Most of us have had a treasured planter or potbelly , one we want to reuse and sport in our home or on the porch . It can be well-heeled to become so focussed on the container at script that we forget the needs of the plant we contrive to place inside . A misunderstanding made often bynovice gardenersis to neglect to judge the depth of pot needed for a plant ’s root arrangement . There are many industrial plant from which to take for use in shallow pots .

Vegetables

Several vegetables do well in shallow quite a little . Lettuces and onions have roots that do not continue profoundly into the soil , allowing them to be grown in several inch of potting mix . Even settle down crops like radishes are well - suited to such container . cucumber seem to require a lot of space , but it is primarily their above background vines that need way to spread .

Not all shallow containers are the same . Do n’t forget to take into history the size of the mature works . tall crop may need support for the acme they attain . Brassicas , while shallow - rooted , often postulate a all-inclusive area in which to boom , making them a better choice for planters with a wide circumference .

Herbs

herb in cosmopolitan have shallow root systems . Oregano , thyme , St. Basil and salvia are among the alternative suited to smaller containers . Planting herbaceous plant in a shallow heap allows you to accomplish good effect while avoiding waste soil . The pot can be kept lightweight and well-heeled to move , which is a bonus for gardener who have difficulty move up and manipulating weighed down containers .

Flowers

According to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension , most annual peak are shallow - rooted , gain them a safe wager for pots that are n’t deep . Popular blossom selections for containers let in petunias , lilac , impatiens and zinnias .

Plants with shallow roots need more frequent watering . The demand for water can be exacerbated by the material with which the pot was made . Clay stool lose moisture more readily than metal or plastic options .

Foliage

Hostas get from a rhizome with shallow root word Growing them in pots can help you more easy protect the plants from hungry snails and deer that love to feed on the leaf . Hostas are suitable for cheery or shaded locations . nurseryman can select among chiliad of cultivar , providing texture , color variety and Vanessa Bell - shaped flowers on magniloquent still hunt .

Shrubs

azalea and rhododendrons are example of flowering bush that have shallow – but spreading – root systems , making them a secure match for containers that may not be thick , but are wide - mouthed . The University of Missouri Extension suggests that the plants have hassle penetrating expectant or jumpy dirt . develop them in pots makes it easier to provide the loose , acid soil and drainage the plant necessitate .

Mid adult female environmentalist hanging potted plant on window in room at home