Organic Gardening Tips and Methods Container Gardening (Pot Gardening) Part Six Section Two Choosing Containers Plastic, Plastics are versatile materials that can be moulded into many different shapes and are now widely used in the manufacture of inexpensive containers. The most durable pots are made of a polythene and polypropylene mix, which does not become brittle in low temperatures, unlike polypropylene when used on its own. Plastic containers are made in almost any colour, they can be plain, textured, or with a relief design, and can be glossy or matt. Plastic is often used to simulate other materials and perhaps this is why it is sometimes viewed as second-rate, but it does have many virtues. It is lightweight, for example, and therefore, useful on indoor shelves, balconies, and roof gardens that are strong enough for heavier materials. Plastic is not porous, so water is not lost through the sides of the containers, and frequency of watering is less than clay pots. Plastic pots are also more effective with capillary watering systems than clay ones. Growing bags are specialized plastic containers made from flexible sheet plastic and filled with lightweight loamless compost. The compost will sustain a main crop such as tomatoes and usually a secondary crop, after which the compost can be spread in the garden and the container disposed of. Growing bags are functional containers that make few concessions to good looks, but they can be masked by plants in full growth if necessary. Stone and Concrete, Natural stone, available in many different textures and colours, is a prestige container material that is expensive and heavy. Marble, which is often used in classical urns, can be intricately carved and given a high polish, while sand stone containers are frequently left with a rough finish. Various kinds of reconstituted stone are also used in the manufacture of containers. These too are heavy and expensive, but are generally cheaper than natural stone. Concrete containers may be even cheaper still. All heavy containers should be placed in their final position in the garden or conservatory before being filled with potting compost. The algal growth that develops on such materials helps to soften the initial raw appearance. Concrete and rough stone are difficult to clean. Metal, Lead is a traditional material for cisterns, garden ornaments, and containers, and can also be introduced to reinforce a period style garden. Whether antique or modern, lead containers are expensive, heavy, and easily dented or distorted, because of the softness of this material. Cast iron was in vogue in the nineteenth century and numerous vase and urn shapes popular then are still available to this day. Cast iron, however, is expensive and will rust unless powder-coated or painted. Galvanized metal containers are both lightweight and available in a wide range of attractive shapes and sizes. Now often used to lend a modern flavour/style, especially in urban gardens, most are sufficiently inexpensive to discard of as tastes and fashions change. Many hanging baskets and brackets are made of wire, which is usually covered with plastic to provide a suitable background colour to plants and to prolong the life of the container. Fibreglass, Fibreglass is a lightweight material that is easily moulded into many different shapes. It is frost proof, strong, and long-lasting; although rather brittle, it can be repaired. Because of its relative cheapness and versatility, it is often used to simulate other materials, including stone, metal, and wood. Unusual Container Materials, A number of domestic, agricultural, architectural, and industrial items can be transformed into highly individual containers. Salvaged and recycled items, such as chimney pots or old paint tins, can also make unorthodox plant containers. Most such containers can be decorated with paints, stains, or other4 materials, which are available for use on an extensive variety of surfaces and container types. Adapting Containers, Plants can be grown in almost any container that holds compost and permits free drainage of water. Drill drainage holes in the base of galvanized metal containers, old buckets, and tins to trans form them. Potential containers that are already pierced , such as kitchen colanders, should be lined so that the compost does not fall out. Use dark-coloured, flexible plastic sheeting or either a old plastic carrier bag or bin bag of an appropriate size. Prick the bottom of the liner so that excess water can drain away freely, with some kind of chain or garden wire attached to enable its suspension from a bracket. NOTE; All information given coincides and complies to the guidelines of The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)....
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 10:57:31 +0000
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