Find your perfect garden pots and hanging baskets for your outdoor space. Get advice, tips, and dozens of practical suggestions to help you design and plant a beautiful garden that’s just right for you – whether it’s a border, an island bed, or a potager.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Gardening is a fun and beneficial hobby that will improve your outdoor living space into an oasis. Garden pots and hanging baskets are among the easiest yet most effective ways to develop your garden. These stylish and practical gardening tools will instantly become your new favorite – they’ll make digging, planting, cutting, and tilling a breeze. You’ll love the fun colors! Whether you are an experienced gardener or a novice, in pots and hanging baskets, the potential to fill your outdoor space with color is huge.
(5) The Ultimate Guide to Garden Pots & Hanging Baskets. In this ultimate guide, we are diving into all things garden pots and hanging baskets. Whether you need to buy materials, find the perfect flowers, or pick up a few options for this delightful hobby, you can read tips on landscaping your garden right here. Let’s dive in!
What are Garden Pots and Hanging Baskets?
18 Different Types of Garden Pots and Containers. A garden pot is a flower container that often serves as an ornament.; literally filled with stunning flowers or floral arrangements. They’re available in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so gardeners can find the best container to fit their outdoor decor. Pots can be placed on the ground, patios, decks, or balconies, offering endless possibilities for landscape ideas and gardening plans.
Anyway, hanging baskets are containers we hang from hooks —or something more creative than just a boring hook (line) —and they’re typically suspended by chain (rope). These baskets are great for giving height to your garden, especially in smaller spaces where you cannot plant directly into the ground. Hanging planters add a touch of modern style to any space and are perfect for showcasing your plants.
Advantages of Garden Pots and Hanging Baskets
Space Efficiency
Garden pots and hanging baskets, whether filled with food crops or used as a supportive addition to garden beds, are ideal for small gardens or where traditional garden beds cannot be used. You can set them on patios, balconies, or even windowsills – meaning you can propagate plants without access to gigantic outdoor garden spaces.
Design Flexibility
Garden pots and hanging baskets are available in a wide range of types, sizes, and materials that complement any garden. And whether your taste runs to modern minimalism, rustic charm, or vintage elegance, there’s a pot or basket to suit the look you’re after.
Plant Health Control
Pots provide more control over soil, drainage, and water to help keep plants healthy. You can use the best soil for each of your plants, and if a particular plant needs more sun or shade, it’s easy to move the pot to where it needs to be. Hanging baskets also help keep plants out of reach of pets or pests.
Aesthetic Appeal
Garden pots and hanging baskets are a perfect solution for adding color or growing herbs. Whether you opt for a bright burst of color with flowers or a more minimalist approach, filling them with smooth, modern pots, these containers bring instant charm to your outdoor space.
Easy Mobility
One reason that using garden pots is so wonderful is that you can move them. If you need to move a plant to get more sunlight or rearrange your beds for an entirely new garden, that’s easy. This versatility also lets you seamlessly revamp the overall look of your space.
Selecting the Perfect Garden Pots and Hanging Baskets
There are several things to look for when choosing garden pots and hanging baskets, so that your plants will bring you years of pleasure. Here are a few key pointers for finding the right fit:
Material
- Earthen Pots: Earthen or terracota is a traditional option for planting. They have a porous texture, which drains well but can dry out in hot weather. They also have a classic, rustic look.
- Plastic Pots: Lightweight and long-lasting, plastic pots are the perfect containers for small plants. They hold moisture nicely, which is excellent for plants that need to be watered twice a day. But they might not be quite as aesthetically stunning as other materials.
- Ceramic Plant Pot: Ceramic pots come in many colors and designs to showcase your plant’s beauty. They are heavier than plastic, but also more fragile, and as such must be treated with additional care.
- Metal Planters: Galvanized metal pots give your garden a modern, industrial look. They are sturdy, but they can become hot in the sun (a problem that could damage plant roots if pots aren’t well-drained).
- Wooden Baskets and Pots: Wooden planters (like crates or barrels) can make your garden feel much more rustic and comforting. They are frequently grown in hanging baskets and make excellent plants for textural contrast.
Size
Pick pots and baskets that fit your plants. An AA small pot will restrict root growth, while a large pot may cause the stem base to get wet, leading to rot. In general, you want a pot that’s a few inches larger in diameter than your plant’s root ball.
Drainage
Good drainage is necessary for healthy plants. Seek out pots and hanging baskets with holes at the bottom for excess water to drain. Too much water can lead to root rot, so be sure the pot is well-drained.
Color and Design
The color and shape of your pots and baskets can make or break the look of your garden. Bright hues can transform your space into a fun, lively space, while more neutral colors, such as terracotta or gray, give it a calm, classic feel. When selecting your pot or basket, consider the colors of your plants and flowers.
Weather Resistance
Your garden pots and hanging baskets are subjected to all kinds of weather. Think about the materials and durability of what you plan on using, how they’ll fare in the sun, rain, and that good ol’ wind. Some materials are more weatherproof than others; for instance, the more porous plastic or fiberglass is less susceptible to denser wood or ceramic, which, over time, may crack or erode in a harsh climate.
Creative Uses of Garden Pots and Hanging Baskets
There are so many ways to use garden pots and hanging baskets in your outdoor design. Here are a few creative ideas to get you thinking:
Vertical Garden with Hanging Baskets
An excellent way to add a beautiful feature to both your front and backyard is by hanging multiple on fences, walls, or lattice-work. This method is space-saving and creates an extra visual dimension to your garden.
DIY Terracotta Pot Tiers
Stack terracotta pots of different sizes in a tiered planter. This is a great way to feature trailing plants such as petunias, fuchsias, or ivy.
Miniature Herb Garden in Pots
Plant herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme in small pots. Place them on your windowsill to get in some extra sunshine, or go outside and create a mini herb garden on your balcony or patio.
Statement Planters for Outdoor Spaces
Large garden pots are great as statement pieces in your gardening design. Pick out a few larger pots to showcase sculptural plants, such as topiaries, small trees, or ornamental grasses.
Hanging Basket Wall
Fit a timber or metal frame horizontally to take hanging baskets. This decor idea makes a big statement with your flowers or greenery, visible from afar.
Repurpose Containers
Get inventive by recycling old containers such as buckets, teapots, or even boots as unusual garden pots. These surprising containers can bring joy and surprise to your garden.
Taking Care Of Your Garden Pots And Hanging Baskets
You must take good care of those garden pots and hanging baskets if you want to make the most of your plants. Here are some essential tips:
Watering
Potted and basketed plants need more regular watering than those in the ground because they dry out faster. Do remember to test the soil frequently and water your plants whenever the top inch or so of soil is dry.
Fertilizing
Because container soil depletes nutrients, you also need to fertilize your plants regularly. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every couple of weeks during the growing season.
Repotting
Plants can also grow too big for their pots, leading to overcrowded roots. Repot into larger pots if the plant outgrows its current pot.
Pruning
Prune regularly to keep your plants healthy and promote new growth. Pruning dead or wilting flowers, stems, and leaves to shape your plants is easy!
Winter Care
If you are in a cold-winter area, haul your pots and hanging baskets inside or cover them with frost covers. Hardy plants are more tolerant of cold, while tender ones will require additional care in the colder months.
FAQs
What is the best material for outdoor plant pots?
The best is subjective and depends on what you’re after. Clay or terracotta pots are perfect for traditional gardens, and there’s more design variety with plastic and ceramic options. When you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank and is lightweight, plastic pots are a good call. Use metal pots for a contemporary, industrial look.
How often should I be watering my potted plants?
How often you should water depends on the plant and the weather. On average, garden pots should be watered more often than a garden bed. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry; check daily.
Can I grow vegetables in hanging baskets?
Yes! Hanging planters are particularly perfect for veggies because the 360-degree design allows plants to stretch out while improving air circulation. Just be sure the basket is big enough and drains sufficiently.
How do I ensure water does not remain pooled in my pots?
Ensure that your garden pots have holes in the bottom. If not, you can create your own holes by drilling into the bottom of the pot, or just put a layer of rocks on the bottom to help water drain out from under the roots.
Please advise on wind-resistant hanging baskets.
Hanging baskets can tip in windy areas, so make sure that they are securely attached. Hooks are sturdy, and consider adding weight to the bottom of the basket for extra stability.
Conclusion
Garden pots and hanging baskets are one of the best ways to bring a garden to life. With the right plants, materials, and design, you can have an appealing and space-efficient outdoor escape that matches your lifestyle and architecture. From a small balcony you’d like to improve, but don’t have the floor space for garden pots, to a grand entrance with an eye-catching display – there really is no limit.
After you’ve read the book and learned the tips, ideas, and how-tos in this guide, you will be able to successfully select pots & baskets, skip some of their care… and even create arrangements that bloom throughout all four seasons! Happy gardening!