At rectangular planters, you will come across various planters in different models and shapes. And just as it applies to plants, you will need more than one pot to grow them. When you are buying pots for the garden, most buyers consider the size and appearance which will allow the growth of plants, ensuring that there is enough drainage. The type of container has to be looked into because different materials for plants are not the same.
Advantages of Different Planters
Clay Pots
Clay is a porous material and thus, allows air to get through the walls of the pot. Because of having to be porous, it ensures that moisture is wicked away via the walls, making the soil to dry very fast than a pot which is made of materials such as plastic. It becomes a benefit if you are the type of person who over waters your plants but at the same time, it might be a disadvantage as it requires more water than the other types of planters.
Concrete Planters
Planters which are concrete tend to be very durable and have a potential to last for a a longer time. They provide thick walls that provide less fluctuation in the temperature of the soil as compared to other planters. But you have to remember that, these types are very heavy and thus, hard to move around. You can use hypertufa as an alternative, which is made from peat moss, perlite, and Portland cement.
Metal Pots
They are durable planters pots that are available in various metals from galvanized steel and aluminum to cast iron. They won’t crack or break, but thin metal planters tend to easily dent. Cheaper metal is prone to rusts.
There is also a possibility that the sun can heat the soil in pots made from metal, damaging the plant roots. There are metals which tend to be toxic and not suitable for edible plants. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage.
Plastic Pots
Plastic pots are planters that are not expensive and you can get them in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. They are lightweight and easy to move. And if there is a need for additional drainage, then it is very easy to drill extra holes in these pots.
The disadvantages of using plastic pots include being easy to be knocked over. They can crack after becoming brittle easily when you use them outdoor. With their thin walls, it makes the soil to be susceptible to the fluctuation of temperature that happens rapidly.
A lot of industrial plastic available in the market is constructed from petrochemicals. It is important to know that, some plastics are very toxic and emit toxic chemicals into the soil whenever they are heated. this is a very important thing to consider when you are deciding whether to use them for edible plants.
Wood Planters
They are available in various wood types. It is possible to purchase them so that you complement other outdoor fixtures and furniture such as trellises, wood benches or fences. They are also good when it comes to preventing soil from having to overheat.
