So you’ve decided that now is the time to start a container you grow flowers in, whether for personal enjoyment or as a means of passing on a family heirloom. You have a beautiful garden that you plan to pass down. What type of container? Flowerpot, pot, window box, terracotta tile, even a cardboard box tied with rope and splayed out on the lawn can work. But which one? Which plant?
One of the first things to decide is the size of the container itself. Will it be a single small plant to start with, like a bulb or a shrub? Or will it be a multi-seeded bed of perennial herbs, perennials, or annuals? Smaller containers are lighter weight, easier to move, and easier for you to take care of.
Consider the amount of space you will need for the plant and for the space between each pot. The pots you choose will determine the final size and shape of the container. Large pots allow you to plant more than one plant so that you have a variety of colors, textures, and heights. Choose pots that fit snugly into one another, without knocking into each other, or else break when the weight of one plant knocks another over. Also, avoid pots that are too large or that have a deep hole in the bottom to allow water to drain.
If you have room, there is another option: Plant a full grown plant in a pot. Flowerpots are often referred to as “grower’s pots” and can contain several different kinds of plants at once. Flowerpots range widely in size, shapes, and materials. They can be made of clay, metal, plastic, or even ceramic.
You should also keep in mind that container planting will limit the amount and types of flowers you can grow. A large pot will be easier and more efficient than flowerpot gardening, but it is also more expensive. So decide how many plants you are willing to grow in a pot and how large your flowerpot needs to be. If you have a large garden, then container gardening is an option for you. If you only have a small garden, or a limited amount of space, then a flowerpot is the best choice.
The final consideration in container planting is how easy it is to care for the plants. Plants need good drainage and regular watering. If you have grown a lot of plants in a small container, you may find that the soil is sandy or very poor in nutrients. You will need to make adjustments if you want to continue to grow plants in this type of container.
Many people prefer container planting because it gives them a chance to experiment with new flowers and vegetables without being stuck in their own home. If you want to try something different, then you may want to do a bit of trial and error before you settle on one particular method. This allows you to see the results before committing to a specific container. Plus, if you ever move to a larger home or have a family of your own, you can transfer the plants easily.
If you decide to use a flowerpot, remember to plan carefully. It is not always possible to predict the amount of sun and water, a container will provide so you will want to plan your container planting carefully to ensure your plants get plenty of sunlight and water. Also, you may want to consider having more than one pot so that you can rotate your plants to give them a chance to grow together.