Finding The Right Containers
On this page find which planting containers fit the needs of your plants and how to prepare to receive your plants, including:
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- General recommendations for sizes and materials of vegetable plant containers, pots, and planters.
- How to choose planting containers based on vegetable plant spacing requirements
- Choosing soil or soil medium for planting vegetables.
- Examples of vegetables planted in containers of several sizes, as single plants, and as groups.
- Step-by-step demonstrations showing how to clean, sterilize, and waterproof containers, pots, and planters used to grow vegetables or other garden plants.
- A step-by-step demonstration showing how to wash, clean and sterilize containers, pots, and planters used to grow vegetables or other garden plants.
- A step-by-step demonstration showing how to add or enlarge the size of drainage holes in containers used to grow vegetables or other garden plants.
- A step-by-step demonstration showing how to apply non-toxic liquid-latex waterproofing to terra-cotta and other porous containers used to grow vegetables or other garden plants.
Choosing and Sizing Plant Containers
Choosing the right containers for vegetables means accommodating the needs of your plants. Give them room to grow, starting as you choose your vegetables. Each species requires a different depth and width to accommodate its roots.
A good rule of thumb is to choose containers that are a half to two-thirds as deep as the plant’s height.
Besides width, containers used to grow vegetable plants also need ample width. That allows the plants’ roots to spread out.
You’ll find space needs among the descriptions of each vegetable’s preferences and needs [See: Vegetables]. It’s also available from seed packages and on plant tags that accompany most vegetable starts.
Containers should measure from the center of the container to its edge a length that is the same as the recommended spacing between each plant and its neighbors.
Finally, some species may have specific soil needs. You’ll also find that information for each vegetable [See: Vegetables].
After choosing your vegetables and a suitable container for each type, next prepare the containers for planting as shown in the following step-by-step demonstrations.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Plant containers must have several open drain holes to keep the plant’s roots from standing in water. If not, add additional drain holes.
Previously used or new containers that were displayed outdoors or are soiled should be thoroughly washed clean and sterilized before reuse.
Pots and containers made of fired terra-cotta clay or other porous materials require both sterilization and application of a non-toxic waterproof sealant, such as liquid latex rubber, a tropical plant derivative.
Choose and prepare your containers for planting. Each of four steps required are demonstrated below:
How to Prepare a Container for Planting
Select containers that are made of insulating materials to keep them from overheating. Best are ceramic, insulated composite plastic, terra cotta, and wood.
Add more drain holes, enlarge any that are too small, or drill your own, using a battery or electric hand drill fitted with a 3/8-in. (9-mm) masonry bit.
If you reuse containers, sterilize them in a solution of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts of water. Wear protective clothing and gloves. Dry pots overnight before planting.
Reduce deposited mineral salts on porous pots such as those of terra cotta by painting the interior of the pots with a breathable latex sealant. Dry the sealant overnight before planting, and soak the terra-cotta pots in water before use.
Warning:
Household bleach is made with sodium hypochlorite, a powerful skin and eye irritant. Avoid hazard by wearing gloves and protective clothing whenever you handle bleach solution.
How to Drill Drain Holes in Containers
Fit a power drill with a 1/2-in. (12-mm) bit. Use a carbide bit for iron and brass containers, a masonry bit for ceramic or concrete pots.
Apply crossed strips of masking tape to the pot’s base, then mark the drill spot or spots.
Drill the hole, allowing the bit to gradually cut into the pot’s surface. Avoid applying too much pressure, which builds up frictional heat.
How to Clean Containers and Apply Sealants
Prepare the container by washing and draining it. If the pot is being re-used, sterilize it (see following demonstration.) Allow it to thoroughly dry before you begin to apply brush-on sealant.
Don gloves, then paint an even layer of latex, water-based sealant on the container’s inside surface. Allow it to dry.
Apply a second coat of latex sealant to the pot’s interior. Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before planting into the container.
How to Sterilize Terra-Cotta Pots
Wear rubber gloves and heed the health caution warning (below). Mix a household detergent and water. Prepare and mix bleach-water solution with 9 parts of water to 1 part of household bleach. Each of the two plastic containers should be large enough to comfortably hold the pot.
Thoroughly wash each pot in soapy water to remove any clinging soil, rinse in ample plain water, and set aside to drain.
Soak each pot in the bleach sterilizing solution for at least 30 seconds, then remove, drain, and completely dry it.
Always dispose of unused bleach solution safely. Pour it down a household drain, and flush the drain with water.
Warning:
Household bleach is made with sodium hypochlorite, a powerful skin and eye irritant. Avoid hazard by wearing gloves and protective clothing whenever you handle bleach solution.