The pot-in-a-pot method of gardening is gaining ground as more people learn about it. Although it may not be for everyone, or for every bed in your garden, there are some great reasons to try this unique gardening strategy.
What is a Pot in Pot Garden?
A pot in pot garden is a simple idea and one that is easy to construct. Essentially, you bury containers in the ground and insert other containers with plants in them. To construct a bed like this, start by choosing the container sizes you’ll use. Dig holes in the bed in the desired arrangements and put the containers into the holes. They should be in the ground all the way up to the lip.
With the empty containers in the ground situate the containers with plants inside them. The potted plants should be a little bit smaller than the empty containers so that they fit snuggly inside. The result, if you do it right, is a bed that looks like any other.
You should not see any pots, and if some stick a little bit above the soil you can use mulch to hide them.
Reasons to Use the Pot-in-a-Pot Method
While traditionally the beds gardeners create are designed to be semi-permanent, planting pots in pots allows you to develop more changeable beds. You can change out plants throughout the year and try different plants from one year to the next much more easily when it only requires lifting out a pot and putting in a new one.
Here are some other great reasons to try burying pots in the garden:
- Change out annuals in the summer.
- Experiment with arrangements and test lighting requirements for different plants.
- Keep blooms going all spring, summer, and fall by changing plants.
- Move houseplants to outdoor beds for the summer and back in for the winter.
- Secure plants in the ground and protect against wind.
- Easily replace dead plants.
- Have better control over temperature, fertilizer, and water.
You may also find reasons not to use this gardening method. For instance, a plant won’t be able to grow fully when restricted to a container. However, there are many great reasons to try pot in pot gardening, so start with one bed and see how you like it.
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FAQs
One of the best things to put at the bottom of a planter for drainage is broken pieces of pot. You can use any unwanted plant pots or chipped crockery for this – simply smash them up into small to medium-sized pieces. Adding a layer of broken pieces of pot like this will prevent compost loss out of the drainage holes.
Do you put soil directly in a planter? ›
There is nothing inherently wrong with treating a big planter in the same way as you would a small planter, by filling the entire pot with potting soil. There are purist gardeners who stand by this view. From their perspective, there can never be too much potting soil for the plant roots to enjoy.
What is the cheapest way to make a container garden? ›
Repurpose old, damaged or about-to-be discarded items into smart-chic containers. If the items don't have drainage holes, add some. Or keep the plants in their pots so you can easily slip them out of the container to dump excess water.
Do I need to put rocks in the bottom of a planter? ›
We all want what is best for our beloved houseplants. So, if there's a chance that putting rocks at the bottom of a planter is going to help them flourish, any good plant parent would do it, right? Contrary to popular belief, rocks at the bottom of a planter actually lead to root rot rather than prevent it.
What do you put in the bottom of a planter to fill space? ›
You can use rocks, pieces of concrete or bricks, gravel, and/or pebbles. The benefit of using these types of rubble to fill your planter is that they have some weight to them. Weight can help anchor a tall planter that may be prone to tipping over.
Why can't you use Miracle-Gro garden soil in pots? ›
Soil taken from your yard or a garden bed is too dense to use in a pot or raised bed. Instead, for containers, you'll want to use potting mix (also called potting soil), a lightweight and fluffy alternative. For raised beds, you'll want to use a blend of potting mix and garden soil.
How full should you fill a planter with soil? ›
Fill the container completely with soil, leaving some space between the top of the soil and the top of the pot (this is sometimes referred to as head space). In large container gardens, you can leave up to 2 inches;in smaller pots you might only leave ½ inch.
What to put in the bottom of a planter without drainage holes? ›
“If your planter doesn't have holes, you can keep the plant in its grow or nursery pot and place it inside the planter you would like to use,” he says. You can also place gravel or pebbles in the bottom of the decorative pot and place the functional pot with drainage on top of that layer.
Why put rocks in potted plants? ›
Rocks and gravel scattered in a thin layer on top will also help keep water inside the soil by reducing evaporation from the surface. This can reduce the need to water so often and reduce the humidity in the room the pots and planters are in as a result.
What is a disadvantage to container gardening? ›
#1: Container Gardens Need to Be Watered More Often
With such a limited soil volume, plants in containers need frequent watering. It is critical to check your soil weekly to determine hydration levels. Keep an eye open for the following telltale signs: Shriveled, brittle, or dead leaves.
You may have several natural materials around the house or garden that can be of use. Pine cones, wood chips, leaves, and sticks can all be used but will break down over time—a sustainable choice for seasonal planters who repot regularly.
What do you put at the bottom of a planter bed? ›
Start with a layer of landscape fabric to prevent soil from washing out. Above this, a layer of gravel or small stones can aid in drainage. Then, fill the bed with a mix of topsoil, compost, and other organic matter. This layered approach ensures good drainage while providing a nutrient-rich environment for plants.
What is the best bottom for a planter box? ›
Line the bottom of the planter box with a single layer of river rock or pebbles. This will allow excess water to drain and keep roots from getting waterlogged. Fill the box about 3/4 full of potting soil. Now it's time to plant.
Should I line my planter with plastic? ›
Plastic sheeting is the best material for lining a planter with. Pond liners work well for lining the bottom of planters as they are robust and can easily be shaped into the perfect size to fit the dimensions of your planter. Pond liners are also thick enough to reduce any evaporation of water from the soil.
