Gardening hasn’t lost popularity in recent decades, but as the environment has changed, more people are living in cities where the space is limited and hence the demand for container gardening is on the rise.
It’s the perfect gateway into gardening for people who live in the city and have little garden space, and for those who rent their property and move frequently.
So, we’re here to discuss the pros and cons of using plastic containers in your garden.
Why does pot material matter?
It turns out that the physical integrity of the container does contribute to the health of the plant. A good container will help keep the plant’s root system cool and moist in hot weather, while warm and well-drained in cold weather.
Determining factors for purchasing different types of containers range from material cost and durability to portability and availability. With so many options to choose from, let’s begin by exploring the benefits of plastic pots over other types of containers.
Advantages of plastic pots
First of all, plastic planter pots are extremely light compared to almost any other type of pot. Their light weight makes them perfect for gardeners who find it hard to lift heavy objects, including elderly and disabled hobbyists, while also making them the ideal choice for renters and people who move regularly.
Their portability makes them attractive to people who want to be able to carry their garden around with ease, and especially good for those of us who simply can’t decide where to put anything!
Because plastic is endlessly malleable across production lines, there is an incredible variety of decorative plastic planters available for gardeners. Pots of every colour and shape can be found with ease at almost every retailer, whereas pots made from other materials like stone or clay are difficult to find in abstract shapes.
Most importantly, plastic pots are incredibly cost-effective. Compared to other materials, these planters are often available for just a couple of dollars. This means you can spend less on containers and more on plants! It’s a dream come true.
Disadvantages of plastic pots
Are plastic pots bad for plants? Well, it depends on your garden.
If you live in an area with a hot climate, large plastic pots can sometimes cause overheating of the root system, which will have a severe impact on the health of the plant.
Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause plastic pots to fade in colour and it may not look the same compared to the original.
Plastic pots also fail to release excess water, unlike ceramic pots, meaning plants are more likely to suffer from root rot and overwatering in plastic containers. Since plastic is non-permeable, the soil inside the planter cannot undergo its natural respiration cycle, which is not good for plants.
Aside from the plants themselves, plastic pots are not an eco-friendly option for gardeners.
While they are somewhat flexible, they cannot withstand rough treatment and will break. All of the Australian-made pots at Sage Horticultural are also now recyclable.
As long as you have knowledge of how to combat some of these cons, a plastic planter can be a handy container for any garden. The choice is yours!