How to Make Your Own Plant Containers

You don’t have to purchase a new, expensive container every time one of your plant outgrows its pot. Everyday household objects and items from market stalls and junk shops can make attractive containers.

Using household objects Decorative china cups, jugs, teapots, bowls, salad dishes and casseroles make very suitable pots. Line the base with gravel or porous clay pellets so that the plant does not sit in water.

Old enamel bowls, buckets, watering cans and kettles can be painted or sprayed to produce colourful containers. Use colours that will echo those g of the flowers or leaves of the plant.

Baskets, too, can be used if they are lined with polythene. Surround pots in a large basket with damp peat to provide a moist atmosphere.

When choosing household items consider both the plant and the intended position. Pottery or terracotta casseroles are ideal containers for herbs, ferns or a Primula and blend beautifully with rustic surroundings. Country garden décor requires flower-patterned china to show off flowering plants like Fuchsias, Geraniums or white or blue Italian Bellflowers.

Hunting Out Bargains

Old jugs or teapots — even those with a slight crack in them — are excellent finds. When using them as a plant pot, line them first with polythene or foil. Decorative vegetable dishes and soup tureens make wonderful spring bulb planters.

For large plants, look out for stone preserving jars, china washbowls, ceramic animal pots, boiling pots and preserving pans. Make use of wooden boxes too, and old bird cages. Line these if necessary.

New Tips for Old

• Water sparingly when using a container without drainage.
• Remove lime stains on inside of containers with a thick slice of lemon rubbed on to the stain.
• Old and battered baskets are easily painted to give them a new lease of life as a plant container.
• Foil freezer containers and yoghurt cartons make useful liners for china pots.
• For small plants you can use as pots glasses, cups and mugs, even shells. Or, for a more dramatic touch, think about using sugar basins, cream jugs, jam pots, and gravy boats.
• Stone storage jars designed for herbs could show off a group of cacti; a small, low basket could be used for creeping plants, like Mind-YourOwn-Business.
• You could even paint jam jars in pretty pastels and use for Crocus or Grape Hyacinth bulbs, or to hold a row of bright red Tom Thumb along the windowsill.

Shells

Especially suited to growing air plants, shells act as a good support for their roots. Air plants enjoy the moist air of a bathroom.

Glasses

Make an attractive water garden by placing pebbles, aggregate and suitable soluble food in a glass and use for water-rooted plants.

Cups and Mugs

These are suitable for most small plants. Use china or ceramic cups and mugs, and match your plants to their patterns and colours.