Good, Bad and Ugly of Planting in Ground, Pots or Stackable Pots

Good, Bad and Ugly of Planting in Ground, Pots or Stackable Pots

Since I've moved to a much smaller plot of land, I've been spending the winter dreaming of my new garden.  However, my dreams would have to become reality.  Did I have room enough for all the plants I've been mooning over?  Would I be able to care for all of them?  Did my yard have the sunshine factor to make them grow?  Of course, I could do a few large pots.  But something that has been popular of late, are the stackable garden pots on wheels.  Would I like those?  I would have more room to plant a variety for sure.

Doing a little research, and comparing all three, I found each one had its good advantages and bad sides to them or opportunities and challenges as some would say.  For in ground planting, of course this offers the most space and soil interaction.  Plants naturally grow best in ground because their roots can spread out and spread deeper.  They have more opportunities for nutrients, moisture and aeration.  For pots and stackables, the nutrients and moisture are things you have to stay on top of to be successful. 

I have a couple of big pots already, so I know you have to keep a close eye on the moisture situation.  For stackable garden pots, the pros could be described as space-saving for one.  Those with very small spaces like balconies or patios would find these ideal.  They are easy to move around (especially if on wheels).  You can also control the soil and pests pretty easily too.  It is also said that the stackables are great for growing herbs, strawberries, or flowers.  Perfect.  The cons are that there is an upfront cost of pots and soil.  Root growth can be restricted, and the soil dries out much quicker than plants that are planted in the ground.  But, for people with mobility challenges, it is easier to tend to with very little problem of weeds.

If a stackable is your choice, there are important factors to remember before you buy.  Make sure the pots are able to fit in your area, look for stackables with deeper pockets for better root growth, at least 6 inches.  Of course, flowers and herbs can go a bit shallower, but you want flexibility with your investment.  It should last a good many seasons with proper care.  There are more expensive units that run over $150 all the way down to $40 to $50 each.  Make sure that your pots have proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.  Some pots have built-in reservoirs to keep plants hydrated longer, a plus for busy gardeners.  There are also various colors to choose from to suit the look you are going for.

The plants you select are up to you.  Pick bright flowers that are not too leggy and keep compact growth.  Many herbs are suitable for this type of planting.  I'm going for Basil, Thyme, Creeping thyme, Chives, Rosemary, Mint, Oregano, Parsley as a start.  I actually got two planters from Amazon, and plan on planting a variety of lettuce and other greens as well as herbs.  Mine have wheels, so I can move them around where the sun hits best.  I'm hoping to use them as definition to the back of my patio.  As the plants grow, I will keep you updated as to how they are doing with pictures and give you my honest opinion as to how it goes.

So that's the good, bad and ugly of the situation.  The pots and stackables are a little easier in care by being movable, less weeding, yet a little more care to make sure that nutrient needs are met, and you have to keep on top of a regular watering schedule.  However your garden grows, I hope you have fun planning and choosing your varieties.  And let me know your experiences and tips on it.  I'm looking forward to this growing season.