There are many varieties of containers available today. Container growing is becomming more poplar every day, you can control your water usage, space, and move plants to find their optimum growing condition. Growing mediums, container characteristics and growing conditions can be controlled by the plant lover. They enhance looks of your space.
Concrete pots are very heavy ,hold moisture well, and have a long life. They are great for patios, driveways and garden areas where they are rarely moved. Concrete planters have been limited to few colors. but now there are new paints available where you can paint your concrete to suite your decorations.
Ceramic planters hold moisture well, when glazed, are lighter than concrete and more economical. There is no limit to the colors available. In extreme cold climates ceramic products should be protected as there could be cracking from freezing.
Resin planters and pots are lighter, less expensive, are new to the market but seem to be quite durable. Colors and styles are limitless.
Fiberglass pots are very lightweight and durable. They come in many thickness and grades of fiberglass. Plastic pots are of many grades, the thick commercial ones have a long lifetime and hold water well . The quality goes from there down to the thin very cheap plastic pots that your nurserymen grow in that have a very short lifespan.
Clay pots are probably the most common, cheapest and come in many sizes. Many break easily and the water evaporates very rapidly. They are good for a rainy or high humidity area where you do not have to water constantly. Water flows directly through the clay so never sit them on a floor surface you do not want wet without a barrier underneath such as a plastic mat.
Metal containers do rust therefore there durability depends on your climate and the humidity. Lining metal containers with plastic prevents any metal toxins getting into the growing media.
Planting and maintaining a garden in containers allows the gardener to design a landscape in a small area if necessary and not have a large amount of time invested for care and maintenance. Your growing medium should be mixed according to your climate and your watering habits. Garden soil can be full of pest, acid or alkyline and has to be adjusted to your plants needs, this problem is eliminated in pots as you control what is in that container. Potting mix can be mixed to your specifications differently for each container if desired to make healthy plants. Light and permeable mixes that drain easily, retain moisture, allow air to flow, and let the plant breathe will give you success in your growing. A good commercial potting mix that does not compress and retains moisture will give you good results if you do not want to do your own mixing. Read the requirements of the species of plant you are growing as to light and nutrient requirements and mix your potting medium accordingly, or purchase the commercial growing medium. All plants must have drainage except aquaculture growing plants that thrive submurged in water. If your containers do not have drain holes in them when purchased make sure you put a hole in the bottom so the water will flow through the container. Don't drown your plant! If you do not want your floor to get wet always have a dish or saucer under the pot to catch the water and make sure this dish does not absorb water (plastics are great for this ) and let it go through to the floor.
Planting in a container with no drainage can be managed with care. Place a 1" layer of charcoal (from a garden center, not cooking type) in the bottom of the pot, then place some gravel to about 1/4th the height of the pot and then pot your plant in growing medium as you would normally if you had drainage. (The charcoal stops odors and slows down plant deteoration.) Every several months wrap a towel like material around the plant over the soil thus preventing the soil from coming out of pot, and lay the planter on its side allowing excess water to drain from the container. Then do not water for several days allowing any possible water born disease to die. Do not do this with orchids.......they must have drainage.
Composting is a great way to help your plants, mix with your growing media to improve plant growth.
Anything can be used as a planter..........imagination rules.
