In This Guide
Match container size to plant type
Root depth requirements vary significantly by plant, and undersized containers are one of the most common reasons container gardens underperform. Herbs generally do fine in shallower pots, while tomatoes and peppers need considerably deeper containers.
Drainage is non-negotiable
Containers without drainage holes are one of the fastest ways to kill container plants through root rot, since excess water has nowhere to go. If a decorative pot lacks drainage, using it as an outer sleeve around a properly drained inner pot solves the problem.
Account for faster drying in containers
Container soil dries out faster than in-ground soil, especially in warm weather, which often means more frequent watering than a new container gardener expects.
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