Choosing the Best Pots for Plants

Planting in containers allows the gardener complete control over the growing conditions of the plant. They can control the nutrient supply to the plant by choosing the right soil. Likewise, they can regulate the amount of sun the plant receives, its water supply, and so on. This also extends them control over the growth the plant will achieve and its fruit. The most crucial factor in container gardening is the container. Picking the ‘right’ pots for plants decides the level of control that the gardener has on the growth cycle of the plant. It is critical to know how to choose the best pots for plants. Here is a quick guide.

The ‘Right’ Material

Plastic pots are the ideal candidate for container gardening. They allow the gardener to choose from a vast variety of shapes and sizes. Gardeners can find a pot as small as the 3 Liter Square Pot and as large as a 40 Liter Round Pot. This wide range makes them suitable for all kinds of plants.

They are also easy to wash and then reuse for another plant. Plastic pots are more durable too. Unlike terracotta plants, they do not break easily and do not suffer from the rot either. Another popular material among pots for plants is stainless steel. While these pots do not break or rot like their terracotta counterparts, they do rust on continuous exposure to water, which makes them less durable.

Provide Sufficient Drainage

While choosing pots for plants, one of the most important factors to consider is the kind of drainage that the pots offer. Drainage in a container is key to the growth of the plant in it. Proper drainage is required to maintain an uninterrupted supply of oxygen to the roots. In the absence of sufficient drainage, waterlogging becomes an issue that can lead to root rot.

The ideal pots for plants have holes strategically placed at the base and sides of the pot to allow the soil to drain. Take the 10 Liter Drainage Collection Pot for example. The pot provides 100% drainage collection which ensures excellent uptake of oxygen by the plant. There is a drainage gutter at the bottom to collect all the water coming out of the five center holes at the base of the pot. There are also 18 holes on the side of the pot that keep the oxygen flowing into the soil, which is essential for proper development of the roots and the plant in general.

Portable

Pots for plants can be moved around to protect the plant from the elements. Some plants may need more sunlight, while others may need to stay in the shade for the better part of the day. Pots make it easy for the gardeners to move the plants around to maintain optimum conditions and to achieve maximum growth.

Portability is a function of both weight of the pot and its design. Consider the 15 Liter Square Pot. Its light weight makes it easy to move around. These are the best pots for plants like strawberries that need the sunlight throughout the day. Gardeners can move them around as the daylight changes.

Innovative Design

Gardening is a science, and like every field, it keeps evolving. So do the designs of the pots for plants. As a gardener, you must always be looking for better tools to make your processes more efficient and effective. Smartly designed pots have many features that encourage healthy growth of the plant without any active effort by the gardener.

Pots like The Zephyr maintains ideal root temperatures by ensuring constant airflow and more evaporation from the holes throughout its body. The double layer sidewall of the pot reflects light into the pot, which improves the rate of photosynthesis as well. The design of the pot is also useful in minimizing root spiralling and gives way to a healthier and more extensive root system. Many of the pots like the 25 liter Round pot also have wide legs with holes in them, which do not let waterlogging to happen. The pyramid base of this pot helps in the process.