How to Choose the Right Containers for Your Container Garden

Published on: 02 April 2017 Last Updated on: 11 September 2024
Garden

imageContainer garden is a great idea for those who don’t have too much space in their house. Besides that, with a container garden, you will not have to spend too much time and effort to take care of it, such as mowing regularly with a lawn mower. So, in this article, I would like to introduce you to some ideas about choosing the right containers for your garden. I may be useful if you are intending to build one.

There are two essential things to successfully choose a container for use in a container garden: size and material. The size of the content relates to the optimal growth of the plant. Choose one that’s too small, and your plant might not reach its full potential. The material, of which the container is made, is of almost equal importance. Which material works best depends on the situation.

Larger perennial plants (those that grow for more than one season) do quite well in a large wooden container. Most container gardeners prefer wood for use with perennials. It’s also a good choice for plants that will be grown outside in a visible location.

Garden Container

Read also: 3 Amazing Flower Street Garden – How To Design

Although wooden containers tend to be more expensive than other materials, the cost is balanced by their extreme durability.

Should the wood be treated? Yes and no. Yes for the outside, no for the inside of the container. If the inside is treated, the chemicals could leach into the soil. Remember, whatever is in the soil ends up in the plant. At best, your plant will be damaged. At worst, if it’s an edible plant, it could actually make you ill.

Plastic pots are widely used in container gardens. The main reason for this is cost. Plastic pots are the cheapest option in most cases. There’s nothing wrong with saving money, but plastic may not always be your best choice.

Plastic pots are fine to use if you don’t intend to keep it up. Maybe you don’t even know if you’ll enjoy it or if it will work for you. But if there’s any chance you will continue to garden in the future, you should realize that plastic pots are not very durable.

Plastic pot

Read also: 5 Essential Tips To Designing A Beautiful Front Yard Garden

They look durable, but looks can be misleading. Regardless of how thick or hard the plastic seems to be, outdoor elements can quickly crack and warp this type of container. Once the pots are damaged, they’re essentially useless. Not much future in cracked pot gardening.

Pots made from terra cotta clay are also quite inexpensive. The only plastic is cheaper. Unfortunately, clay can be delicately made and easily broken. This material doesn’t handle freezing temperatures very well either. If your area experiences below-freezing weather, plants in terra cotta containers should be brought indoors during the winter.

 

Okay, so far wood is expensive, plastic is cheap and clay can break. What’s next? You can often do well with fired ceramic pots. Sometimes they are somewhat delicate but relatively durable. Look for the glaze on the outside with unglazed insides. The outside glaze enhances appearance, but inside glaze could leach into the soil.

Read also: Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality?

Another option is to construct containers from things around your home. If you find something large enough for the plant, cut some drainage holes in the bottom and you’re good to go. The possibilities are wide open. Milk jugs, soda bottles, and even margarine tubs have all been used. For larger plants, trash cans and plastic tubs could work.Image

 

If you really want to go minimalist, then use a bag of soil. Cut a hole in the bag and plant something in the exposed soil. This simply proves that almost anything can be used. Just make sure it’s big enough for the plant, will last as long as you want it to, and allows for proper drainage.

Read also: Lawn Care Maintenance Services And Tips

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

cork board ideas

10 Cork Board Ideas That’ll Enhance Your Home

Did you know that cork is an eco-friendly building material? That’s right—more and more people are opting to install cork flooring, countertops, and even walls. Of course, you don’t need to undergo a whole renovation to utilize cork in your home. There are plenty of simple and affordable cork board ideas that will enhance your home while helping you stay organized. Do you want to know more? Keep reading to discover the top 10 cork ideas you need to try ASAP! 10 Cork Board Ideas That'll Enhance Your Home: 1. Create a Backsplash: Luckily, you don’t always need a professional to install cork in your home. If your kitchen backsplash needs a makeover, consider going DIY by using wine corks. You’ll need to be patient and accurate during this process, but the final result will be unique, durable, chic, and eco-friendly! 2. Give the Whole Family a Board: There’s no denying how convenient and helpful cork boards are. If you have a busy family, don’t settle for just one cork board—give one to every member of the family! They can use their board to hang notes for themselves, or they can hang notes on your board to remind you to sign their permission slip for school or to pick up milk on your way home from work. 3. Use Wine Corks: Have you been collecting wine corks just waiting for a fun way to use them? Well, look no further! You can create a unique cork board by gluing your wine corks horizontally on a piece of wood or sturdy cardboard. You'll still be able to hang notes or pictures using pushpins, but your board will look much more stylish. 4. Give It a Fun Shape: Who says cork boards have to be rectangular? If you’re looking for a fun DIY project to fill up a rainy afternoon, consider making a uniquely-shaped cork board. You can order cork rolls online or look in your local craft store. Just lay out a section of the roll and outline whatever shape you want your cork board to be in. This could be something simple, like a heart or a star, or you could personalize it by using the first letter of your first name. Then, cut out the shape and you’re all done! If you want to take this one step further, consider attaching a brightly-colored string to hold photos without having to poke holes in them. 5. Organize Your Jewelry: Is your jewelry constantly getting tangled up? You may be thinking about investing in a nice jewelry organizer, but you can easily organize your bracelets, rings, and necklaces with a cork board. All you need to do is use thumbtacks as hooks to hang your jewelry from. Of course, you can dress this up a bit by framing the corkboard or covering it in a piece of fabric. 6. Install Cork Inside Your Cabinet Doors: Are you constantly running out of room in your kitchen? An easy way to stay organized is to install cork on the inside portion of your cabinet doors. You can then hang small kitchen utensils, like measuring spoons, on it. This is also a great place to store recipes or your grocery list, so you never lose it. 7. Make Coasters: Of course, cork can be used for more than just cork boards. You can also create coasters out of small sheets of cork. You can either go for a fun shape, like the outline of your state or stick with a classic circle and paint designs on it. It’s cute, affordable, and won’t scratch your furniture! 8. Hang Your Dartboard on It: If you have a dart board in your home, stray darts may have put small holes or marks on your wall. An easy way to keep your dartboard and protect your wall is to use a large slab of cork. Just hang your dartboard in the middle and let the surrounding cork take the blow from missed darts. You can even decorate this by covering it with a piece of fabric or painting it to match the decor. 9. Put Cork Above Your Keyring Holder: Do you have a million thoughts running through your mind as you get ready in the morning? A cork board is a great place to hang notes to yourself, so you can just relax with a cup of coffee instead of trying to remember everything. But the location is everything! Put your corkboard above your keyring holder, so you can see your notes before you leave. If you don’t leave a lot of notes for yourself, you can also get a stylish keyring holder and hang photos on your cork board to decorate your entryway. 10. Create a Travel Board: Are you constantly counting down the days until your next vacation? Whether you travel once a year or once a month, a travel board can be a fun addition to your home. Just place a map over a slab of cork and put a pin in every place you’ve been. If you’re travels have been focused in the United States, consider cutting your cork into the shape of the country to make it stand out even more. The Best Cork Board Ideas: Don’t settle for a boring old cork board anymore! From organizing your jewelry to creating a travel board, there are tons of cork board ideas that will look amazing and enhance your home. Of course, it isn't just the interior of your home that matters. Learn more about installing stone veneers to your home's exterior to increase its value and curb appeal! Read Also: Amid The Grief, Pick The Right Funeral Home Clearabee Makes Rubbish Removal Fast And Easy, But You Can Always Upcycle Too

READ MOREDetails
Improve Refrigerator

7 Smart Tips to Improve the Efficiency of your Refrigerator

Thanks to some home appliances such as air conditioners, fans, air coolers, inverters, and of course refrigerators; we can tolerate the summer easily.  During the summer season, the amount of power used is directly proportional to the temperature. With an increase in mercury, the need for cooling appliances also goes up and so is the electricity bill. Talking about the fridge, it is not only storage for storing perishable items but also a savior during the summer season.   Right from cold water to chilled shakes to ice creams to fresh fruits and juices, ice cubes, and more, it provides us with all.   Nonetheless, with all this, it also leads to an escalation in the monthly electricity bill. A great example is with the residents of Texas for taking care of their electricity bills.   They are able to choose the best and cheapest electricity plans from the most reputable electric companies in comparison websites such as HomeEnergyClub, where they can compare Texas energy plans side by side.  In the same context, here are some simple tips that will not only increase the efficiency of your refrigerator but even help save power. Read on!  Follow these Tips to Make your Fridge Efficient Want to make your refrigerator even more efficient, and sustainable for use? Follow these following steps.  1. Set the Temperature right Do you know that keeping the fridge at a high temperature consumes more energy, leaving you with a higher power bill?   Hence, to make your fridge’s compressor work easily, keep the temperature lower between 0 and 5 degrees.  2. Don’t Let Your Fridge Face the Heat It is recommended to keep your refrigerator away from direct heat such as sunlight, oven, or stove heat. It is because the fridge will then use more energy to adjust the continuous heat on it to maintain the chill.   On the other hand, if you place it under a shadow with proper ventilation, it will help in the reduction of energy.   Proper ventilation is needed in smooth heat flow produced from the fridge.  3. Defrost the fridge often The defrost button on your refrigerator could be a lifesaver for it! Doing that on a frequent basis will help your fridge to maintain efficient cooling!   Also, you will be able to save up to Rs.10 per day on the electricity bill.  4. Storing open containers is a no-no If you keep the already opened food containers and bottles in your fridges, then the internal moisture level will rise to force the compressor to work hard.   It will reduce your fridge's efficiency and increase the power bill.  5. Regular fridge maintenance is a must It should be your duty to clean your refrigerator on a frequent basis if not daily. It can help the compressor to work even more efficiently.   You only need to spare 30 minutes out of your busy schedule to do it, and your fridge will thank you by working powerfully.  Also, you should ensure to get the condenser coils of your fridge cleaned at least once a year.   You can do that by unplugging the unit and brushing or vacuuming the coils carefully. It will help to enhance the fridge’s efficiency by up to 30%.   If you are unable to do that, you should get it done by a trained professional once a year. 6. Make room You should also make sure that there are a few inches of space between the wall and the fridge to maintain good circulation. It will also help your refrigerator to run without issues and proficiently.  7. Practice some smart habits You can also practice some smart habits so that your fridge gets some rest. Have a look:  Try to open your refrigerator less frequently  Cool the hot foods before keeping them in the fridge  Cover foods  Label the leftovers  Ensure to keep your freezer full  Buy a new fridge this summer and grab savings and cashback You can continue having your refrigerator working for years at its optimal level if you can follow the tips discussed.  If you are ready to buy a brand-new refrigerator, then you don’t have to stretch your budget by paying the entire amount of your purchase in one go.   Instead, you can divide the cost between a tenor; pay only a fixed amount and nothing extra. This way, you won’t need to handle paying additional charges other than EMI and save more.  The easy EMI facility is offered by Bajaj Finserv EMI Network across India. Bajaj Finserv is also here to offer the Special Summer Offer on refrigerators and more.   This way, you can buy an LG fridge, Godrej fridge, Haier fridge, Hitachi fridge, and more on easy EMIs to indulge in a hassle-free shopping experience.  Tips for First-Time Renters on Using a Refrigerator Efficiently  First-time renters, especially those new to managing a home, might find it tricky to keep their energy bills low. All the while keeping their fridges running efficiently.   While the original tips are great for everyone, this section is specifically for renters likely dealing with space constraints, older appliances, or tight budgets!  Here are some additional tips and tricks to keep your fridge in good shape and your energy costs down!  Adjust the Fridge According to Your Space Renter-friendly kitchens are often small, and sometimes, you must make do with what you have.   Also, suppose your fridge is fully cramped in a tight space next to a heat-generating appliance (like an oven or microwave).   In that case, it works harder than necessary because of the proximity and exertion of excess heat.  If possible, make sure your fridge has some space between the wall and other appliances to allow for good air circulation.   Keep the Fridge Balanced Believe it or not, an unlevel fridge can impact how well it runs. Often, rentals are equipped with old or slightly wobbly fridges.   If your fridge is tilting one way or the other, just use simple shims or small pieces of cardboard to level it out.   A balanced fridge guarantees that the doors seal properly and that the cold air doesn’t escape. In fact, it also helps alleviate extra stress on the compressor, decreasing its energy consumption over time.  Therefore, keeping it on a good stand is important. If you cannot buy a new fridge, at least buy the right equipment for it.  Organize Smartly for Efficiency When you rent a home or an apartment, specifically if you choose to live in shared apartments, you don’t have an entire fridge for yourself.   So, it is crucial to keep it clean but also to be able not to keep the fridge open for that long.   I use little baskets or containers within my fridge so I can easily grab things without having to have the whole front spend open for too long.  Use Electricity at Non-Peak Times If your rental has smart meters or time-of-use rates, then try to use the electricity that isn’t charged at a premium rate.   Running the defrost cycle, cooling hot foods, or restocking the fridge during non-chargeable hours also helps.  Insurance or Maintenance Plan on Rental Appliances Most landlords have maintenance plans, but it’s something renters tend to overlook.   Before you start calling a technician over minor issues such as a cracked door seal or noisy motor, find out if your lease includes repairs/maintenance or insurance on the appliances.  A well-functioning fridge also consumes a lot less electricity.  Temporary Fridge Fixes for Old Units Rentals often come with older appliances. If your fridge lacks modern energy-saving features, there are small tricks you can apply.   For example, adding a seal strip around the door can improve insulation. A simple thermometer can also help you keep the internal temperature just right—no need to run it colder than necessary!  Be Mindful of Sharing Fridge Space If you’re sharing a rental with roommates, make sure everyone understands fridge usage.   An overstuffed fridge can cause airflow problems, which means the food will cool unevenly and the appliance will use more energy.   Also, ask others to keep things clean and remove old food when necessary.  Final Thoughts for First-Time Renters  Sure, everything has a learning curve, and running a home is no different. But hopefully, these extra tips will help you avoid energy-draining mistakes.  (I’m talking to you, not throwing out anything that’s expired).   Little choices can add up—your fridge will run more efficiently, and so will your wallet!  Read Also:  Important Things To Know Before Starting A Home Improvement Project Home Sweet Home Improvement: How To Find The Best Home Improvement Loans 10 Tips To Pick The Best Table Saw For Home Improvement Projects

READ MOREDetails
Bathroom

Using Feng Shui in Your Bathroom Design

The ancient Chinese firmly believed that there is a spiritual connection between our fates and inanimate objects that surround us. According to them, everything in our surrounding radiates a certain kind of energy, so your furniture and equipment pieces in combination or in a certain position can affect almost any aspect of your life. One of the easiest places where you can follow feng shui principles is your bathroom. Why? Well, in the bathroom, it is quite easy to combine four natural elements and, this way, clear your entire place of the negative chi. Feng Shui and Our Mindset Setting your chi right may improve your finances, help you make up for lost opportunities and even act favorably towards your health. Sure, some may be skeptical about this, but even modern psychology recognizes a certain value behind this ancient decoration art form. Namely, our mindsets are influenced by everything in our vicinity. Sometimes a cabinet, a flower pot or even a floor mat may seem out of place. As soon as we wake up, we go to the bathroom, so if the first thing you see is a thing out of place, it’s not unreasonable to believe your day may start on a wrong foot. This perfect positioning has found its appliance in all spheres of our life, including the business world. This, more science-backed version of the feng shui most commonly goes under the name office ergonomics. The Position of the Bathroom When first buying a house, you might want to make sure that the very position of the bathroom is in agreement with the rest of your home. What you want to avoid is having a bathroom that is in the center of your home. Other things you should try to avert are that your bathroom is near or facing the front door or that it’s in the same position regarding your kitchen. You want your bathroom out of your relationship and money feng shui areas. Making Your Bathroom into a Money Area However, when it comes to money, you can easily make your bathroom into a money area. With the right use of wood, water and earth colors, a bowl of multicolor crystals and 8 stalks of lucky bamboo, you are bound to improve your wealth situation. On top of it all, this kind of layout can be extremely aesthetically pleasing. This may help you achieve that spa-like feeling you planned for our bathroom in the first place. Turning Elements to Your Advantage Finally, you can try and turn the natural elements to your own advantage with just a few simple tricks. For example, seeing how the toilet flushes water in a downward spiral, it is easy to see how energy may leave your bathroom in the same manner. This is why people sometimes decide to separate it from the rest of the bathroom with a door of its own, or at least, a curtain. Experts dealing in bathroom renovations claim that this unorthodox design practice is rapidly gaining on its popularity. Furthermore, the influx of sunlight and fresh air improve the energy flow, and starting your day in a bathroom like this is bound to invigorate you from the very morning. While most of these feng shui improvements aren’t that difficult to make, they have the potential to turn your life around. Paying just a bit more of attention can turn your home’s most hazardous area into your greatest asset. To make the long story short, organizing your bathroom with the use of feng shui is bound to bring your good luck or prosperity. For all those who still have some small dosage of suspicion in their mind, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Read More: Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean In One Hour Or Less How To Find The Best Hotel In Dwarka How Can You Choose An Efficient Waterproofing Contractor?

READ MOREDetails