Container gardening offers a delightful way to enhance your outdoor space, whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony. Choosing the right pot size plays a pivotal role in the success of your potted plants. Opting for larger pots can significantly impact plant health and growth.
Why Go Big?
Larger containers provide ample space for root development, which is essential for robust plant growth. With more room, roots can spread comfortably, leading to healthier and more vigorous plants. Additionally, bigger pots retain moisture longer, reducing the frequency of watering—a boon for those with busy schedules. They also offer better insulation against temperature fluctuations, protecting roots from extreme cold or heat. As noted by the Royal Horticultural Society, large containers are best for creating striking displays and are easier to look after. Visually pots are best clustered in groups of 1, 3’s and 5s. When you do this, use one large pot and two smaller ones in decreasing size if using a three pot display. Similarly using five pots you can use two large pots and three smaller ones, mixing up the shape is important as well.
Longevity of Pots
The lifespan of a pot depends on its material. Terracotta pots, while aesthetically pleasing and age really and are probably my favourite style of pots. Plastic pots are lightweight and durable but may degrade under prolonged sun exposure and not great for the environment. Investing in high-quality, weather-resistant materials ensures your pots withstand the elements and serve your garden for years to come. Urbis have a great range of modern planters including cor-ten steel, fibre glass and concrete.
Such a classic! Agapanthus in large Terracotta pot
Plant Combinations for Pots
Selecting the right plant combinations can transform your containers into captivating displays. Here are some tried-and-true pairings:
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Herbs and Edibles: Combine chives with strawberries to deter pests and enhance growth. Chives also pair well with tomatoes, aiding in pest control and improving flavor.
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Ornamental Plants: For a classic English garden feel, plant boxwood shrubs or Ilex crenata in containers. Their evergreen nature provides year-round interest and structure. Try small a small olive tree underplanted with Lavender Hidcote. Hostas look great in terracotta pots if you standing them in a tray of water will also keep the slugs at bay
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Seasonal Blooms: Utilize the “bulb lasagne” technique by layering different bulbs in one pot. This method ensures a continuous display of flowers throughout the spring. Ideally use drought tolerant plants when considering a pot display as they wont suffer if you forget to water them, choose plants like lavender, rosemary, salvias, sedums, eryngium, erigeron, alchemilla mollis and agapanthus.
Salvia and Erigeron in rustic pot
Tips for Thriving Container Gardens
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Drainage is Key: Ensure your pots have adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can harm plant roots.Dont forget to add shingle at the bottom of the pot to allow water to drain through
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Quality Soil: Use high-quality potting mix to provide essential nutrients and proper aeration for your plants.
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Regular Feeding: Potted plants rely on you for nutrients. Regular feeding with appropriate fertilizers keeps them healthy and vibrant. Don’t forget compost from your local Garden Centre only has enough nutrients to last six weeks so feeding is the key.I prefer to use organic seaweed extract which you can get here
Embracing larger pots not only enhances the visual appeal of your garden but also promotes healthier and more resilient plants. So, when planning your container garden, remember: bigger is often better!
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