Container garden facts for kids

Container garden on front porch

Imagine growing plants, flowers, or even veggies not in the ground, but in special pots or boxes! That's what a container garden is all about. It's also called a pot garden. These gardens use containers instead of planting directly into the soil.

Containers for gardening come in many shapes and sizes. Some are small and easy to move, while others are big and stay in one place. People use them to grow beautiful flowers, tasty herbs, or fresh vegetables right on their porch, balcony, or even indoors. You can use many things as containers, like flower pots, window boxes, tubs, baskets, old barrels, or hanging baskets.

Types of Containers

When you want to start a container garden, you'll find different types of pots and boxes to choose from. Each kind has its own benefits!

Terracotta Pots

Terracotta pots are made from a type of clay. They are very popular for container gardens, especially for plants that will stay in one spot for a long time.

• What they are: These pots have a natural, earthy look, often reddish-brown.
• Why they're good: Terracotta is porous. This means it has tiny holes that allow air and water to pass through. This helps the plant's roots get enough air and stops the soil from getting too wet. Water can also evaporate through the sides, which helps keep the plant cool.
• Best for: Long-term plants in your backyard or patio.

Plastic Pots

Plastic pots are another common choice for container gardening. They are often lighter and less expensive than terracotta pots.

• What they are: These pots come in many colors and sizes.
• Why they're good: Plastic pots hold water better than terracotta because they are not porous. This means you might not need to water your plants as often. They are also very light and easy to move around.
• Best for: Plants you buy from a store that are already potted, or for plants you might move often. They are great for short-term use.

Window Boxes

Window boxes are special containers designed to fit on windowsills or railings.

• What they are: These are usually long, shallow boxes.
• Why they're good: They are perfect for adding flowers or herbs to the outside of your windows, or along balcony railings. They bring color and life to areas where you can't plant in the ground.
• Best for: Decorating windows, balconies, or small spaces.

Small pots are often called flowerpots.

Images for kids

• 

  An ornamental planter at Regent's Park, Inner London, England

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  Balcony gardening at night

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  Tomato plants growing in a pot farm alongside a small house in fifteen garbage cans filled with soil

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  Senecio angulatus growing in clay and plastic pots on a veranda

See also

In Spanish: Jardín de macetas para niños