Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
might not crack or break when picked up, but its shape can be distorted from the weight,
making it rather difficult to juggle until you can get it to its new location.
Your containers need to be able to handle what the weather can dish out—especially a blaz-
ing sun for long periods of time. Cheap, lightweight plastic containers will crack after just
a short amount of exposure to the blistering sun. Once a small crack forms, it won't take
long for it to devour the container.
If you are sold on using plastic, the best advice would be to go with plastic containers that
are double-walled. This provides more protection and durability for the money. Plus, the
additional layer of plastic walling allows the heat from the sun to dissipate more instead of
heating up the dirt surrounding your plant. This means your plant has less of a chance of
drying out before you water it again.
Drainage.
Some plastic containers are manufactured without a drainage hole. This leaves
the responsibility of providing one for your plants up to you. In order to do this, you will
need to utilize a power drill and drill a reasonably sized hole in the middle of the bottom of
the container.
Some people prefer to drill numerous smaller holes instead of one large hole. While this is
fine, it can produce more drainage than you anticipate. Once the holes are there, you are
committed to using them. Keeping one large hole is easier to manage in the event that the
loss of water needs to be better controlled.
If the container is quite large, it may be necessary to drill several large holes to adequately
drain the plant considering the increased surface area.
If you purchase containers that have pre-drilled drainage holes in them, there will be times
when these holes are too large, allowing not only too much water to escape but also dirt, as
well. The best way to remedy this is to use a drainage screen.
Drainage screens are pieces of mesh that more than cover the diameter of the drainage
hole, while still allowing excess moisture to be released. Drainage screens can be purchased
pre-cut or you can buy a section of the screening and custom make your own pieces. The
screening is inexpensive and saves you a lot of heartache from lost soil. If you can't find
drainage screening in your local store or if you don't have the opportunity to shop for it,
then a piece of an old window screen will work nicely.
