Plastic pots are essential in home gardening, thanks to their versatility, affordability, and durability. They are particularly more popular in urban areas where there is limited space.
Plastic pots offer something for everyone, they are a great solution for growing a wide variety of plants, indoors or outdoors.
In this blog, we will explore what types of plants thrive in plastic pots and how to get the best results from your container gardening.
Herbs
Herbs are among the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow in plastic pots. Their compact root systems make them ideal candidates for containers, and they can be conveniently placed on a windowsill, balcony, or patio.
At Sage Horticultural, you can find a wide variety of plastic pots to suit your needs.
Some popular herbs you can grow in plastic pots include:
- Basil
- Mint
- Parsley
- Coriander
Vegetables
Many vegetables adapt well to being grown in plastic pots, especially when space is limited. Plastic pots make it easier to manage watering, sunlight, and temperature control.
Common vegetables that can be grown in plastic pots include:
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes and other smaller varieties perform especially well.
- Peppers: Bell peppers, chilli peppers, and other varieties thrive in pots.
- Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and kale can flourish in containers.
- Carrots and Radishes: With deep plastic pots, you can grow root vegetables like carrots and radishes with ease. Plastic pots retain moisture better than other types of containers, making them ideal for vegetables that require consistent hydration.
Flowers
Plastic pots are a great option for growing flowers, both annuals and perennials. They are lightweight and can be moved around to suit the changing seasons or to create new arrangements.
Popular flowers for plastic pots include:
- Geraniums: These hardy plants bloom all summer long and are well-suited for plastic pots.
- Petunias: Their cascading growth makes them perfect for hanging plastic pots.
- Marigolds: These easy-to-grow flowers are excellent for pots and act as natural pest deterrents.
- Begonias: These vibrant, shade-loving flowers perform well in plastic pots, which are easy to relocate to the ideal shaded spot.
Fruit
Believe it or not, some fruit plants can also thrive in plastic pots. With proper care and attention, you can grow your own fresh fruits right at home. Popular fruits for plastic pots include:
- Strawberries: These low-growing plants do well in shallow, wide plastic containers.
- Blueberries: Dwarf varieties of blueberry bushes are well-suited for container gardening.
- Citrus trees: Meyer lemons, limes, and oranges can all be grown in plastic pots with proper drainage and care.
Plastic pots offer great flexibility for fruit plants as they can be moved to follow the sun or brought indoors during the colder months.
Succulents and Cacti
Succulents and cacti are low-maintenance plants that are perfect for plastic pots. Their ability to store water in their leaves and stems means they don’t need frequent watering, and plastic pots’ moisture-retentive properties can keep the soil perfect for these plants. Some popular choices include:
- Aloe Vera
- Jade plant
- Echeveria
- Agave
Plastic pots for succulents and cacti should have drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can cause root rot.
Small Trees and Shrubs
Certain dwarf varieties of trees and shrubs can also be grown in larger plastic pots, which offer excellent mobility and allow you to control their growth conditions.
You can grow:
- Dwarf citrus trees
- Small conifers
- Boxwood shrubs
Plastic pots allow you to place these plants on patios, decks, or in garden spaces where in-ground planting might not be an option.
Houseplants
Indoor plants thrive in plastic pots because of the controlled environment plastic provides. Many houseplants like a consistent level of moisture in the soil, which plastic pots help retain. Some popular houseplants for plastic pots include:
- Spider Plants: These are easy to grow and perfect for hanging plastic pots.
- Snake Plants: These hardy plants can tolerate low light and inconsistent watering, making them perfect for plastic pots.
- Ferns: Their love for moisture makes them perfect candidates for plastic pots.