Page 12 - Organic Gardening 3 Part Series

Types of Containers:

Clay and Terra Cotta

These pots are attractive but tend to dry out quickly, so they need more regular
watering. If your heart is set on this type of pot, you can line the inside with thin
plastic to reduce the loss of moisture. Make sure to place the pots on feet which
can be fashioned out of bricks or tiles, to maintain good drainage. Remember that
clay can crack during cold weather so choose pots which are frost-proof.

Plastic Pots

The advantage to using plastic is that it's light
weight, they retain moisture better than clay and
don't crack in cold weather. There are even plastic
pots that look like terra cotta.

Metal Pots

If you're looking for a contemporary look, then
metal pots offer a variety of modern styles. They

are frost-proof and can be light-weight if that's
one of your requirements. However, they do tend to conduct heat and cold
quickly, so they're not the best choice for areas in areas with extreme
temperatures.

Wooden Planters

Wood rots so they have a limited lifespan although you can slow down the
process by lining the inside with plastic sheeting or landscape fabric. Planters
made of cedar or redwood will last the longest.

Recycling and Repurposes

Here's where your imagination comes into play. Everything from an old toilet to
old kettles can become part of your container garden.