Choosing the Right Containers
The container you choose for each of your plants will make or break your indoor gardening success. Containers can be plain-looking but practical, or they can be more decorative to match your decor.
Why the Right Container is Important
Whether you go plain or decorative, the most important characteristic about the containers you use is that they provide proper drainage with holes in the bottom. Without proper drainage, excess water has nowhere to go and collects in the bottom of the pot. The resulting soggy soil conditions eventually cause plant roots to drown; the plant dies from root rot.
A container without drainage holes isn’t meant for holding soil; it’s meant to hold – and hide – a boring-looking plastic plant pot. That’s why pots without drainage holes are called “cache pots” (From the French, meaning “to hide”). These pots look nice, but plants can’t be planted directly into them. Even putting a layer of gravel at the bottom under the soil won’t solve the drainage problem. For more information on choosing the right containers, see “Indoor Garden Care & Maintenance”
Self-Watering Containers
There are many containers available on the market labelled as “self-watering.” While they won’t eliminate your watering task altogether, they can reduce how often you need to worry about it.
There are many containers available on the market labelled as “self-watering.” While they won’t eliminate your watering task, they can reduce how often you need to worry about it. Be aware, not all containers labelled “self-watering” are created equal.
Without a specific combination of features, some self-watering containers may not function as intended. Before you invest in a self-watering container, do some homework so you know which ones will actually meet your – and your plant’s – needs. For more information about self-watering containers, go to “Self-Watering Containers”
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