Time to give up the pot: why it’s much better to plant in the ground (2024)

FAQs

Time to give up the pot: why it’s much better to plant in the ground? ›

Let me explain. In comparison to the ground, containers hold substantially less growing media. This means their surface-area-to-volume ratio is far greater, which causes them to heat up and cool down far quicker than the ground. These fluctuations in temperature can damage plant roots and compromise overall growth.

Planting in the ground is a great way to incorporate edible plants into your landscape without needing any containers or lots of additional soil. You do, however, need to loosen up the soil and mix in amendments to improve nutrient levels and moisture drainage.

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.

With nothing to sustain it, unplanted bare soil degenerates and the carbon cycle stops working. In contrast, the process of photosynthesis is a cooling, or endothermic, activity as plants make the carbohydrates they need for energy. There is a net water gain when land is continuously covered with plants.

The science is simple. Most plants that are potted in a much larger container than they're used to will put all their energy made from photosynthesis and fertilizer into root growth instead of foliage growth. Also, plants potted in too-large containers will struggle to soak up all the moisture from waterings.

Container gardens are easy to keep weed-free, and if you use a good planting mix your results with many varieties should equal a raised bed. However, container plants dry out much faster, thus requiring greater watering vigilance. Uneven irrigation can lead to other problems, such as blossom end rot in tomatoes.

In an in-ground garden, your plants' root growth can be limited by poor soil structure, poor soil quality, and large rocks. Their roots will spread out closer to the surface of the soil, which means you'll need to give plants plenty of space to sprawl.

Air circulation under a container also contributes to the health of the plant's roots. So, even on stone, tile, or concrete, where you're not concerned about rot, lifting your pots a few inches is important.

Overwintering plants in containers is quite different from overwintering them in the ground – all thanks to their roots. In winter, the soil stays warmer than the air, protecting roots from cold winter temperatures. However, when you grow perennials and shrubs in pots, they lose the extra insulation that soil provides.

Most houseplants can stay in their original pots for at least a year or more. Evaluate your plants at least once a year to check for signs of being rootbound, or if the substrate (potting material) needs to be replenished. Repot plants that are falling over, rootbound, or you can't get enough water into them.

Do bigger pots make plants grow faster? ›

Pot Size And Plant Health

It supplies a plant's roots with much-needed nutrients and stores water for the plant to use over time. Smaller pots have less soil, which can mean fewer nutrients, faster dehydration, and stunted growth for a plant that's too big.

Garden soils are typically intended for use in the ground and contain minerals and organic matter. They are not a good choice for containers because the soil can quickly become compacted and waterlogged, reducing air space around the roots. This can lead to poor or stunted growth.

The one thing that you want to avoid when tilling is doing it during periods of heavy rain. If you live in an area that tends to be wet in fall, wait until spring. The opposite also applies. Wet soil will break down too much with tilling, and the quality of the soil can be affected.

Short Version - Tilling is bad for your garden/farm because…

The act of tilling breaks apart valuable soil structure and fungal mycelial connections, leading to compaction, flooding and massive soil erosion.

Some till once, twice, or even four times a year, but most believe spring tilling is non-negotiable. The season's dry soil and warm weather reduces the likelihood of soil compaction and poor root penetration. Fall is another perfect time to till as the soil is still fairly dry.

If you plant a small plant in a really large pot, it will also stunt its growth. The plant wants to stretch its roots out as far as it can but the goal is to have a good root base. In a big pot this is more difficult and the plant will not root itself in the soil well enough to survive.

In addition to anchoring roots, soil provides life-sustaining water and nutrients. Plants in poor soils will struggle to grow, even if optimal water and light are available. In contrast, plants in good soils will grow to their fullest potential and experience fewer problems with insects and disease.

A sunny window sill would be best.

On a sunny window sill, the plant will get the warmth and light it needs. In time, it will grow big and strong! The plant won't get the warmth and light it needs in a cold, dark fridge.