DENVER, Colorado — We can grow almost anything we like in a container. It's a matter of picking the right pot for the plant. Understanding different kinds of pots helps.
Glazed ceramic pots have advantages. They're durable and hold water well because the pot walls aren't porous like clay pots. Water can only evaporate from the top.
Terra cotta clay pots have advantages and disadvantages. Their walls are porous, providing a transfer of air and water through them. If you're a chronic over-waterer, this may help prevent root rot and death by drowning. Soak clay pots before planting so they get saturated. Otherwise, they'll continuously wick moisture from the soil within. Clay pots always benefit from a saucer beneath to catch excess moisture; glazed pots don't necessarily need saucers.
Small clay pots are only suitable for cacti and succulents. Everything else will fry.
Plastic pots are good choices if you can paint them or give them a faux finish so they look like terra cotta. Plastic pots are also less expensive and hold water well.
When planting big, deep pots, it's fine to fill the bottom with packing peanuts--only if you put a barrier of burlap on top of them before adding soil. Otherwise, the soil will sink down into the spaces between the peanuts. Eventually the whole mess will sink way below the rim of the pot.
Whether you select glazed, terra cotta or plastic pots, always buy a premium potting soil. That's the most important part of container gardening.
More Proctor's Garden:
- How to save water and have a beautiful garden
- It's getting hot outside: What can and can't be planted now
- Proctor's Garden: Put manure to good use
- How to have a colorful xeriscaped garden
- Gardening 101: Follow these easy tips to help your plants thrive
- The quick and simple way to make your own geraniums
- Indoor and outdoor plants
- How to grow your own salad
- Proctor's Garden: Gradual sun exposure can help your garden thrive
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
SUGGESTED VIDEO: Proctor's Garden
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
