Pots, Planters & Baskets | Home & Garden Classifieds

There is an absolute plethora of attractive pots, planters and hanging baskets available to enhance the look of a garden.

CHOOSING PLANTERS & HANGING BASKETS
When contemplating the purchase of garden containers, aesthetics tend to be the overwhelming concern. However, other factors should be taken into consideration:

Sun / Wind
The container's exposure to the elements is a major factor to consider. Soil in any type of planter dries out significantly faster than that in the garden. For an area that is in full sunlight, a non-porous planter will reduce moisture loss. Synthetic materials generally retain moisture better.

Moving
Consider whether the planter will need to be moved for any reason, such as taking advantage of sun / shade or protecting plants from frost. If this is the case, avoid heavy / large containers. Whilst concrete looks great, it weighs a ton, especially when full and should be reserved for containers that do not need to be moved.

Irrigation
If containers are not likely to be watered on a daily basis, particularly in hot weather, they need to have a reservoir that can be filled from the bottom. Keeping container plants watered can be a challenge. When planting up a container, cut a piece of cord about three feet long. Thread one end through the drainage hole of the container, then fill the pot with a few inches of compost. The cord should be visible on the surface. Coil the cord around the top of the compost. Put the plant in place, filling the container with the remaining compost. To complete the self-watering device, insert the long end of the cord into a gallon container of water. The cord will act as a wick to draw up water. Strawberry jars are particularly difficult to water. When planting such jars, make a cylinder of chicken wire or similar, fill with gravel and place in the centre of the jar. Fill the jar and plant as required. When watering, be certain to water directly into the central cylinder. This will ensure water reaches the bottom of the jar.

Frost
If containers are to be left outside during the winter, they need to be constructed of frost resistant materials (wood, stone and concrete).

PLANTER MATERIALS

Terracotta
Terracotta is an attractive, traditional material, but is porous and dries out quickly. Not suitable for use in direct sunlight and not frost-resistant.

Stone / Concrete
Both materials will retain moisture and keep a steady soil temperature. Frost-resistant, and excellent for planters that cannot be knocked over.

Wood
Wooden containers aid in the retention of water. They are subject to rot, but this can be avoided by treating with a suitable wood preservative. However, wooden containers should not be left to rest on the ground. Subject to expansion and contraction, so good construction is essential. Frost-resistant.

Metal
Metal planters are usually heavy and hence suitable for tall plants. They require frequent watering, especially in hot weather. Excellent winter containers.

Synthetic Materials
Modern synthetic pots look like natural materials, particularly with age. Lightweight, long lasting, cheap and frost-resistant (usually), plastic containers also conserve moisture. They work wonderfully well as liners; plant into the plastic pot, then insert into a decorative container, thus gaining the best of both.

HANGING BASKE TS
Hanging baskets are a great way to bring some additional colour to the patio or balcony. Baskets are available in numerous styles. Plastic containers are inexpensive, and most are designed with a self-watering feature, holding water in a reservoir at the bottom of the container. An open plastic style can be lined with sheet moss that will hold the soil in the centre of the container. Water simply drains through the moss. This style of basket requires a sufficient amount of the sheet moss to hold the weight of the soil and plants. Water drains more easily from this style of planter, so it will need to be watered more frequently. A liner of coconut fibre can be inserted in a wire frame for an attractive, natural look. The liner holds moisture well, so watering won't need to be quite so frequent.

Planting a Hanging Basket
To create an attractive hanging basket, scoop some potting compost into the bottom of the container, leaving room for root growth. Remove plants from their pots, inserting the whole plant, complete with root ball, into the basket. A combination of several different species, such as mixing cascading vines (Scaveola is excellent) with flowering plants, is particularly effective. As long as you're choosing hardy species that survive well in your climate and grow well in containers, just follow your preference in terms of foliage, style of growth and colours. A hanging basket will be viewed from all angles, so arrange the planting accordingly. Add additional potting compost as needed, packing the soil loosely. Hang the basket in an appropriate location for the species it contains. Ensure that the bracket and hanging fixtures are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the basket (especially after watering).