You can use a few hints and techniques to get the big pots you might require for your garden. In truth, it’s simple, even free, to obtain large containers that can be used as garden pots. You only need to ask.
For instance, purchasing one of those 5 gallon plastic pots from your neighborhood Home Depot or a store like it is rather simple. The secret is to inquire about the recycling program at the store. For everybody who purchases a tree, plant, or even a program, Home Depot offers a special program. You can recycle the plant’s growth container if you purchase a plant.
The fact that these pots are available for free is fantastic. Since they are designed for recycling, the staff will typically let you take as many as you like at no charge. Even if your neighborhood store doesn’t give them away for free, there’s a good chance you can still purchase them for a very low cost.
It is obvious that using this strategy might help you save a lot of money given that a normal large pot or container costs at least $10 each piece. Yes, you will need to clean these pots at home, but it won’t be a big deal since you can obtain all of these pots for nothing or for a very low cost.
Bakeries are a great place to seek for inexpensive, old pots. As cookie and frosting buckets are commonly used by bakeries, you might stop by your neighborhood bakery and inquire as to if any buckets are available for disposal. Most likely, you’ll be able to receive them for nothing. This is an additional simple method for obtaining huge pots for your yard.
The bottom line is to simply ask around at neighborhood shops. Many businesses are more than delighted to let you take large containers that they no longer need for free. It’s a good substitute for store-bought pots. They are affordable and make excellent plant planters. The only thing you have to do is fully clean them before using.
Which planters are suitable for outdoor use?
A conundrum can arise if you have outdoor plants that you want to use for a patio garden in terms of selecting the appropriate containers. Your options could appear limitless, and if you require several, the price might soon come into play.
Your container garden’s success can be increased by selecting the appropriate planters. Which pots are the best then? Each type has advantages and disadvantages, but some are more suitable than others for your outside plants.
What distinguishes pots and planters from one another?
The terms “pot” and “planter” will be used interchangeably when speaking to other plant enthusiasts. The majority of the time, pots are spherical, smaller, and designed to hold just one plant. Planters are often used outdoors, come in a variety of sizes, and may hold a variety of plants.
Can outside plants be grown in plastic pots?
Regarding the decision of whether to use clay or plastic pots for their plants, many gardeners have their own preferences. This post will outline the benefits and drawbacks of both types if you do not yet have a strong view.
The production of terra-cotta (unglazed clay) pots involves using a certain soil and firing them in kilns. Every flower and leaf color blends well with clay’s rusty brown hue.
For most plants, clay pots offer a healthy environment. Because clay is porous, air and moisture can enter the pot’s sides. The little roots towards the border of the soil ball make use of this moisture and air. Clay containers also function as a wick to draw moisture from the potting soil. Depending on how you water, this can be viewed as both a benefit and a drawback.
Overwatering is a common problem for gardeners, and clay will likely help their plants. Other gardeners are better off using plastic and waiting for the withering indication from their plants. Cacti, which require a dry, well-drained soil, favor clay containers as well.
Clay can be used outdoors and has benefits. The thick walls of clay pots shield plant roots from damagingly quick temperature changes. Additionally, they are rather heavy and do not topple over as readily as some plastic pots. Clay has the drawback of drying up rapidly. For plants that require a lot of moisture, like ferns, or when trying to sprout seeds, this can be an issue.
Clay also has a propensity to leave a white, crusty film on the pot’s exterior. This results from the movement of mineral salts dissolved in water out of the potting media and through the pot wall. While most gardeners find this layer unattractive, some find it appealing. If the salt deposits’ look is offensive, they can be washed off. Clay is easily shattered, which is a last drawback.
Pots made of plastic are robust, lightweight, and flexible. They match both interior and outside decor because they come in every color of the rainbow. Plastic is a great option for plants that love wetness or for gardeners who water seldom because it lacks the wicking effect of clay.
Plastic pots are considered safe for growing plants because they are constructed of inert materials. When the pot is no longer used, disposal is environmentally benign because many are constructed of recyclable plastic (unglazed clay pots are fully recyclable as well). Roots receive little to no protection from temperature changes from the thinner walls of plastic pots compared to their clay equivalents. In fact, black plastic can serve as a sun collector, heating the potting soil to levels that are harmful to plants.
If plants in dark-colored plastic containers wilt rapidly, make sure they are well-watered before relocating them to a cooler area where heat buildup shouldn’t be an issue. Plastic can become brittle and fade after exposure to sunlight. Many plastic pots made for outdoor use have ultraviolet light inhibitors applied to them to prevent fading and keep flexibility, lengthening the pot’s lifespan.
Make sure the pot you choose includes drainage holes in the bottom to avoid overwatering, whether it be made of clay or plastic.
This article was modified in March 2008 and published in the Sunday edition of the Lincoln Journal Star. Read the Terms of Use statement for details on reproducing this content and using any images or visuals.
Your online source for gardening and yard-related information in Lancaster County is University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. Residents of southeast Nebraska can use the information on this website. In your location, it might or might not apply. Visit your neighborhood Extension office if you reside elsewhere than in southeast Nebraska.
Nursery and Garden Centers
Because they deal with so many different kinds of plants, nurseries and garden centers frequently have extra pots sitting around. You might get some pots for free if you ask the nursery employee!
Restaurants and Cafes
Make sure not to discard the containers and cups the next time you receive a package from a cafe or restaurant. The smaller ones are especially useful for cultivating succulents. They work well as excellent seed starters. They will also appear odd!
Craigslist
You might find a wide variety of containers on Craiglist that you could utilize for your garden. You should look in the “free” category; you could be surprised by what you find there!
Your Garden
You might use:
- rusty, aged, and small wheelbarrows
- watering troughs
- Making cool planters with garden tools
- ancient tree stumps
All of these will look stunning when combined with annual flowers and other plants of your choice!
Your House
Look around your home for a variety of items that could be utilized as lovely planters, such as:
- caffeine cans
- tea pots
- cans of food
- shells of eggs
- jugs of milk
- glass containers
- stale cartons
Pet Store
It appears that every flea market and major pet retailer may have some used bird cages, cat/dog cages, or both on hand or for sale for just $1. Those cages may be converted into a wonderful hanging planter or birdcage planter with ease once you got home.
Fruit and Vegetables Market
Huge cartons, plastic crates, and containers used to convey produce may all be fantastic planters! They are simple to obtain at no cost!
Neighbourhood
Ask your neighbors if they have free pots to spare. Additionally, you can inquire if they have any discarded tires because they make excellent planters. Ask them to check their garage, don’t forget!
Shopping Centers
Shopping malls are brimming with possible goods that might be inventively used to create planters. You can ask for boxes and plastic cases, which they always have in excess of.
Some of the greatest locations to ask for pallet boards are Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree, and Costco. Using them, you might make a planter quickly.
Flea Market
If your community hosts a weekly flea market, you might be able to find some great stuff there for a really low cost or even free. Don’t pass up visiting there!
Salvage Yards
Salvage yards allow bartering, so you might trade an old item for something you believe will work as a planter in your home or garden. Relics that can be used as planters can also be found.
Pot Stores
Pot shops are willing to give you their broken or damaged inventory for free or extremely cheap. There are fantastic pots and containers for sale!
Bag Store
You may easily cultivate a variety of veggies and plants in bags. Ask for any things they want to give out for free or at a discount at any neighborhood bag store!
Construction Site
Even if it may seem strange at first, building sites can be full with valuable things like:
- Cement blocks
- Cans of paint
- Drums
- a toolbox
- boxes made of paper
All of these things make great planters. Additionally, the staff members there will be delighted to give you a few for no charge.
Yard Sale
A neighborhood yard sale is a terrific place to find products like:
- Kitchen cupboards
- Drawers
- Old Boxes
- bathroom supplies such as buckets and tiny tubs
These can be charming and unique flower pots. Before planting, take careful to drill the drainage holes in them.
How can I find inexpensive large planters?
Large inexpensive planter pots can be found at garage and yard sales. You may pick up an old or no longer used large planter pot for a couple of dollars or less.
An abandoned huge planter may be more of a burden than a value as individuals clean out or prepare to move. It is challenging to transport a huge plant when moving. Even the planter can come with the plantbonus!
Other People’s Trash Can Be Your Cheap Planter Treasures
Take out the trash, too. It is evident that something is no longer wanted if it has been placed out for trash pickup. Sometimes a home has to be cleaned out, but not enough stuff is left behind for a garage sale. On some days, you can put anything you don’t want out front in some cities. You can travel through various communities or look around your own neighborhood to see what supplies, such as planters, you can obtain for your garden.
Pop Some Tags: Check Thrift Stores for Large Cheap Planters
The local Goodwill or secondhand stores are great places to find affordable huge pots.
You will need to search out stores and not expect to get all you wanted from a single visit. A dated pot can also be transformed into a focal point by employing some creativity and a can of spray paint or mosaics.
Turn Nursery Pots Into Cheap Planters
Don’t discount the plant containers used by nurseries. These can be strengthened or given a makeover.
The pot can be made stronger and more attractive by using only 1/2 by 2 wood, cut to the appropriate height, lined up vertically around the pot, and knotted with string.
Can you keep an outside plant in its original container?
A plant typically comes in a small pot when purchased. It can remain there for a while before needing to be repotted. To know when to repot before the plant becomes stressed, there are signs to watch for.
Plants can stay in their original container for 2 to 4 months. Larger kinds of plants, however, will require repotting much more quickly than smaller species. To avoid plant stress and root disease, repotting should be done as soon as the plant starts to exhibit signs of being rootbound.
I’ve discovered that repotting a plant a week after purchase pays off. One of the reasons is that it allows the plant ample time to adapt to your home’s environment.
Second, the plant grows more quickly and vibrantly following repotting. Consequently, you now possess a bigger and healthier plant.
I use a specifically formulated Miracle Grow potting mix from Amazon when repotting my plants, and it helps them flourish for a long time. Clicking here will take you there.