Choosing the right pot online entails more than just size and depth. Different containers are made from different types of material, which all have their pros and cons. Colours also make a difference where lighter coloured pots help keep the soil cooler than darker coloured containers.
Terracotta
There’s an unlimited choice of Terracotta or clay online pots that are practical and charming, and they blend in with almost every space. However, they can easily be damaged with fluctuating temperatures that cause it to freeze and thaw. These containers are suitable for indoor use and can be used outside all year round in frost-free regions.
Concrete and Hypertufa
If you’re looking for a long-lasting, durable pot, a cast concrete container is a sure bet. You’ll find concrete pots in an assortment of styles and sizes that can used outdoors regardless of the climate. The one drawback is the weight. Standard concrete is very heavy and not suitable for balconies or wooden decks. Great alternatives are hypertufa, which looks like concrete but it is much lighter, as well as containers that are made from a mix of concrete, perlite, vermiculite, or fiberglass blends.
Plastic
Plastic online pots are versatile, lightweight, and easy on the pocket. While plastic planters aren’t the most attractive option, they can be painted and decorated or placed in cachepots to improve aesthetics. Plastic pots are also non-porous and retain moisture but when left in direct sunlight, they fade and become brittle. It is also best to avoid plastic containers for planting vegetables and herbs as some types of plastic can be toxic.
Wood or Metal
Another great material when looking for online pots, is wood. It’s natural-looking, environment friendly, and offers safe protection for plant roots in varying temperature. If you build a wooden planter, be sure to choose a rot-resistant type of wood like locust, cedar, or treated pine. Metal containers must be used cautiously because they conduct heat and can damage plants through overheating. To get around this, use a plastic liner and choose lighter coloured metal to reflect heat.
Preparing the Container
The type of online pot you choose will depend on what you’re planting. Whether it’s edibles, or colourful flowers, you can design the container content to last a season or as a permanent focal point. You’ll need to factor in the weight of the container, it’s location, and make it easy as possible for watering.
Using soil from the garden can be too dense for containers, so purchasing a quality potting mix suitable for the specific plants will be a better option to promote healthy growing and maintenance. Moisten the soil before planting in your new online pot. Using lukewarm water will saturate the soil quicker than cold water. Avoid adding gravel and stones for drainage as it can have the opposite effect.
For optimum results, ensure the soil is evenly soaked and then fill the container but avoid filling the container completely. Leave a few centimetres of space from the top so there’s room for water. Now, your container is ready to receive the plants. When transplanting into the pot, the plant’s roots must be adequately covered and preferably at the same soil level that it was before. Always water after planting so the roots can make contact with the soil and become established in their home.