For hundreds of years, planting in tall pots has been used to grow seeds and make plant arrangements easier. Now, the plant pots themselves have also been a source of decoration in a home or garden.
Different styles and types of materials have been used to make these decorative planters over time to meet the needs and tastes of customers. They come in various styles, from broad-bodied rectangles to smooth, tapered shapes, etc. , that complement any decor.
A popular choice among consumers, and for good reason, are tall pots. Furthermore, the perched water table theory says that tall pots are the best for plant health because they have the most air-to-water ratio, which makes gas exchange better. Not only that, tall planters have many other benefits too!.
Large planters can make a dramatic statement and be the focal point of your outdoor space. When positioned on a patio flanking a front entryway or along a garden path, oversized planters draw the eye and allow you to grow ornamental trees, trailing flowers, or even vegetables on a grand scale. But filling and planting large containers does require some special considerations compared to traditional smaller pots.
Below are tips for selecting the right large planter for your needs, choosing the proper soil and fillers, determining optimal drainage, combining compatible plants, and maintaining healthy growth in jumbo-sized containers:
Choosing the Right Planter
A first step is selecting a planter that achieves your desired aesthetic look and provides adequate volume for plant roots. Consider these factors:
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Material – Large planters come in a variety of materials including terra cotta, concrete, resin, plastic, wood, and metal. Consider durability, texture, weight (for moving), and style.
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Shape – Select from rounded, square, rectangular, oval or unique asymmetric shapes to complement your location Scale is important
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Size – Measure your space to determine the optimal footprint for your planter. Allow ample surface area and depth (at least 12-18 inches) for healthy plant growth.
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Drainage – Ensure your selected planter has sufficient drainage holes, or that you can drill extra holes if needed.
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Wheels – For large pots you may want a rolling/caster base to make relocating easier.
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Self-watering features – Some planters have built-in water reservoirs or wicking systems to extend watering frequency.
Choose a planter with the style, scale, and functional features to create your desired planting statement.
Fillers and Soil for Large Planters
The soil and filler materials you use in big containers will impact drainage, weight, cost, and plant performance.
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Soil – Use a quality potting mix, not garden soil which can compact. Potting mix provides drainage.
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Filler materials – Layering crushed gravel, pebbles, stones, or even packing peanuts on the bottom elevates soil and improves drainage.
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Drainage holes – Ensure holes to prevent waterlogging. Add extra holes if needed. Line the bottom with mesh screen to contain soil.
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Soil volume – Give plants adequate soil depth. Shallow pots restrict roots. Allow 12-18 inches for small trees, 6-12 inches for shrubs or vegetables.
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Soil amendments – Mix in compost, worm castings, or slow-release fertilizer to enrich the soil and support plant growth in containers.
Strike a balance using soil, organic matter and fillers to provide moisture retention, nutrients, and good drainage for happy roots.
Selecting Plants for Large Pots
When planting big planters, choose plant varieties suited to growing in containers:
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Trees – Select dwarf or patio varieties of trees adapted to containers like Japanese maple, crape myrtle, magnolia, palm, olive, and citrus. Fruit trees can work too.
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Shrubs – Opt for compact shrub types like hydrangeas, rosemary, lavender, boxwood, grasses and small conifers that won’t outgrow the planter.
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Flowers and vegetables – Trailing petunias, million bells, nasturtiums, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and herbs are good choices.
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Number of plants – Include a thriller, filler and spiller plants. For large planters, stick to 2-4 plant types maximum.
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Sun exposure – Match plants to the light levels in your location. Is it mostly sun, part sun, or full shade?
Select plants suitable for growing in containers that complement each other’s water, soil and sunlight needs.
Planting Tips for Large Planters
When it’s time to start planting, follow these tips:
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Handle large planters in place. They will be extremely heavy when filled with soil and plants.
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For tall planters, set shorter plants near the edges and taller focal points in the center.
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Remove plants from nursery containers, loosen matted roots, and spread them out when planting.
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Add fertilizer and mycorrhizae fungus to help stimulate root growth after planting.
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Group plants with similar sunlight and watering needs together in sections. This streamlines care.
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Mulch the soil surface with bark chips, pebbles or moss to help retain moisture.
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Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom after planting.
Take time to thoughtfully arrange plants and care for them properly after planting for a spectacular and lasting display.
Caring for Large Planters
A few special care tips will help your jumbo planter thrive:
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Check soil moisture frequently. More soil mass leads to faster drying out.
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Lift or roll the planter to access all sides for pruning, weeding and harvesting.
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Turn or angle planters to maintain even sun exposure for plants as conditions change.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly or use timed-release plant food distributed in the soil.
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Monitor for pests like aphids that can spread quickly. Treat promptly when detected.
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Replenish mulch layer as needed to help retain moisture during hot months.
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Rotate annual flowers out at end of season and refresh soil before replanting containers.
Proper planning is needed, but with a little extra care you can create a dramatic living display using jumbo planters. Don’t be afraid to dream big!
Frequency of Entities:
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planter: 38
soil: 17
large: 16
drainage: 10
container: 8
root: 7
filler: 6
select: 5
water: 5
adequate: 4
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material: 4
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japanese maple: 2
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magnolia: 2
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zinnia: 1
Step 1: Check For Drainage Holes
Most plants need a healthy environment to thrive, which necessitates adequate drainage. It’s not necessary to add a drainage hole to your planter for plants to grow, but we do suggest it, especially for outdoor planters.
Also, it might surprise you to learn that the most common mistake plant owners make is giving their plants too much water. Bacteria and fungus that grow in the bottom of a planter with too much water can kill plant roots. This is possible, even with pots that have good drainage, so be careful. Put your finger about an inch deep in the soil to see if a plant needs water. If the soil is dry, it can be watered.
Best Jay Scotts Tall Planters
There are so many ways to fill your planter without breaking the bank or straining your back. These tips are great ways to save money on landscaping if you don’t have a lot of money to spend.
How to Plant in Larger Containers Using Less Potting Soil
How to fill big planters?
Here are a few tips and tricks on how to fill big planters. 1.Select the right soil mix. Selecting the right soil mix for your large planter is essential. A high-quality mix encourages strong root growth and provides the necessary nutrients for your plants to thrive. The opposite can hinder the growth and development of your plants.
How do I choose a planter for a large planter?
I always start by selecting the right blend of plants for large planters. Using the “thriller, filler, and spiller” method works wonders. The thriller is that eye-catching, tall element that provides height—think ornamental grasses or a tall flower like gladiolas. Next come the fillers, which fill out the body of the arrangement.
How do I choose the right plants to plant in large pots?
When planting in large pots, selecting the correct plants is the most crucial consideration. It can be challenging to pick the ones that complement each other, add interest, and balance the whole planter. For example, a big plant might overpower another small, compact one. Using the method “thriller, filler, and spiller” will make it easier.
How do you plant plants in a planter?
Start by placing a layer of gravel or pebbles in the bottom of the planter. This will help to improve drainage. Then, fill the planter with the prepared potting soil. When planting, it’s important to space the plants evenly and to plant them at the same depth as they were in their original pots. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.