Picking the Perfect Pot: A Guide to Gardening for Plant Lovers
Are you a plant lover who enjoys growing greenery in pots? Then you know that choosing the right pot is crucial for your plant's success - it's like finding the perfect outfit for a night out. Just as you want to feel comfortable and look great in your clothes, your plants need to feel at ease and thrive in their homes. But with so many options available, how do you know which pot to choose?
Fear not, for in this article, we'll delve into the world of gardening so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the perfect pot for your beloved plants. Let's get started and take the first step towards creating a thriving garden!
- Plastic Pots: Gardeners often choose plastic pots due to their affordable price, lightweight design, and durability. With various sizes, shapes, and colors available, they are a versatile option for gardening. Plastic retains moisture well, which is beneficial for plants that require frequent watering. However, it can also make it difficult to manage moisture levels, so it's essential to select pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
One potential drawback of plastic pots is their tendency to become brittle and fade when exposed to sunlight, which can lead to cracking over time. Despite this, plastic pots remain a great choice for novice gardeners or those who wish to try different pot sizes before investing in more expensive options. You can find a range of plastic pots, such as the Ramgo Ikea Square Pot, rectangular Ramgo Wall-Hang Pot, Ramgo Celadon Pot, and Modern Lifestyle Biodegradable Flower Pot at ACE Hardware.
- Terra Cotta Pots: These pots are made from baked clay and are recognized for their porous quality, which enables free circulation of air and moisture, regulating the soil's moisture level. The porous material also averts soil from getting waterlogged, thus avoiding the risk of root rot.
Terra cotta pots usually remain unglazed, providing a natural look that appeals to gardeners who prefer an earthy aesthetic. They are available in various shapes and sizes, making them an adaptable option for different plant types.
- Glazed Ceramic Pots: Glazed ceramic pots are a stylish and elegant option for gardening. These pots come in a range of colors and patterns, making them an excellent option for adding visual interest to your indoor or outdoor space. Glazed ceramic pots are typically heavier than plastic or terra cotta pots, making them a more stable option for top-heavy plants.
While glazed ceramic pots are a great option for indoor plants that require a more stable environment, they are also more expensive and less porous than other types of pots. This can make them less accessible to some gardeners and not the best choice for plants that need excellent drainage. Despite this, they still have their benefits.
If you're already familiar with the types of pots available and want to know which size is best for your plants, keep reading! Choosing the right pot size is essential for ensuring that your plants have enough room to grow and thrive. Below are some guidelines for selecting the ideal pot size based on the type of plant you have:
- For succulent plants, larger herbs, vegetables like strawberries and leaf lettuce, and flowers like marigolds, a 10-inch pot is ideal.
- For growing larger vegetable varieties like spinach and hearty leafy greens like collard greens, and kale, a 14-inch pot is recommended.
- For accommodating large vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli and for growing cacti, citrus trees, and shrubs, an 18-inch pot is ideal.
- For plants and shrubs like cucumber or hydrangea, a 24-inch pot is recommended.
- Finally, for big plants such as sweetcorn or pumpkin, a 30-inch pot is ideal.
When it's time to repot your plant, don't worry! It's a simple process that can make a big difference in your plant's health. Just follow these easy steps:
- Remove the plant from its current planter or grow pot: Turn your plant sideways, hold it gently by the stems or leaves, and tap the bottom of its current vessel until the plant slides out. You might need to give it a bit of help with a couple of gentle tugs on the base of the stems.
- Loosen the roots: Loosen the plant’s roots gently with your hands. You can prune off any threadlike roots that are extra long, just make sure to leave the thicker roots at the base of the foliage. If your plant is root bound—the roots are growing in very tight circles around the base of the plant—unbind the roots as best you can and give them a trim.
- Remove the old potting mix: Remove about one-third or more of the old potting mix surrounding the plant's roots. As it grew, your plant removed some or all of the nutrients in the current mix, so you'll want to give it a fresh potting mix or soil.
- Add new potting mix: Begin by adding a layer of fresh potting soil, such as the Konice Potting Mix found at ACE Hardware, to the empty planter. Pack the soil down firmly while removing any air pockets. If your planter lacks a drainage hole, place a layer of lava rocks, gravel, or similar material at the bottom before adding the potting mix. The objective is to create spaces where excess water can gather, away from the plant's roots.
- Add your plant: Set your plant on top of the fresh layer of mix in the planter, making sure it's centered, then add more potting mix around the plant until it is secure. Be sure not to pack too much soil into the planter: you want the roots to have space to breathe.
- Water and enjoy: Even out the potting soil on top and water well! It's worth noting that a freshly repotted plant does not need to be fed fertilizer.
When it comes to watering your potted plants, follow these tips:
- For watering plants, use sprinklers for plants that are in pots.
- For watering plants in seedling trays, use sprayers.
- For hot summer months, watering should be done twice a day: once early in the morning and once late in the afternoon. Water only once a day during the rainy season. When strong winds or rain are expected, set up a makeshift tent made of net or plastic to cover and protect seedlings.
So there you have it! Choosing the perfect pot for your plants and knowing when to repot them is crucial for a successful garden. It's all about finding the right balance between the plant's needs and your personal style. 
And if you need some pots or gardening tools, be sure to visit your local ACE Hardware. Their wide selection and knowledgeable staff can help you find exactly what you need to get started on your gardening journey. With a little care and attention, your garden will flourish and bring joy to your indoor or outdoor space for years to come. So go ahead, grab your gloves, and get gardening!