Planters & Landscaping With Pots

Select the appropriately sized pot or planter for your garden landscape and plant needs. For example, modern glazed pots in bright colors might look out of place in a country-style garden area, and delicate flowers might look overpowered in large containers.

Place planting medium and the plants or seeds in the pot according to the planting instructions.

Move the planter or pot to the ideal location in your landscape. Consider the light needs of your plant and adjust placement as necessary. For example, roses need at least six hours of daylight, but orchids need mostly shade.

Arrange the pots and planters in a pleasing design. Most gardeners place larger pots on the ground for weight reasons. Place small or medium-sized pots and planters on platforms or levels for visual interest. Consider adding a small trellis to pots and planters containing viney plants to add height.

Water plants according to the suggestions found on the plant packaging. In general, clay pots need more watering than plastic pots.

Clean pots with a bleach and water mixture -- one part bleach to 10 parts water-- before storing them at the end of the planting season. This eliminates pathogens and diseases in future plantings.