Pot Collecting

If you think this article is going to be all about collecting something that you can smoke, and is illegal (in most states), you will not be a happy camper. However, if you are looking for ways to cheaply amass a collection of containers for your ever growing collection of garden plants, you have come to the right place. I've gathered some cool plant containers in the 15 years I've been collecting them, and with a sharp eye and a little imagination, you can have a great collection, too!

I first started gardening in 1995. Our family had one income and 3 young children. Needless to say, I had very little spending money. I loved the look of container gardens and wanted to put out a few potted plants around our newly purchased home. Yard sales soon became the cure for my "potlust". People are always trying to get rid of old pots. I've picked up their unwanted pots for a song, sometimes for a nickel or a quarter apiece. I've even seen yard sales where they are giving them away for free. Now that's a bargain!

When I first started collecting, I picked up every container that said "Put a plant in me!" Now that I have a barn corner full of containers, I show a little more discrimination. Plastic pots are an item I do not usually buy anymore. The gardening experts are right, they do not "breathe" as well as clay pots. When I water a plant in a clay pot, the water seems to quickly drain to the bottom and the soil seems to dry out more evenly. It's easier for me to tell when a plant needs watering when housed in a clay pot. In a plastic pot, the soil looks dry, and I water it. What I don't realize is that the soil is wet underneath the dry soil, and may not dry out for awhile. The plant wilts and looks like it needs water, but it is wilting because the stem is rotting due to constantly wet soil under the dry surface. When the top of the soil in my clay pots are dry, I think soil underneath is likely to be fairly dry, also. And no matter what type of pot I am watering, sticking my finger way down into the soil will also tell me if a plant needs water.

Also, make sure any pot you buy has a drainage hole at the bottom. You can drill a hole in most containers using the proper drill bit. Be VERY careful when you drill, or the pot may break.

It's fun to decorate the clay pots you collect! Make sure the pot is clean and dry, then paint designs on the pot using acrylic paint. This is a great project to do with children using non-toxic paint. Acrylic paint usually washes out of clothes as long as it is not allowed to dry. Spray the pot with a sealer, after the paint dries, especially if you plan on using the pot outside.

I've used many things to house plants over the years. Old boots, a wood mail pouch, a hat storage unit, a collapsible hanging vegetable holder, teacups, and a ceramic candy container are all things I have used around my yard to grow plants. Use your imagination, look around your house, and see what you can come up with!