Chloe Zhang
Container gardening is a great option for those with limited space or who are new to gardening. Flowers can be planted in plastic containers, but there are a few things to consider. Plastic containers offer durability, lightweight, flexibility, and strength, making them an excellent choice for moisture-loving plants. However, there are concerns about the safety of plastics, particularly those containing Bisphenol A (BPA), and their potential to leech toxins into the water and soil. When planting flowers in plastic containers, ensure efficient drainage holes to prevent root rot. The thriller, filler, spiller method is a popular technique for creating a beautiful layered potted plant, but selecting the right plants for the available sunlight is crucial.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container gardening | Suitable for small plots or urbanites |
| Plastic containers | Durable, lightweight, flexible, and strong |
| Plastic containers and health concerns | Some concerns about plastics containing Bisphenol A (BPA) and leeching toxins |
| Plastic containers and irrigation | Good for moisture-loving plants and irregular irrigation |
| Plastic containers and portability | Easier to move than ceramic or concrete pots |
| Plastic containers and root growth | Roots may grow through the bottom of the pot and into the ground |
| Plastic containers and drainage | Drainage holes are necessary to prevent root rot |
| Plastic containers and colour | Available in a variety of colours |
| Plastic containers and self-watering | Self-watering pots can reduce the stress of manual watering |
| Plastic containers and affordability | Plastic pots are often inexpensive |
| Plastic containers and sustainability | Concerns about the sustainability of plastic |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic containers are safe to use for planting flowers
However, it is important to address recent concerns regarding the safety of plastics in relation to health and the environment. In particular, there is disagreement over the use of plastics in growing food due to the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA) in some plastics. Nevertheless, most commercial growers use plastic in various forms when cultivating crops, and plastic containers are commonly employed by gardeners.
When choosing a plastic container for planting flowers, consider its size, colour, and material. Select a container that is 12-16 inches in diameter to provide sufficient space for your flowers. You can choose from a wide range of colours to suit your aesthetic preferences. Additionally, look for containers made of inert materials, preferably recycled plastic, to minimise potential health risks associated with certain types of plastics.
Overall, plastic containers are a safe and convenient option for planting flowers, offering benefits such as durability, lightweight construction, and effective moisture retention. By choosing containers with efficient drainage holes and using inert or recycled plastic, you can address potential concerns about plastic safety.
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Ensure your plastic container has efficient drainage holes
When planting flowers in plastic containers, it is important to ensure your plastic container has efficient drainage holes. This is because, without efficient drainage, the roots of your flowers can rot. Drainage holes also allow for a saturation and draining cycle when the flowers are watered, flushing out dissolved solids and pulling fresh air into the soil when the water drains.
If you are planting flowers in the ground, you can also keep them in their plastic pots. However, you will need to ensure the pots are well-drained. If waterlogging occurs, you can puncture the plastic pot in a few places to provide some drainage.
If you are concerned about the safety of using plastics to grow your flowers, you can line the top section of the plastic container with a burlap sack.
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Thriller, filler, spiller is a popular planting method for containers
Plastic containers are a great option for gardening in small spaces or urban areas. They are lightweight, durable, and flexible, and can be excellent choices for moisture-loving plants. However, there are concerns about the safety of plastics in regard to health and the environment.
One popular planting method for containers is the "Thriller, Filler, Spiller" concept. This design technique utilises three different types of plants to create well-rounded and visually appealing containers. Here's how it works:
- Thriller Plants: These are the big, bold focal point of your container plant designs. Thrillers are usually tall, upright plants with eye-catching features such as colourful foliage, intriguing shapes, or dramatic flowers. They provide a vertical element that catches attention. If you're viewing the container from all sides, place the thriller in the middle; if viewing from the front, plant it in the back.
- Filler Plants: Fillers are mid-size, mounding, or rounded plants that surround and complement the thriller, filling the space in the planter. You can use one filler or opt for two to three different plants in your design. Fillers enhance the thriller without overwhelming it.
- Spiller Plants: Spillers are splashy plants that cascade and tumble over the sides of the container. They soften the edges of the pot and give the impression that the planting is rooted to its place. Well-chosen spillers continue the visual dialogue started by the thriller and filler by echoing or contrasting with them in terms of shape, colour, or texture.
By using thrillers, fillers, and spillers, you can create beautiful and professional-looking container gardens without the intimidation factor of complex design. Just remember to choose plants with similar sunlight and water requirements, and balance colours and textures to create stunning displays.
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Choose a planter size of 12-16 inches in diameter
When planting flowers in plastic containers, it is important to consider the size of the planter. A planter with a diameter of 12-16 inches is a suitable size for a wide range of plants. This size offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides ample space for root growth, allowing your flowers to develop a healthy root system. Secondly, it helps retain moisture, which is particularly beneficial for plants that require frequent irrigation or moisture-loving species.
When selecting a planter within this size range, it is crucial to consider the current size of your plant and its potential growth. If your plant is currently in a container that is 10 inches wide or smaller, it is recommended to move it to a container that is 1 to 2 inches larger. For plants in containers wider than 10 inches, a container that is 2 to 3 inches larger should be used. This ensures that the new container is not too small, preventing issues with soil drying out too quickly and restricting root growth.
Plastic planters in the 12-16 inch diameter range are widely available and offer benefits such as durability, lightweight construction, and flexibility. They are often made of inert and recycled materials, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. Additionally, plastic planters are typically available in various colours, allowing you to choose a planter that matches your decor style.
When using plastic containers, it is essential to ensure efficient drainage. Look for containers with pre-drilled or knockout drainage holes to prevent water stagnation and root rot. You can also place a saucer under the planter to protect surfaces from water stains and dirt. By choosing the right planter size and ensuring proper drainage, you can create a thriving environment for your flowers in plastic containers.
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Select the right plants for the right spot, e.g. sun or shade
When planting flowers in plastic containers, it's important to select the right plants for the right spot, taking into account the amount of sunlight the container will receive. Here are some tips and plant suggestions for full sun and shade-loving plants:
For areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, you can choose from a variety of sun-loving plants. "Thrillers" are tall plants that give your container vertical height and draw attention with their blooms. Some options for thrillers include:
- Hydrangeas with their pink or blue globe-shaped blooms and large green leaves.
- Small palms, which add a tropical feel with their large leaves.
"Fillers" are plants that fill the space at the base of the container, adding complementary or contrasting colours and textures. Suggestions for fillers include:
- SunPatiens, which bloom throughout the summer in a range of colours from light pinks and whites to neon pinks and deep reds.
- Petunias, which also come in a variety of shades and provide flowers all summer long, even during hot days.
For containers that receive partial sunlight, you can consider plants that thrive in partial sun to partial shade. These include:
- Sweet potato vines, which have large, heart-shaped leaves in lime green or purple shades.
- Golden creeping Jenny, which adds bright green pops of colour that dangle over container sides.
For shadier locations with less than three hours of direct sunlight daily, there are several shade-loving plants to choose from:
- Impatiens grow 10-16 inches tall and wide and bloom in colours like white, red, pink, violet, coral, purple, and yellow.
- Elephant Ears are tropical plants with bold, big leaves that prefer shade to partial shade when grown in outdoor pots.
- Coleus, with their colourful foliage, can brighten up dark corners. They come in a range of shades, including magenta, purple, chartreuse, and orange, and even spotted or veined patterns.
When selecting plants for shaded areas, don't forget to think vertically. Hanging baskets can take advantage of vertical space, and some plants like creeping vines will dangle beautifully over the sides of containers.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic containers are safe for planting flowers. They are durable, lightweight, flexible, and strong. However, there are concerns about the safety of plastics regarding health and the possibility of food-grade plastic leeching toxins into the water and soil.
Select the space for your planter and take note of how much sun it gets throughout the day. Choose a plant according to its sun or shade needs. You can also use the thriller, filler, spiller method to create a beautiful layered potted plant.
Thriller plants are taller plants that add height and drama to the planter. Fillers are rounded, mounding plants that fill in the planter but are shorter than thrillers. Spillers are plants that spill over the edges of the planter, softening its shape.
Examples of thriller plants include spike dracaena, Mandevillas, canna lilies, verbena, salvia, and boxwood topiary.
Plastic pots and containers are excellent choices for moisture-loving plants. They are also good for those who are less regular with irrigation. You can also use self-wicking buckets, which have a reservoir at the bottom for efficient watering.
