Planters Etc. Blog - Plantersetc

How To Use a Planter For Vines And Climbers

June 8, 2018 by Craig Urbine

Climbing vines can make a bold statement in front of any building or along any pathway. However, when left in an open garden, they often encroach on surrounding plants and can be difficult to contain. Choosing a decorative planter for vines offers a simple solution for keeping your unruly vines and climbers in check while allowing you to shape the look of your garden.

Choosing a Planter for Vines

If there is one thing we do know about vines it’s that they can grow forever, and they are very good at getting their tendrils into cracks and crevices, eventually damaging structures. This is important to keep in mind if you are considering planters that have naturally porous surfaces which may invite vines to break apart the structure over time. In addition, flimsy plastic pots will not hold up for the duration of a vine’s life, requiring you to replant often. If you want to keep your vines contained in planters, you won’t want to discover that the vines’ roots have broken apart the base of your planter and entered the native soil, allowing them to spread outward unchecked. The best solution is durable, smooth sided planters such as fiberglass that are free from imperfections which might allow vines to grow wild. A fiberglass planter for vines is also a good solution because vines require full sunlight, and the finished planter will not fade or discolor in the heat. Just make sure you give your vines at least 16″ of soil to grow down into, and you should have happy and healthy plants.

Add Supports

Another factor you will want to consider is the type of support you want to add to your planter. For small home displays, a few bamboo shoots are usually sufficient to direct your vines upward. They can easily be tied together near the top to form a neat frame for your climbers. However, if you want a more presentable and professional look, you might want to place an iron trellis or obelisk in the center of a pot which allows your vines to grow upward with an ornamental accent. There are dozens of trellises, mesh frames and other options available to help you direct your vine growth while also protecting the surrounding area from stray vines.

Bring on the Flowers

The most exciting part of all is selecting which vines you would like to display. The most popular vines are perennials because once they’re established they can be easily maintained year after year. However, there are some very enticing annuals that you can add to the mix if you’re up for the extra work. You can choose your vines based on a particular color scheme, or you can pick up an assortment of colors and bloom shapes that will make your garden pop. If you time things just right, you could have different vines in bloom at each part of the season. Morning Glories are a traditional favorite, which come in many different colors, as well as Sweet Peas. Don’t forget to add some good old fashioned green ivy in to serve as a solid backdrop for your flowers. It is a good filler plant that is easy to grow in most environments. Add a touch of Star Jasmine or Passion Flower to the center of your display and you will have a truly eye-catching design.

With those three simple steps, you could have a gorgeous container garden full of blossoming vines and climbers. The better you plan ahead with your planter selection and your supports, the more artistic you can get with training your vines to grow in beautiful patterns and shapes. To see a full gallery of ideas and more information about how to choose a planter for vines, visit us online today!

“Choosing The Right Planter For Your Favorite Plant”

May 15, 2018 by Craig Urbine

When decorating your interior space with house plants, you’re not just adding finishing touches to your room, you’re also enhancing the quality of life for everyone who enters it. Choosing the right planter not only adds that finishing touch to your space. It also provids a container in which your plant will grow and live. Choosing the right planter with the right combination of color and design for your décor, as well as the proper size for your plant can result in dramatic results for both your interior space and your plant life.

Picking the correct planter is vital to the lifespan and growth rate of your greenery. The planter affects how quickly the soil will dry, the space in which the plant has to grow, the health of the plant’s roots, and how much light is allowed to actually reach the plant. So, as well as needing the right amounts of water and light, the plant requires the perfect planter to provide its foundation for life.

Choose the right size

Plants need room to grow. However, if you give them too much space, the plant will sit in water too long. This can cause the soil to build up a large supply of nutrients which can negatively affect the plant and ultimately end up causing a nutrient burn. If the plant is crowded into a planter too small, the plant becomes rootbound. This reduces the amount of water the soil is able to hold and ultimately ends up killing the plant. Large rooted plants require deeper pots. Smaller plants require smaller space. If you find your large plant doesn’t fill up the entire space of a large-sized pot, consider planting smaller plants around the base of it to fill up the excessive space. This not only assists your larger plant and also improves the overall look and presentation of your plants and planter.

Choose the right spot

Pick the right location in the room for your planter. For indoor plants, large-scaled planters can easily become a focal point in the room. Be sure to choose a color that is complementary to the pot’s surroundings, whether an indoor space or outdoor location, such as a patio. Be sure to notice if the plant is going to receive the correct amount of sunlight and shade in your intended location. Whether indoor or outdoor, if the plant will receive a lot of sun, the plant will tend to dry out quickly and require frequent watering. Too much shade can stunt the plant’s growth and inhibit the amount of chlorophyll the plant produces, thus lessening the green in the plant’s coloring.

Will the plant be moved?

Large plants can be tedious to move. If you tend to switch things around in the room or your patio, consider going with two smaller plants rather than one large plant. Go with “the more the merrier” approach. Indoor plants help regulate humidity and have a calming affect on people within the room. Groupings of greenery serve both aesthetic and practical purposes within indoor spaces. Groups of indoor plants can be a stunning display and focal point.

Our planters are the solution!

Our fiberglass planters provide the perfect foundation for your plant and your décor. The attractive designs and color-schemes enable you to design that perfect fit for your office, home, or outdoor space. The durable, lightweight resign and stylish construction will provide your plant the perfect home for years to come! Not only will you be thrilled with the presentation, but your plant will thrive in its new home! Most of all you will love the durability our fiberglass planters will offer you and your space. You’ll both be pleased with the results our planters provide!

Money saving Industrial Landscape Tips & Ideas

May 29, 2017 by Craig Urbine

Stay Under Budget With These Money-Saving Industrial Landscape Tips & Ideas

If you own a business or are in charge of landscaping a particular building, you may have realized just how much landscape companies can charge for design and maintenance. While many larger corporations can easily afford to keep up with their landscaping, smaller businesses have a tough time when it comes to presenting a professional outer appearance while also staying under a tight budget. To help those who don’t have thousands to spend on landscaping each month, we have put together a list of money-saving landscape tips and ideas.

Work Around Natural Landscapes

Flattening hills, removing large trees, filling ponds or replacing grassy areas with gravel can be quite expensive, which is why it’s typically a good idea to develop a design that incorporates the natural landscape instead of altering it. Nature and pre-existing landscapes are actually your biggest asset when it comes to landscaping, so might as well use them.

Use Stone Pavers & Walls

Another way to save on industrial landscaping is with the incorporation of stone pavers along walkways and stone retainer walls. When shopping for materials, keep in mind that the price of stone pavers can vary depending on the type of stone. Also keep in mind the fact that different types of stone are recommended for different types of environment. However, flagstone is generally a popular pick for both residential and industrial landscaping.

Choose Seasonal Plants

You can also keep landscaping costs down by choosing plants, shrubs or flowers that are in season instead of deciding on just one type and sticking with it. If you’re not sure which seasonal plants to choose, it might help to do a little research online, consult with a professional corporate landscaper or talk with the owner of a nursery.

Invest in Quality Planters

Those who are looking to keep costs down when it comes to commercial landscaping should consider that the quality of pots and plant containers you use can make a world of difference. If you want to get the biggest bang for your buck, it’s best to choose fiberglass planters that are resistant to the elements. They also don’t turn brittle and break apart after just one planting season, so you won’t have to replace them as often. Our fiberglass pots and planters are particularly sturdy and conveniently frost-resistant!

Make Sure You Have a Plan

Of course you’re going to also need a clear plan if you want to save the most amount of money possible because mistakes are what drive up final design bills and the cost of maintenance. This is why it’s highly suggested you obtain the advice of a professional who has years of experience helping business owners, property managers and others design a blueprint that takes all crucial factors into account.

Landscaping your commercial property doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. If the cost is your biggest concern, you should refer to these tips and ideas when it comes time to revamp your restaurant, salon, medical practice or law firm.

Pot Planting 101

January 16, 2017 by Craig Urbine

Container gardening or pot planting can be tricky if you aren’t fully equipped with the correct materials. You’ll of course need a few of our extra tough fiberglass pots or plant containers, but you’ll also need a quality liner in order to keep soil contained and roots protected. However, you need to keep in mind that there are a few different types of planter liners which are used for different types of planting. Keep reading to get an idea of which type of planting pot liner will work best for you.

Plastic Liners

Plastic pot liners are a popular choice because they’re affordable and easy to use. These plastic liners also come in a variety of textures and designs, allowing you to select ones that fit the needs of the specific kind of plants you plan on planting. You can even find sturdy plastic discs that are placed at the bottom of your planting container in order to lift it up and allow proper drainage.

Foam Liners

Some gardeners or landscapers prefer to use pearls made out of recycled foam at the bottom of pots and planters. They’re lightweight, inexpensive and available in bulk packages online and at local home improvement stores.

Coco Liners

Liners made out of coco fibers are typically chosen by both landscapers and home gardeners. Just keep in mind that coco liners tend to do best when added to hanging pots because they like to be able to breathe. The downside to coco liners is that they can get a little expensive depending on the size of the liner and the brand.

Fabric Liners

Fabric liners or grow bags are usually the ideal choice for plants with medium roots because they allow more air to reach them and improve drainage in order to prevent them from overheating during drought or dry spells. They also help plants root quicker than other liners and some of them come with built-in handles that make it easy to transplant when needed.

Homemade Mixes

If you don’t have a budget that allows you to invest in plastic net liners, fabric pot liners or coco liners, you can always make your own pot liner at home with things from around the yard. All you have to do is gather a few twigs, a bit of mulch, some pine needles, a handful of sandy dirt or clay and build layers along the interior of your planting pots.

Container pot planting is a trend that is here to stay. If you plan to experiment with your own container garden, plant design or potted display, make sure you check out our collection of plant planters. We offer a line of top quality fiberglass pots which can be used either indoors or outdoors. They are available in an assortment of muted colors, vibrant shades, sultry colors and different finishes, allowing you to mix-and-match them as you see fit. Use a few window planters to grow herbs and spices, use a large tree pot to plant a fruit tree or use a decorative planter to enhance your patio décor.

Potted Plant Care Tips

October 30, 2016 by Craig Urbine

Designed by The Sill — Designs by The Sill – NYC

Potted Plant Care: How to Maintain Your Plants in Pots

Have you made the wise decision to use pots and planters for your herbs, plants, shrubs, trees or floral selections? If so, you will need to care for them a bit differently than ones planted in the ground. To help you grow potted plants that are healthy, strong and gorgeous, here are some tips that will ensure you understand potted plant care.

Choose the Correct Planters

The kind of garden planter you use to plant your grow could make all the difference when it comes to the health, size and color of your plants. Generally, fiberglass plant containers are recommended for both indoor and outdoor use since they are weather-resistant, fade-proof and lightweight enough to be moved around when desired.

Choose the Right Type of Soil

The type of soil you use to plant your container garden also plays a role in the vitality of your plants or flowers. You of course don’t want to use dirt or soil from the ground as it can be full of insects, weeds or fungi, so you should grab a few bags of potting soil mix from your local home improvement shop or gardening store. Most of these standard potting soils have already been blended with fertilizer, but you’ll need to do your research according to the type of vegetation you plan to plant. Top soil retains too much water which causes stress on the planter and may cause root problems or stress fractures in your planter. This is one of the most important considerations with potted plant care.

Prepare Your Pots for Planting

Besides choosing the best planters and the right kind of soil, the things you do before planting are vital to the performance of your grow. You’ll want to make sure you use a top quality planter liner and also make sure your pots offer adequate drainage for the type of plant they will contain.

Feed & Water Your Plants

Watering your plants if a must. While weekly watering can suffice during the rainy spring months, it’s recommended you water more frequently when summer arrives. Another general rule-of-thumb is hanging plants and small potted plants need to be watered more often and larger ones will do fine if watered once daily or every other day. Plants that grow in pots tend to require more fertilizer than those grown in the ground, so you may also want to consider feeding them a time-released fertilizer.

Trim or Prune When Needed

Cutting off dead leaves or unhealthy buds is essential for container gardening. The majority of leafy plants will prune themselves, but it will take time, so it’s easier to do it yourself using your garden tools. Keep in mind that most pruning should be performed following a strong bloom in order to give your plants room to “breathe”.

Caring for your potted plants isn’t as complicated as many believe. Some gardeners even feel that container gardening is more convenient that traditional gardening because you can move the pots and control the environment they are exposed to. If you plan on building your own container garden, you’ll want to check out our collection of garden containers, pots and planters. We carry an assortment of colors, sizes and shapes!