A Pot for Every Plant

When buying a container, make sure the one you purchase is large enough for the plant you intend to put in it! Determine whether the spot where the container is placed is sturdy enough to withstand the container's--or containers'--weight when filled with soil and water. Decks can warp if too many pots reside on railings. Put large containers and tubs on rollers or dollies so that they can be moved easily. When you water, sprinkle thoroughly each time--till water drains out the bottom of the pot. Water-soluble fertilizers like the one above are a good way to add much-needed nutrients to your container plants.  REAL VIDEO Master gardener Paul James shows how to pot a plant.

Whether they be in plastic pots, terra-cotta pots, window boxes, or hanging baskets, container-grown plants can liven up any area of the home, including a front entrance, back terrace, pool deck or apartment balcony.

They can be moved around to dress up areas on a whim or used to fill bare spots in an established garden.

The container you use for your plants can be made out of almost anything--terra-cotta, rot-resistant wood, concrete, plastic--but make sure it has at least one drainage hole in the bottom to prevent root rot.

The old trick of adding gravel or sand to the bottom doesn't really work--the water will still sit at the bottom of the pot.

When planting a container, throw in a variety of plants. Annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs, small trees and vegetables all work well to create an interesting mix or even a mini landscape.

You've decided on the plants and the container, now the next step is to buy a good potting mix. It should be light and fluffy, absorb water well and drain fairly quickly.

The mix should also be disease-free, and that is one reason why you should not use garden soil. It may contain disease organisms that can harm your potted plants, it compacts quickly in containers, and it doesn't allow water to reach the root zone.

How to pot a container-grown plant

Now here comes the real challenge with a container garden: Be careful when watering. Container-grown plants tend to dry out quickly, especially plants in terra-cotta pots.

They also need more fertilizer frequently because nutrients may leach out of the potting mix each time you water.

Use water-soluble products, timed-release or slow-release fertilizers (such as cottonseed meal), and compost or manure tea to help in adding nutrients. Put the tea in a spray bottle and foliar-feed plants that way. Or, like Paul, every two weeks water with a solution of fish emulsion or liquid seaweed.

Saucers work well for preventing plants from drying out, but they promote root rot if they're not frequently checked.

No matter where you live, remember this important tip: In summer, container plants grown in full sun may need a drink every single day.