Growing your container garden is a fun & easy way to unleash your creativity & add some color to your outdoor space. The best thing is that container gardening is not limited to a balcony garden. You can have your container plants anywhere like patios, walkways, front doors, decks, etc.

Container herbs are your saviors when you want to grow your food but are tied up with limited time & space. You can grow anything from a mini-farm to a specimen tree with the right pot, soil, and place.

You have endless choices when it comes to container gardening. Railing baskets, fish tanks, cedar boxes, half barrels, resin pots, storage totes, and even kitchen sinks can grow vegetables. Below are some secrets to growing these versatile plants successfully.

Choose the Right Container/Pot

Your container should have adequate drainage. When you water your plant, the water should quickly move through the soil & effectively out of the hole in the bottom. The herb may suffer when the water sits in pots after heavy rain or simple watering. So having suitable drainage holes are necessary.

The growth of the plants largely depends on the soil mass as well. Small hanging baskets of 10-inch are tempting but they are quite inefficient to grow a healthy plant. Hangers with at least 14 inches of diameter are preferable.

Be Location-Specific

Some plants require sunlight, and some don’t. For instance, plants like Bromeliad, Chinese Evergreen, and Dumb Cane don’t need sunlight to grow. It’s essential to put the pot in the blazing sun only if it helps with the herb’s growth. Try to know the amount of sunlight your plant requires and place the pot accordingly. That is a prime requirement for the health of your plants.

Feed the Right Soil Mix to Your Plants

If you fill the containers with garden soil, your plants will deteriorate. Your containers must contain lightweight and well-draining potting mix. A 50-50 blend of compost and potting mix is advisable, as the former will add nutrients and hold the soil moisture.

You can mix a slow-release fertilizer in your potting mix and continue doing the same every week. It will also give the plants the nutrients they need to grow.

Water Your Plants

Water is the most significant ingredient required by your plants, especially rainwater, it is warm, soft, and charged with oxygen. Ensure that you allow the container soil to dry between watering.

Watering is also necessary because after the water transpires through the plant, its space in the soil is replaced with oxygen-rich air.

Only Good Neighbors Should Stay Together

When you place multiple plants in one pot, you should consider if they will be good neighbors to each other or not. If you place multiple plants in one pot, they should require the same amount of water, sunlight, and moisture. Plants with different needs will not thrive together.

Read the Tag

Tags are crucial to know all about your plants. They will inform you about the needs of your flora, such as how much food, water, and light is required. It will help you provide them with everything it needs in optimum quantity.

Tags will also inform you about the structure, growth rate, shape, etc., which will help you arrange the combinations depending on the container designs.

Fertilize Well

It’s vital to know that container plants require more nutrients than garden ones. The high need for nutrients is due to the soil volume in the roots. Markets are filled with fertilizers that are organic or synthetic.

You should choose the one your plant needs depending on the tag. You can get to know about it through a quick internet search, or you can ask the salesperson as well.

Remove Dead Flowers

Removing the dead flowers will restore your plant’s energy and make the soil healthy. Along with improving the look of your plants, it will help grow more flowers, leaves, fruits & vegetables.

Get a Cure for Pests

Flower buds & leaves can be damaged when pests start to take place in your well-maintained plants. Snails, slugs, earwigs are just some of them. You should recognize the pest based on the trails and then remove them. For instance, slugs often leave a slime trail.

You can peel off the slugs easily & remove them. You can also spray insecticide directly on the insects (not bees and ladybugs). Just give the leaf-top and bottom a good drenching, and you are good to go.

Conclusion

These easy steps will take you one step ahead towards having the perfect container garden. It will give a colorful and aesthetic look to your home and the many health benefits that comes along.

Gardening is an amazing hobby for most individuals. It takes you close to the beauty of nature. You get to raise plants that would remain seeds if you do not nurture them.

Many people use gardening pots to decorate their garden. If you have little or no space in your garden, gardening can be a challenging hobby. However, with 15-gallon pots, you can grow large plants and trees in a limited gardening area.

Gardening pots are available in different shapes and sizes. You need to consider the area and the type of plant you want to grow in the pot to choose the right one. These pots would enhance the beauty of any plant.

15-gallon nursery pots give you the pleasure of fulfilling your gardening passion by planting large plant pots. Big gardens around the city use these pots to grow large trees around.

Read on to learn what you need to know about gardening pots.

4 Reasons to use large gardening pots 

Here are a few positive reasons to place large gardening pots in your garden:

Design and Beautification: 

15-gallon planters add a sense of beautification and versatility to your garden. They allow you to lend instant color to your area. Large pots are placed indoors to add an artistic touch to your house. They add to the beauty of your home décor.

Whether you place them outdoors around the wall or mount them on the windowsill, they look extremely attractive. Not only do they add color and ambiance to your balcony but they also serve the purpose of having a welcoming decoration in your house.

You can either place a single or a group of pots on your outdoor patio or balcony. However, it is best to arrange small and large pots in a group. This would give a good visual effect to your house. Moreover, you can place different shapes of pots in a particular area to add more design and style to your house.

Easy to move around: 

The best thing about 15-gallon plastic pots is that you can take them anywhere you want. Planting trees and shrubs in the garden without plant pots makes it impossible for you to move. You have to uproot the tree or plant to change its place. When you use plastic pots in your garden, you can choose to either place them indoors or outdoors. You can change the position of the pots whenever you feel like it. There is no risk to the survival of the plant.

Organized look: 

Large plant pots allow you to have a beautiful garden on your terrace. You can place a few pots on your terrace in an organized manner and uplift the look of the house.

If you are planning to plant large trees in your garden, 15-gallon tree pots are going to prove to be quite useful. You’d be able to make your garden appear organized by positioning the pots in a proper manner.

Moreover, if you have limited space in your garden, you can manage the growth of large trees with 15-gallon plant pots. You can plant a couple of pots with single rosemary species and put them in a unique way to add a touch of beauty to your terrace.

Oftentimes if you plant trees in your garden, they grow in an unorganized manner making the garden appear unattractive and shabby. With tree pots, you can make your garden look beautiful and adorable.

Large plant pots hold more soil: 

You can plant flowers, shrubs, and trees in any size and shape of the pot. However, if you want to plant something that requires enough root space, you should consider buying a large plant pot.

You need to choose the size of the pot carefully. During hot summer weather, the small pots tend to dry up quickly. You need to water them often. If you want to resist temperature fluctuations and keep the soil moist for long, you should choose large plant pots for your garden. Moreover, to keep the soil cooler, you should opt for light color containers.

It is essential to have a drainage hole in the pot you choose. Without a drainage hole, the plants might die. Make sure that the holes are large enough to drain the water out.

Conclusion: 

You can bring so many variations to your garden with large plant pots. Different varieties of plant pots are available that cater to every style and taste. Lots of pots can also be customized according to the size and color you want.

Whether you want to seed a few herbs or you want to plant large ferns, garden pots are a must-have. They become the center of attention in your garden. You need to make sure that you water them properly and feed them on a regular basis. Remove the dried-out leaves and deadheads of the flowers. If you want to keep the pots looking beautiful, cut off the plants that don’t grow properly.

I hear a lot of indoor and container gardeners speaking about how transplanting is bad, and that you want to minimize it. They also complain that it damages and stresses the root zone and causes the plant react poorly and be sad

None of Us Want Sad Plants

Mangling and abusing the root zone it is not a good idea – trauma is not good for anyone or their plants. I don’t care what they say about “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” it isn’t accurate, because a maiming is not something that any plant wants, and it’s not the way to help a plant thrive.

Transplanting is Different

Transplanting is a form of plant management that considers the optimal and most efficient environment for a plant’s root zone at any stage of growth. Transplanting is:

• A way of controlling growth
• A way to reduce costs
• A way to reduce problems caused by environmental excesses

In the root’s environment, an excess of moisture and the absence of oxygen will have an effect on the susceptibility of a plant to pathogens.

Start Small

When you are container gardening and growing indoors start small with your plants because small works in almost every situation. In a small container, the roots can grow into it without stagnant pockets where no uptake occurs. Let the plant grow into its container, and then give it some time. At each interval, when the roots have filled in, give it a bit more room and energy by transplanting.

A good rule of thumb I learned from a mentor is to double the container size every couple of weeks. You can modify that schedule, if needed, to control the growth – hold it longer and keep it from exploding, in the right conditions it will thank you. Plus, smaller pots mean we use less water, fewer nutrients and lower costs.

If you follow this process you can keep the substrate moist and the roots can handle it. If a container that is too large is used for a root mass that is too small, over-watering can cause death or stagnation. When this happens the plants suffer and a grower only wastes money and time.

At each transplant interval, give the plant what it needs and when it is time to move the plant do it gently. This process can be made easier by using containers that facilitate easy removal – graduated and conical shapes are best. Start by massaging and whacking the outside of the pot to break off the limpet-like roots, and then hold the soil with the stalk as you remove the old pot. The plant will barely notice.

Emulating nature is great, but urban gardeners do not have the luxury of sunlight in the best latitudes, constant fresh air and water, microbial and fungal networks, thriving ecosystems of predators and prey, etc. it just isn’t available in a contained setting. But you do have the ability to coax plants into their optimal states in indoor and container gardens. With the right conditions and proper care there is some certainty that horticulture can bring out more from a plant than nature can alone.

Jason Rider is the president of Thriving Systems Design. He can be contacted at [email protected] and you can visit their website at C-Bite.com.

Many indoor horticulturists are reaping the benefits of growing in Smart Pot fabric containers. Not only do fabric containers give a plant’s roots maximum exposure to oxygen, but they also naturally “air prune” the roots. Once “air pruned” these roots create multiple lateral, fine roots which, in turn, enhance the entire root structure and increase the plant’s ability to manage moisture and nutrients. Once a garden cycle is complete and the plants have been harvested or transplanted, Smarts Pots have one more trick up their sleeves: they can be cleaned and reused.

In order to reuse a Smart Pot the first thing a gardener should do is let the container dry out completely. The best way to do this is to remove the medium from the container and let the container sit somewhere in low humidity for a day or two. The goal is to get the container itself and any medium, root debris, etc which remains stuck to the fabric to dry out completely. Once dry, the Smart Pot can be rubbed against itself in order to remove as much debris as possible. After removing as much sediment as possible, the Smart Pot can be sterilized.

One common way to sterilize a Smart Pot is to put it in the washing machine with a sterilization solution. It is important to choose a sterilization solution that is capable of killing bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide, OxyClean, or a bleach solution all have the capability to sterilize a fabric planting container. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after the sterilization process to ensure all residuals from the sterilization agent are removed. Growers with a large number of Smart Pots may want to utilize a laundry mat for the sterilization process. Please be sure to remove all soil from the Smart Pots before bringing them to the laundry mat. For gardeners with few containers or for those who do not have access to a washing machine, Smart Pots can be soaked in a container of sterilization solution and agitated manually.

Drying is a very important part of the cleaning process. Do NOT put Smart Pots in the dryer. Smart Pots should only be hung to dry or fluff dried.

Gardeners who experience excess salt buildup on their fabric containers can rectify the problem with a vinegar-water solution. Salt encrusted Smart Pots can be soaked in a vinegar-water solution which will break up the salt and remove it from the fabric. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after this process as well.

One of the best things about the Smart Pot brand of fabric containers is its durability. Smart Pot containers are truly built to last and can withstand many washings and growing cycles. Some growers may be timid about reusing Smart Pots. Don’t be. Smart Pots are built to withstand the abuse of use and reuse. While other fabric containers fall apart during the cleaning process, the Smart Pot fabric container will hold strong and be able to be used time and time again.

For more information visit Smartpots.com.

Over the last few years, many indoor horticulturists have discovered the benefits of using fabric potting containers. These containers are designed to maximize air exposure to the root mass. Maximizing the exposure to air creates a couple of significant advantages when it comes to root growth and development. First, roots love oxygen. Oxygen helps to promote white, vibrant roots. Because of their breathability, fabric potting containers allow the roots to receive heightened access to oxygen. Fabric potting containers also naturally “air prune” the plant’s roots. As a root reaches the side of a fabric planting container, it gets exposed to air and naturally prunes itself. When the root tip is air pruned, a multitude of lateral roots stem from that root. This creates an unmatched fibrous root structure. When compared to a plastic potting container, where the roots wind upon themselves and become a tangled mess, a fabric container filled with healthy lateral roots reigns supreme. The healthy lateral roots are more efficient at nutrient and moisture uptake which means plants that are grown in fabric containers usually experience accelerated growth rates and larger yields.

Due to all the advantages offered by fabric potting containers, it is no wonder that so many indoor horticulturists are incorporating them into their gardens. However, some of the growers who are using fabric containers may be doing themselves a grave injustice as well. In truth, not all fabric containers are created equally. In fact, there is a large variance between the way fabric containers are manufactured and this can have a significant effect on the quality of the product and the safety of the plants grown within.

The folks at High Caliper Growing have their fabric containers (Smart Pots and Big Bag Beds) manufactured in the USA and have ultimate control over the manufacturing process. When a horticulturist purchases a Smart Pot or a Big Bag Bed it will be the same quality product day after day, year after year. On the contrary, when companies do not have control over the manufacturing process, they have little control over the quality and consistency of the fabric. Many of the fabric potting container suppliers probably do not even know what is in their fabric.

High Caliper Growing has tested their fabric to ensure a high level of consistency and safety. They proudly boast that their fabric containers contain absolutely no BPA. High Caliper Growing independently and scientifically tested four of their leading competitors for BPA. Guess what? Three out of the four have BPA present in their fabrics. I don’t know about you but I don’t want anything I plan on consuming growing in a container that leaches BPA into the most sensitive area for plant absorption (the root mass).

For indoor horticulturists who want to gain all of the benefits of a fabric container and also want a safe, consistent product, Smart Pots by High Caliper Growing are the way to go. For more information visit Smartpots.com.

Lighting, atmospheric conditions and nutrition are some of the most important garden variables that new growers must master in order to be successful. After a grower has a good understanding of the basics behind the operation of an indoor garden, he or she can begin searching for other ways to help maximize performance. There are numerous  variables that make up a well functioning indoor garden but examining the potting containers is a good place to begin.

For many growers, plastic potting containers have become the norm because that is what their friends use or they do not understand that there are other options available. The truth is, plastic potting containers are not necessarily the best option for indoor horticulture. Fabric containers, like the Smart Pot, are changing the way indoor horticulturists view planting containers. There are multiple benefits to using a fabric planting container in an indoor garden; all of which can help a grower to maximize his or her return.

Breathability

The biggest difference between a fabric container and a plastic container is breathability. A plastic container is non-permeable and will not allow any air to reach the side portions of the planting container. With a Smart Pot all of the soil within the container is exposed to air. This “breathability” creates two distinct advantages over plastic potting containers: air pruned roots and increased oxygen to the root mass.

Air Pruned Roots

After branching out from the center, the roots will eventually reach the wall of the potting container. In a typical plastic potting container, the roots will reach the wall and turn. This creates a circling of roots within the container. The roots in a fabric container behave differently. As a root reaches the wall of a fabric container, the exposure to air causes the root to air prune. The tip of the root is “pruned” and stops growing. As the tip of the root stops growing, a series of lateral roots grow off the main root. This creates a more uniform root mass within the potting container. A plant with a uniform root mass is more efficient at up-taking nutrients and moisture. It is the natural air pruning from fabric containers that creates a healthier, more uniform root mass. As many growers know, a plant with a robust root mass will be healthier and produce better yields.

Increased Oxygen

Aside from the benefits of air pruning, the increased exposure to air provides the roots with a higher oxygen content. Roots love oxygen. When a plant’s roots are provided with increased oxygen levels healthier, brilliantly white and fuzzy roots with lateral branches are created. The increased oxygen is also a safe guard against many root-borne pathogens. Root rot (pythium) is a common problem for indoor horticulturists. This nasty disease is capable of wiping out an entire garden in a matter of just days. By using a Smart Pot, indoor gardeners automatically protect themselves from pythium or other anaerobic pathogens that breed in oxygen depleted environments.

Indoor gardeners who are still using plastic potting containers to house their soil should definitely give a fabric container, like the Smart Pot, a try. If the science behind the fabric containers doesn’t convince you, try doing a side by side comparison. Grow one  plant in a fabric pot right next to a plant of the same variety in a plastic container. Once you have experienced the increased growth rates and the healthiest root masses you’ve ever grown indoors, you’ll be switching every plastic container to Smart Pots before you can say, “air pruned”.

For more information regarding quality fabric containers and the Smart Pot, please visit Smartpot.com.

Choosing a planting container for outdoor gardening is a decision that will have a direct impact on the yield and quality of the finished crop. After all, the plant’s root mass will be housed within that container and the roots are a plant’s direct connection to water and nutrients. Without a flourishing root system, a plant will never live up to its potential. Many outdoor gardeners are starting to realize the vast benefits of quality fabric containers for outdoor cultivation. The biggest advantage of fabric containers is a healthier root structure. A healthy root structure equates to healthier growth and more abundant yields. Fabric containers, like Smart Pot, create a healthier root structure because of the increased aeration created by a permeable, fabric material. Seasoned gardeners understand that a well aerated root zone will stimulate growth and increase plant health. Aside from the general benefits of an aerated medium, using Smart Pots for outdoor crops offers other distinct advantages.

Releases Heat

Unlike plastic containers, which are notorious for trapping and holding heat, fabric containers offer a heightened “breathability” that allows the heat to escape easily. Heat trapped around the root zone can create a perfect breeding ground for pathogens and may end up being catastrophic for the plants. A fabric container, like a Smart Pot, has increased aeration and will actually allow evaporative cooling to occur within the container. This creates a more uniform soil temperature (regardless of the side of the container facing the sun) throughout the entire container. Plastic containers will develop a “hot spot” on the side of the container which faces the sun. The hot spot on a plastic container can create a temperature that is too warm for any root growth to occur. When temperatures are too high around the root zone, the plant will slow its growth or stop altogether. A fabric planting container’s ability to release heat allows plants to continually develop healthy root growth, even on hot summer days.

Air Pruning and Lateral Root Growth

Perhaps the most significant advantage of a fabric pot is the way it alters root growth. In a plastic container, roots will grow out until they reach the side of the container. After hitting the side of the container, the root will follow the wall around and around. This creates a ball of circled roots. Any gardener who has transplanted from a plastic container has seen the evidence of the circling roots. The roots of plants grown in fabric containers do not circle but instead get “air pruned.” When the root reaches the side of a fabric container, the root tip stops growing and the root develops a series of lateral roots. The roots created by air pruning are extremely fibrous and increase the root’s surface contact area. Plants with vibrant, fibrous roots will grow strong, healthy plants which produce prolific yields.

Outdoor growers are always looking for ways to increase crop production. Smart Pots are high quality fabric containers that offer many significant advantages to outdoor horticulturists. The unique aeration qualities provided by a fabric planting container create a root mass unmatched by any plastic container. Heathy roots are the key to a productive garden. Outdoor growers looking to increase root health and, in turn, the garden’s production can visit SmartPots.com for more information on Smart Pot fabric planting containers.