wonderful world of container gardening! If you've ever found yourself wandering through the garden center, overwhelmed by the sheer variety of pots and planters, you're not alone. Choosing the right container for your outdoor flowers can feel a bit like picking out the perfect outfit: it needs to be functional, stylish, and just right for the occasion. I wrote this guide to help you navigate the plethora of options, highlighting the pros and cons of different types of containers.

Always remember, gardening should be fun - So let's dig in! (pun intended)

The Basics of Choosing Containers

Size Matters

When it comes to containers, size really does matter. The size of your container is going to affect the growth of your plants, how often you need to water, and even the temperature of the soil. Generally, bigger is better because larger containers hold more soil, which will retain nutrients and moisture longer. However, you don't want a container so large that it becomes immovable. You also want to spend some time thinking about what you're planning to grow in the pot, if you're going to plant a wonderful bulb lasagna for next spring you might want something deeper, if you're planting something that loves to be root bound, shallower and wider possibly. Think of it as finding the Goldilocks of pots - not too big, not too small, but just right.

Drainage is Key

Plants, much like me, don't like to have soggy feet. Make sure your container has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot. If you fall in love with a pot that lacks drainage, you can always drill your own holes. It's a little DIY project that can save your plants from a watery grave.

Some folks recommend adding gravel or broken pottery to the bottom of your container to improve drainage. I do not, this creates a "perched water table," meaning all you're doing is lifting the wettest soil up closer to the plant's roots. This can lead to root rot and is very much not desirable.

Types of Containers

Terracotta Pots

Pros:

• Classic and attractive look

• Porous material allows for air and moisture exchange

Cons:

• Can dry out quickly, requiring frequent watering

• Prone to cracking in cold weather

One of my favorites, terracotta pots are the little black dress of gardening - timeless and elegant. Remember though, just like wearing black in the summer, they can get a bit too hot and tend to dry out quickly. If you choose terracotta, be prepared to water frequently and bring them indoors during the winter to prevent cracking.

Plastic Pots

Pros:

• Lightweight and Inexpensive

• Retains Moisture Well

• Available in a variety of colors and styles

Cons:

• Can look less attractive than other materials

• Not as breathable as terracotta

Plastic pots are the practical sneakers of the gardening world - affordable, versatile, and easy to move around. They hold moisture better than terracotta, making them a good choice for those of us who might forget to water now and then. However, they might not win any beauty contests! Since I've moved to a location with less protection from wind I have shifted to more plastic to help reduce the amount of watering I have to do every day.

Ceramic and Glazed Pots

Pros:

• Attractive and available in many styles

• Retains moisture well

Cons:

• Heavier and more expensive

• Can crack in freezing temperatures

Ceramic and glazed pots are like the statement pieces in your wardrobe - eye-catching and stylish. They hold moisture well and come in countless designs, but they can be heavy and pricey. Be careful with them in cold weather, as they can crack if the soil inside of them freezes.

Wooden Containers

Pros:

• Natural, rustic look

• Good insulation for roots

Cons:

• Can rot over time if not treated

• Heavy and can be expensive

Wooden containers can bring a touch of rustic charm to your garden, much like a cozy flannel shirt. They provide good insulation for plant roots but need to be treated to prevent rot. With proper care, they can be a durable and attractive option. I tend to steer away from using wooden containers if you're placing them directly on soil, this will tend to encourage moisture and rot, and if left alone for too long your plants could potentially root through the container and into the ground making them very difficult to move!

Metal Containers

Pros:

• Modern and Industrial look

• Durable and long-lasting

Cons:

• Can heat up quickly, potentially harming roots

• May rust over time if not properly treated

Metal containers are the edgy, industrial chic option for your garden. They're durable and can make a bold statement, but they can get hot in the sun, which can be tough on your plant's roots. Ensure they're properly treated to prevent rusting and consider lining them with plastic to protect your plants. I have not treated mine correctly and they have rusted after several years. I have some fairly expensive replacing to do next year so don't make the same mistake as me!

Let's Get Shopping!

Choosing the right container for your outdoor flowers involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and the specific needs of your plants. Whether you opt for the classic terracotta, practical plastic, stylish ceramic, rustic wooden, or modern metal, there's a perfect container out there for every gardener and every plant.

Happy gardening, and may your flowers bloom beautifully in their new homes!