Questions tagged [containers]

Plant pots and boxes that hold soil and growing plants. Use this tag with questions about different aspects of containers or problems about plants potted into a specific type of container. Most common types are: ceramic, plastic, concrete, clay or terracotta.

A container is a more general word for a plant . Whilst pots are traditionally round, containers can be a variety of shapes including rectangular or specialist shapes for specific plant types (e.g. herbs and strawberries)

Use this tag for all questions about container planting: E.g. type of container, types of (or other growing medium), , ing, etc. for particular plants and locations.

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Any benefit to watering whole plant (leaves and all) instead of just the soil/roots?

A question I often wonder about when watering outdoor pots in the dead heat of summer. Should I just make sure the soil in the bed/pot is watered sufficiently, or is it necessary/advisable to also water the leaves and stem? My naivete makes me think…
Doug T.
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Is it OK to grow plants in clear (transparent) pots?

I was using old clear (transparent) plastic meat packaging to grow plants in. Is that a good idea? Are there any side effects of roots possibly being exposed to the sun?
Dan
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Is it wise to reuse potting soil?

The potting soil in question is in medium to large sized pots that had/have tomatoes or small fruit trees in them.
Vervious
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What are some sustainable alternatives to peat for potting compost?

I've just finished writing the tag wiki for organic and was thinking about wider issues of sustainability. Perhaps the best area where I could improve things personally, would be to use an alternative medium for seed trays. At the moment I use…
winwaed
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How do I grow root vegetables in pots/grow-bags?

We have a flat (apartment) with no garden, but would love to grow root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots. Is it possible to grow these in a pot, container or grow-bag, or do they need too much depth for this? If it is possible, what containers…
robintw
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How do I help my kitchen window herb garden thrive?

For the last couple of years, I've been nursing along a sort of kitchen window herb garden consisting of cilantro, parsley, basil and chives. What I've done is bought live herb plants at our local grocery store and re-potted them in individual pots…
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What is a proper container to preserve seeds?

I received seeds from various produces as a gift. They are in sealed paper bags, but they occupy a lot of space and I was thinking about opening the bags and putting the seeds into small transparent plastic containers. Is this a good way to store…
Stefano Borini
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Why are pots typically wider at the top than at the bottom?

Recently I needed a pot with a shape that would make it as stable as possible so that it's unlikely to tip over and fall from the shelve. I was looking for a pot as close to a cylinder as possible. I had to search many shops before I could find a…
sharptooth
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What is a 'Perched Water Table'?

In gardening, especially container gardening, you will run into the phenomenon called a 'Perched Water Table' (PWT). What is a perched water table, and how does it work?
J. Musser
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Can I move a self-seeded oak tree into a pot to keep it small?

An oak has self seeded in our garden. Has got to about a metre tall and seems happy. We don't have anywhere near enough space for an oak but seems a shame to kill it. Can we move it to a pot to keep it dwarf?
Paul D'Ambra
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What kind of plants will survive the heat from an air conditioner?

I live on the 18th floor of a building in Hong Kong. In summer, all of my neighbors turn on their air conditioners, which generate a huge amount of heat. I have a little balcony like gardening area out of my window (see below). The problem is the…
lamwaiman1988
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What are some fast-growing, voluminous vines that are suitable to be grown in containers?

I have a large terrace in New York City, and am looking to fill it with some greenery without spending a fortune. In the past I have had good luck with morning glories in containers - they grow quickly, are very cheap of course, and have nice…
Jer
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What are good shade-loving consumable plants for a high-rise windowsill?

At our office, we have a wonderful recreation area that gets a few hours of morning sun. The rest of the day the space is engulfed in generic flourescent light. I'm curious which herbs, vegetables or fruits would theoretically thrive in an…
Peter Grace
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How do I grow sweet potatoes in a pot?

I planted some attractive sweet potato vines in a 6 inch deep pot -- about 1.5 ft in diameter. I didn't expect them to grow extensively. However, with watering regularly, they certainly are growing like crazy. I'm wondering if I should take the time…
Doug T.
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Why does my cilantro have thin leaves? Why is my parsley not growing? When will they be ready for harvest?

My cilantro (planted outside, full sun from about 11am to 6pm) doesn't have the broad leaves that I see when I buy it in the store. I planted it in May. When should I expect it ready for harvesting? My parsley (same planting timeframe and…
Brian
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