What Are the Best Garden Containers?
When choosing plants for our garden, each person has their individual preferences regarding plant types and planting methods. Whether you have a large garden with modern design and neat planting or a small garden with a more natural cozy style, there is one thing that can significantly improve your planting — using garden containers.
However, given the wide variety of sizes and types of containers on the market, as well as a broad selection of materials they are made from, it can be difficult to determine whether Corten steel containers, wooden or terracotta ones suit your needs.
When choosing plants for our garden, each person has their individual preferences regarding plant types and planting methods. Whether you have a large garden with modern design and neat planting or a small garden with a more natural cozy style, there is one thing that can significantly improve your planting — using garden containers.
However, given the wide variety of sizes and types of containers on the market, as well as a broad selection of materials they are made from, it can be difficult to determine whether Corten steel containers, wooden or terracotta ones suit your needs.
Our brief guide will acquaint you with some different containers and tell which ones are best suited for various situations.
What to Look For in a Container
When choosing the right container, it's important to find a balance. You need something whose size suits your plant but also leaves room for its growth. After you've spent time selecting the perfect pot, the last thing you want is to look for a new container again when your plant grows too big. Your container should have drainage to keep plants healthy and also match your garden vision.
It's worth remembering that many containers are made from porous materials such as fired clay and wood. While this allows plants to breathe better, it also means you'll need to water the contents more frequently. As summer becomes hotter and longer, this may be an important factor to consider. It can also affect plant health if you often go on vacation during summer.
Another important point is that some containers, especially large ones, are quite heavy. This is even before adding soil and plants. Of course, your container should be heavy enough to stay in place. However, if you plan to move it later, consider this possibility. Special container stands with wheels allow for movement but aren't suitable for all types of containers.
Choosing the Right Size
If you're looking for a container for an existing plant, check how big it can grow. This is important both in terms of its spread and for providing sufficient space for the root system. This will help choose the optimal container size — the plant may seem a bit lost in it during its first few years, but if you don't want to move it later — which isn't recommended for some plants — it's better to consider its final size from the beginning.
If you want to create a composition of small plants, you'll have more options. Trellises or large round containers look great when filled with various small contrasting plants, provided there's a little space between them.
Tall containers are an excellent choice for shrubs or mini trees that grow tall rather than wide.
Follow the plant size when choosing a garden container, and you'll find something suitable in material and style for your garden.
