That depends on how often and where you plan to use your pots. If you plan to keep them stationary on a surface, like a deck or patio, then it would likely be beneficial to get feet for them. Feet will help to ensure that your pots are resting level and not directly on the surface they are resting upon.
This will help keep them from tipping over and will help to reduce the chances of water staining or marking the surface beneath them. Additionally, feet will lift the pot off the ground to avoid the base from becoming waterlogged or from accumulating dirt and debris.
If you plan on moving the pots around frequently, such as for rearranging your outdoor space or for putting them into storage, then it might not be necessary to have feet. They would just add additional weight and make the pack more cumbersome.
However, if you do plan on moving them, adding felt feet can help to protect the bottom of the pot from becoming scratched when it’s being moved.
Should you put garden pots on feet?
Putting your garden pots on feet can be a great idea. The feet can keep the pot off of the ground and off of any moist surfaces, helping increase drainage. This can help prevent the moisture held in the pot from killing your plants.
The feet also give your pots a more decorative look, especially when you use feet that feature unique design features or materials. Additionally, the feet can help reduce the risk of weed and insect infestations.
Insects and weeds can easily set up shop in the small spaces created by pots that are sitting on the ground. By lifting the pots off the ground, you can make it more difficult for them to settle in and cause damage.
Garden pots on feet can create a nice, elevated look and give you peace of mind about weed and insect problems.
What do you put under pots?
Under pots, it is recommended to use trivets or heat resistant mats to protect surfaces from heat damage. These mats provide a layer of insulation between the hot pot and the surface underneath, preventing scorching and other damage.
Choosing the right mat can be tricky, as some materials are more heat resistant than others. Ideally, you should use materials like ceramic, metal, or silicone trivets or mats. All of these materials have a high heat resistance and provide strong insulation.
If a trivet is not available, you can also use several layers of thick fabric, like a kitchen towel. This can still provide heat protection to surfaces.
Should pots be off the ground?
Yes, pots should be off the ground. If a pot is placed directly on the ground, it limits the drainage from the pot, resulting in waterlogged soil and unhealthy roots. Without proper drainage, the roots of the plants can become prone to rot and disease.
Additionally, putting pots on the ground makes them more prone to damage from the elements and can leave them vulnerable to pests and weeds. By elevating the pots, they will be less likely to become damaged and they will be able to dry out regularly, which is essential for good plant health.
Elevating the pots can also help to prevent groundwater contamination due to pesticides and fertilizer leaching out. Finally, raising the pots can add a layer of eye appeal to any garden, as it can be aesthetically pleasing to have the pots off the ground.
What can I use instead of plant saucers?
Instead of using traditional plant saucers, there are a few alternatives that you can use to collect the excess water that drains from your plants. A few examples of these alternatives include ceramic tiles, decorative stones, flat rocks, unglazed clay pots, or shallow trays.
These items can all be used to hold the excess water that collects at the bottom of your planter, while also adding an aesthetic element to your garden. Additionally, an upside-down saucer can also be used; just turn the saucer upside-down so the water can absorb into the soil rather than sitting in a pool at the bottom.
Another option is to use repurposed dishware such as a casserole dish or cake pan. These can be used as a makeshift planter or saucer and can also add a unique decorative element to your garden. You could also use a drainage tray that is specifically made for plants.
Adding a layer of pebbles or gravel on the bottom of your pot or container will also help with drainage as the water runs through the pebbles and gravel before being absorbed into the soil.
Should I put gravel in the bottom of my planter?
It depends on what type of plant you are planning to put in your planter. If you are planting a shallow-rooted plant, such as herbs, then putting a layer of gravel at the bottom of the planter may help.
This is because gravel helps with drainage, so the roots don’t become waterlogged. It also adds weight to prevent the planter from blowing over in the wind.
However, if you are planting a plant with deep roots, such as a tree, then you don’t need the gravel. Gravel can actually interfere with the plant’s ability to expand its root system, as deeply rooted plants need plenty of soil to spread their roots in.
This can impede their ability to get the proper nutrition and water, so it’s best to avoid gravel for deep-rooted plants.
In some cases, such as when planting in a very shallow planter, gravel may be necessary to provide a more structurally sound base for the soil. This can help prevent compaction and instability due to the lack of depth.
Overall, it really depends on the plant and the planter. If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to research the specific plant to see what material will work best for its root system.
How do you plant in extra large pots?
When planting in extra large pots, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to select a potting mix specifically designed for potted plants. This type of soil is typically lighter and fluffier than regular garden soil, and includes natural ingredients to help ensure optimal drainage and water retention.
After selecting your potting mix, fill the pot until it’s about two-thirds full. Then, make sure the bottom of the pot contains a few inches of pea gravel or other material to provide further drainage.
When selecting plants to fill the extra large pot, look for varieties that do not require a lot of upkeep and will provide a good show of both color and foliage. Consider adding in a slow-release fertilizer when planting to help the plants get established.
Finally, make sure the pot is in an area where it will get a good amount of sun, and water the plants regularly as needed.
How do you secure outdoor planters?
Securing outdoor planters starts with choosing the right type of planter. If possible, choose planters that have a lip or edge around the top. This will make it harder for animals to get inside and make a mess.
Additionally, look for planters that are heavy or have a weight on the bottom. This will make them harder for animals to knock over.
If you have potted plants, make sure to secure them to a large planter or a wall. This will prevent animals from knocking them over and making a mess. Additionally, it’s important to aerate the soil in your planters so that the roots get enough oxygen to stay healthy.
In addition to common garden pests, consider using fencing around your planters to keep out larger animals. Chicken wire, electric fencing, and netting are all good choices. If you are growing edible plants, secure edible plants with enclosed fencing and only use natural, non-toxic materials to keep out animals.
Finally, make sure to inspect your planters regularly for insect pests or animal damage. Check for insect pests and remove them quickly. If animals have dug around your planter, make sure to fill in the holes with soil.
In general, using natural, non-toxic pest control methods will help to keep your outdoor planters secure and healthy.
Is it OK to put plant pots on decking?
Yes, it is possible to put plant pots on decking, depending on the type of decking and the type of plant pots. Wooden decking is typically more suitable for putting plant pots on than composite decking, as it will cause less damage over time.
It’s also important to ensure that the plant pots are the right size and weight for the decking. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the plant pots have drainage holes so water does not pool in them and create a damp environment.
If necessary, use a plastic saucer or liner underneath the pot to further protect the decking from water damage. Finally, be sure to check the pot periodically for signs of wear to ensure that it is not damaging the decking.
Do outdoor planters need saucers?
Yes, outdoor planters do need saucers to protect your floors, decks, and patios. Saucers help to protect your surfaces from water and other damage caused by excess moisture from the soil or from dripping water from the planter.
The saucers also act as trays to catch excess water when watering your plants, preventing pooling and soil runoff. Additionally, saucers help to make your planters look neat and organized. They help cover the drainage holes in the bottom of the planter, giving your space a polished and finished look.
By keeping your planters on saucers, you’ll be able to clean and refresh your outdoor area easily. With a saucer, you can simply slide the planter off and replenish the soil or change out the plants quickly.
Finally, if you’re looking to add a little décor to your outdoor space, there are many decorative saucers that you can use.
How do I keep my plant pots from falling over?
One of the best ways to keep your plant pots from falling over is to use a saucer or tray to stabilize them. Depending on the size of the pot and the amount of soil in it, the saucer or tray should measure at least one inch wider than the pot.
Additionally, the saucer or tray should be weighted down with something to ensure that it does not move. This can be done by filling it with sand or other heavy materials. You can also use a stake attached to the pot and secured into the ground to help keep the pot from tipping over.
Anchoring the pot can also help ensure that it will not fall over, depending on the weight of the pot. Anchoring can be done by sticking a thin metal rod into the soil and winding it around the rim of the pot.
Lastly, using a plant stand can be a great way to keep the pot from tipping, as this will give the pot an extra level of support and balance.
How do I protect my balcony from the wind?
To protect your balcony from the wind, there are several options you can consider. The first and most important step is to ensure that your balcony has a good wind barrier. If your balcony has railings, you can add a windbreaker or a wind shield.
This can be done by installing a wind proofing material, like roller-shades, mesh or even thin plastic or metal sheets. This will help create an effective wind block and also provide some privacy.
Another great way to protect your balcony from wind is to add plants or screens to act as a wind block. Planting trees or shrubs in large enough pots along the edge of your balcony will create an effective barrier and allow some light and air to still pass through.
You can also install permanent screens around the edges of your balcony. The screens will cut down on the wind coming through, but still provide an open view of your outdoor space.
Finally, you can use furniture to create a wind meeting spot and also add some color to your balcony. Placing large pieces of furniture, like wicker chairs and tables in strategic locations can provide an effective wind break.
This will also provide a seating area for you and your family to relax in and still enjoy the views of your balcony.
What can I fill the bottom of a large planter with?
When filling the bottom of a large planter, you should use materials that can provide the plant roots with proper drainage. An effective and economical choice is to fill the bottom of the planter with gravel.
This helps to keep the soil from becoming too soggy and providing the roots with room to breath. Depending on the size of the planter, you may need to use a 1-2 inch layer of gravel to provide sufficient drainage.
Adding a layer of gravel below the soil can help to insulate the root system of the plant from extreme temperature changes and also reduces the chances of waterlogging.
You can also use broken terracotta pots, pebbles, or expanded clay pebbles for the bottom of the planter. These materials are inexpensive and provide excellent drainage in the same way gravel does, but the pebble and clay options look more attractive.
Additionally, you can add a fabric lining and sand to the bottom of the planter before adding the soil. This prevents muddy water from seeping out when the pot is filled with soil.