Learning the Right Way to Do It
Container gardening can be great fun, but there is a lot to know about plastic pot with drainage holes before you jump right in. Many new gardeners jump in without really knowing what they are doing. Watering, weeding, monitoring plant growth – all these things come naturally when you are container gardening. If you are careful though, container gardening can be an enjoyable experience. If you follow some basic guidelines though, container gardening can be a rewarding experience.
If you can’t make holes, there are still other options. First, try nesting one of your larger plastic pots with small drainage holes in the bottom. Be sure not to overwater either, as excess water will eventually drain out of the large pot and into the smaller containers. Nesting is a fun activity for both beginning and experienced container gardening people.
Don’t over water. It’s actually good to water your container plants just once or twice each month. Doing this keeps the roots nice and moist so they can work properly. It also ensures that the soil stays well-drained and doesn’t become too clay-like. Doing this less than once a month is enough to ensure healthy root systems for your plants.
Keep the drainage layer intact. There is no reason why your soil should get soggy because you forgot to remove the drainage layer. The roots are going to do fine without having to support extra water. A good rule of thumb is if you have room to add another pot, put in a drainage hole. This makes it easier to control the amount of water the plant needs.
Grow your plants upside down. Some plants grow better when you grow them upside down. Some kinds of dwarf flowers grow better if you grow them in the upright position. Plants like lavender will grow much better if you grow them upside down. Since they don’t have to struggle as much, they’ll produce much more foliage. This means you’ll have more flowers to enjoy!
Use big pots without drainage holes. Big pots without drainage holes are great for growing succulents. This type of plant grows best in large containers that have plenty of space for it to spread out. Make sure you place your succulents on something that allows for lots of air circulation.
Watering is very important for container plants. Water your plants often but not too often. If you over water, you may end up with a flooded container that’s unhealthy for your plants. Also, watering in the morning or evening can make it easier for the roots to absorb water from the soil. Be sure to water your container in the morning, before you put your plants in the container.
Do your homework and learn as much about your particular plant as possible. You should know what kind of soil it needs and how much water it needs. You should know what time of day is best for it to get sunlight. If your plant doesn’t get enough water it may die. This is something you want to avoid at all costs. Good luck with pot without drainage hole gardening!
Another mistake the anxious gardener makes is planting too many plants close together. This is bad because they won’t be able to get enough sun or air to each plant. This is especially true if your garden is in a window. Planting a crop rotation in the spring and fall will allow for ample air and sun to reach each plant. This will be more productive and healthier for your plants in the long run.
Plastic pots with drainage holes are wonderful for any type of plants you want to grow. However, there are some plants that thrive better in soil. For example, succulents need rich soil to get nutrients and water. These succulents include hydrangeas, lineeds, and zinnias.
As you work on growing your container garden, don’t forget to give each plant the care it deserves. Plant the largest ones on the outside of the container and move them to a shaded spot in the back yard or container garden. As you work to fill your container with plants, remember to check on your plants every few days. Be careful not to over-water any plant as this can also cause root rot.
Watering a plant is very important and can make the difference between a healthy plant and one that die out. The best way to water your plants is using a watering can or hose. Water your plant until the soil feels dry. Wipe the drainage cloth over the drainage holes to help loosen the soil and then you’re ready to plant. Water your container garden the right way to do it.