Emilie Meyer
Gardening is a fun activity that allows people to be creative and connect with nature. One way to add a unique and artistic touch to your garden is by using second-hand pots and pans as planters. Not only is this method environmentally friendly and cost-effective, but it also gives your garden a rustic and stylish look. Whether you're planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables, the pot-in-a-pot method offers flexibility and ease of maintenance. By choosing the right plants and following simple planting techniques, you can create a vibrant and thriving garden that expresses your individual style. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves, grab those old pots and pans, and let your green thumb shine!
Characteristics of planting pans in a pot
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pans | Second-hand, cast iron, non-stick wok, clay, ceramic, plastic, etc. |
| Type of plants | Succulents, cacti, pansies, violas, juncus grass, ornamental grasses, flowering cabbage, kale, snapdragons, autumn fern, acorus, rosemary, evergreen conifers, daffodils, tulips |
| Drainage | Drill holes into the bottom of the pot to allow water to flow properly. Drain holes prevent root rot and other plant diseases. |
| Soil | Use a premium or professional potting mix. Avoid cheap potting soils as they don't drain water evenly. |
| Sunlight | Most plants need 5-6 hours of sunlight each day. |
| Maintenance | Deadhead the pansies and violas by pinching off spent flower stems. |
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What You'll Learn
- Pansies and violas are short-growing annuals, so plant something taller in the middle or background
- Drill holes in the bottom of the pan for drainage
- Use a premium or professional potting mix to hold moisture and provide drainage
- Water enough to keep the soil moist, but not constantly soggy
- Choose colours that complement the colour of the pan
Pansies and violas are short-growing annuals, so plant something taller in the middle or background
Pansies and violas are short-growing annuals, so if you're planting them in a pot, it's a good idea to put something taller in the middle or background. This will create a visually appealing display and make the most of your space.
When planting pansies and violas in a pot, it's important to choose the right container. Any kind of kitchen pot or pan will work, whether it's a saucepan or a deeper pot. You can also get creative and use bakeware like cake pans or Pyrex dishes. If you're using a metal pan, consider spray-painting it a fun colour! Just be sure to use a cobalt or titanium drill bit if you need to make drainage holes.
Before filling your container with soil, line the bottom with shade cloth or a porous landscape fabric. This will keep the drain holes from becoming clogged. Then, add a layer of soil, leaving enough room for your plants. It's best to use a premium or professional potting mix, as this will hold moisture more evenly and provide sufficient drainage. Avoid cheap potting soils, as these can lead to root rot in pansies, which is difficult to reverse.
Now you're ready to plant your pansies and violas! Place them in the pot, leaving equal spaces between each plant, and fill in with soil. Water well, but be careful not to overwater, as pansies hate "wet feet". Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings.
To add height to your display, consider planting something taller in the middle or background. Juncus grass or other ornamental grasses, flowering cabbage or kale, tall snapdragons, autumn fern, acorus, upright rosemary, or evergreen conifers such as Arborvitae or Dwarf Alberta Spruce all make excellent choices. You can also plant flowering bulbs such as daffodils and tulips beneath the pansies for a pop of colour in spring.
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Drill holes in the bottom of the pan for drainage
If you're using pans as planters, it's a good idea to drill holes in the bottom to allow for proper water drainage. While it's not completely necessary, it depends on the type of plant you're potting. Succulents and cacti, for example, prefer a lot of drainage, so drilling holes in the bottom of the pan will help prevent overwatering and root rot.
To drill holes in a metal pan, you'll need to use a cobalt or titanium drill bit. This will ensure you can safely drill through the metal. You can find these types of drill bits at most hardware stores.
Before drilling, it's important to plan where the holes will go. Mark the spots on the bottom of the pan with a marker or tape. Space the holes evenly across the bottom of the pan to allow for adequate drainage.
Once you've marked the spots, it's time to drill. Secure the pan to a stable surface to prevent it from moving around. Put on safety gear, including eye protection and gloves, to catch any metal shavings or debris. Slowly and carefully drill through each marked spot, applying gentle pressure to the drill. Go slowly to avoid any slipping or mistakes.
After drilling, clean up any metal shavings and debris from the bottom of the pan. You can use a brush or compressed air to remove any remaining debris. Now your pan is ready for planting!
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Use a premium or professional potting mix to hold moisture and provide drainage
When planting pansies and other fall and winter annuals in a container, it's best to use a premium or professional potting mix. Cheaper potting soils do not hold moisture as evenly and do not provide sufficient drainage. This is important because pansies hate constantly soggy or wet soil, which can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. Root rot is challenging to reverse, so it is essential to get the watering right.
To ensure your pansies don't suffer from root rot, you should also ensure your pot has drainage holes. If your container does not have drainage holes, you can drill them yourself. Before filling your container with soil, line the bottom with shade cloth or a porous landscape fabric. This will keep the drain holes from becoming blocked with soil.
Once your planter is ready, you can add your plants. Layer the bottom of the container with soil, leaving enough room for the plants. Remove the plants from their original containers and disturb the roots a little—this will help them grow better. Arrange the plants in the container, leaving equal spaces between them, and fill in with potting soil. After planting, you should deep soak the soil in the pot. Thereafter, water only enough to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings.
Pansies prefer lots of direct sunlight—at least 6 hours is recommended. They can also be grown under deciduous shade trees, as the leaves will fall and allow sunlight through.
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Water enough to keep the soil moist, but not constantly soggy
Watering your pansies is a delicate balance. While you want to ensure that your plants receive enough water, overwatering can be detrimental to their health. The key is to water your plants enough to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. This is because pansies are susceptible to root rot and other plant diseases if their roots are constantly soaked.
To achieve this balance, it is recommended to allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. This ensures that the soil remains moist enough for the plant to absorb water while preventing waterlogging. By letting the top layer of soil dry out, you create air pockets in the soil, allowing the roots to breathe and preventing them from sitting in stagnant water.
Additionally, it is essential to ensure that your pot has adequate drainage. Most pots come with pre-drilled drainage holes, but if yours does not, it is simple to drill your own. The diameter of the drainage hole should be approximately 3/4 of an inch. This will allow excess water to escape, preventing water buildup and promoting healthy root growth.
Furthermore, the type of soil you use plays a vital role in moisture retention. It is recommended to use a premium or professional potting mix, as these mixes hold moisture more evenly throughout the pot while also providing sufficient drainage. Cheaper potting soils may not drain well, leading to water retention and potentially causing root rot.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your pansies receive the right amount of water without risking waterlogging. Maintaining moist soil with good drainage will promote healthy root development and vibrant pansy growth.
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Choose colours that complement the colour of the pan
Choosing the right colour for your plant pot is important not just for aesthetic reasons, but also for the health and growth of your plants. The colour of your planter can transform the mood of your space, highlight your plants, and even affect how well they thrive. Here are some tips for choosing colours that complement the colour of the pan:
Consider the Colour Wheel
Using complementary colours is a great way to create a striking and well-thought-out aesthetic. Complementary colours are those that sit on opposite sides of the colour wheel. For example, if you have an orange wall, a blue plant pot would be a terrific addition. You can also look at tertiary colour combinations, which are the secondary colours that sit on either side of the main complementary colour on the wheel. For instance, purple and pink work well with yellow.
Choose Mood-Setting Colours
Different colours evoke different moods and atmospheres. Serene blues, bold reds, and refreshing greens all create distinct vibes. For instance, blue and green are associated with calmness and relaxation, making them perfect for creating a tranquil indoor environment. On the other hand, bright colours like yellow and red can evoke feelings of joy and energy, making them great for lively outdoor areas.
Take Climate into Account
Different climates require different colour approaches. In hot, arid regions, use light, reflective colours like white, pastel blue, or cream to keep plants cool. In cool, temperate zones, opt for darker colours like black or navy blue to absorb heat.
Go Neutral for Versatility
Neutral and earthy tones like brown, beige, or grey provide versatility and elegance, especially in natural landscapes with abundant greenery. These colours can also create a minimalist look indoors, while bold colours can add a pop of personality.
Highlight Your Plants
To make your plants stand out, choose pot colours that complement or contrast with their colours. For example, yellow blooms pair beautifully with blue pots, while red flowers pop against white or terracotta planters.
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Frequently asked questions
Any kind of kitchen pan can be used as a planter. Sauce pans, deeper pots, and bakeware like cake pans can all be used. Cast iron pans can add a rustic, farmhouse-style look to your garden.
Succulents and cacti are good options for shallow-rooting pans. Pansies are also a good option for containers and pots, as long as the soil is well-draining.
Drill holes into the bottom of the pan to allow water to flow properly. You can also spray-paint the pan to give it a unique look.
Avoid cheap potting soils, as they do not drain well. Instead, use a premium or professional potting mix, which holds moisture more evenly and provides sufficient drainage.
