Watering Pan Hunt: Fern Care Essentials

Ferns are a popular choice for gardeners, both indoors and outdoors. They are easy to grow and require minimal care. However, they have a shallow root system, which means they need attention when it comes to watering. While ferns like their soil moist, it is a delicate balance, as too much water can harm the plant. To avoid overwatering, it is recommended to use a plastic watering pan to catch any excess water and prevent waterlogging. These can be purchased from garden centres and home stores, or online.

Garden centres and home stores

Garden centres typically offer a wide range of products specifically tailored for gardening enthusiasts. You can find various gardening tools, plants, seeds, and of course, watering pans. The staff at these centres are usually knowledgeable about plants and can provide guidance on the best practices for watering ferns. They may also offer additional accessories or attachments that can enhance the functionality of your watering pans.

Home stores, on the other hand, cater to a broader range of home-related needs. In addition to gardening supplies, you can explore other home improvement products, décor, and outdoor essentials. The advantage of shopping at a home store is the convenience of finding multiple items under one roof. You can easily compare different watering pans and select the one that best suits your requirements.

When purchasing plastic watering pans from garden centres or home stores, it is important to consider the size and depth of the pans. Ensure that they are large enough to accommodate your fern's hanging baskets or pots. Additionally, look for sturdy and durable plastic that can withstand the weight of the water and plants. Some pans may also come with attachment arms or hooks, so make sure you select the correct length to securely attach them to your planters.

Another advantage of shopping at garden centres or home stores is the opportunity to browse through different designs and colours. You can find clear plastic pans that allow you to monitor the water level easily, or opt for coloured options that blend in with your planters. The staff at these stores can also advise you on the proper care and maintenance of your watering pans to ensure their longevity.

Overall, garden centres and home stores are excellent sources for purchasing plastic watering pans for ferns. They offer a diverse selection, provide expert advice, and cater to a range of gardening and home improvement needs. By visiting these stores, you can find the right watering pans to help your ferns thrive while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your indoor or outdoor space.

Online retailers

Amazon

Amazon offers a variety of plastic watering pans and drip trays for hanging plants, including the Curtis Wagner Plastics Plant Hanging Basket Drip Pans. These come in a 5-pack, with each pan measuring 12 inches in diameter and 3.75 inches in depth. They are designed to be filled with water, allowing it to slowly absorb into the hanging basket, providing moisture to the plants without any mess. Amazon also offers similar products from other brands, such as Truedays, Riefie, and Kindo Gindo, with a range of sizes and designs available.

PlantAddicts

While PlantAddicts focuses on providing information and tips for plant care, they also offer a range of products, including planters and containers. They emphasize the importance of consistent watering for ferns and suggest using a drainage pan under containers to ensure the roots can absorb extra moisture. While they do not specify the materials of the recommended containers, their advice aligns with the use of plastic watering pans for ferns.

Clean Air Gardening

Clean Air Gardening is another online resource for eco-friendly lawn and garden tools and advice. They emphasize the importance of consistent and plentiful watering for ferns, recommending that the soil stays damp without becoming waterlogged. They suggest using a second pot with moist sphagnum moss underneath the main container to provide more moisture for the plant. This method involves using a plastic pot as the bottom container, with the option of a clay pot for the main container, which can benefit from the moisture soaking through from the moss in the plastic pot.

HomeTalk

HomeTalk is an online community and resource for home improvement and gardening projects. While they do not directly sell products, they offer advice and suggestions based on community contributions. For watering hanging ferns, they recommend purchasing plastic drip pans with "attachment arms" that fit over the edge of the planter. These can be found at garden centers and home stores.

Do Dodson Designs

Do Dodson Designs is a website that provides gardening tips and DIY projects. They recommend using Epsom salt to water ferns, which can promote growth and prevent yellowing leaves. While their focus is on the watering technique rather than the containers, they do mention the use of plastic pots for ferns, which aligns with the topic of plastic watering pans.

DIY options

If you're looking for a DIY option for plastic watering pans for your ferns, here are some ideas and suggestions to get you started:

• Reuse and repurpose plastic items: Look around your home for plastic items that can be reused and repurposed as drip pans for your ferns. For example, you could use clear plastic recyclables like cake or cookie containers from the grocery store or deli. You can cut them to size and shape, and even poke holes in them if needed.
• Aluminum pie plates: Aluminum pie plates can be purchased from stores or yard sales and used as drip pans. You can even paint them with spray paint to color-coordinate with your pots.
• Plastic saucers: Plastic saucers or plates can be bought from garden shops or home stores and attached to your hanging planters. Make sure to get the correct size and length to fit your planters securely.
• DIY self-watering system: If you're feeling creative, you can try making your own self-watering system for your ferns. This could involve using a second pot with moist sphagnum moss, placed underneath the pot containing your fern. The moss will need to be kept evenly moist at all times, providing a consistent water source for your plant.
• Plastic containers: You can use plastic containers or bowls as drip pans by turning them upside down and placing your planter inside. Make sure to choose an appropriately sized container that matches the size of your planter.
• Wire coat hangers: Cut wire coat hangers into pieces and attach them to your planters. Then, poke small holes into a plastic lid and thread the wires through, bending them to secure them in place. This creates a hanging system for your drip pans.

Remember, when creating your DIY watering pans, it's important to consider the size and specific needs of your ferns. Ensure that the pans are sturdy, secure, and able to provide the necessary moisture for your plants without causing waterlogged soil.

Local stores

When it comes to local stores, there are a few options to explore for sourcing plastic watering pans for ferns. Here are some suggestions:

Garden Centres and Home Stores

Garden centres and home stores are excellent places to start your search. These stores typically carry a wide range of gardening supplies, and you can often find plastic watering pans specifically designed for hanging planters. Look for options with "attachment arms" that fit securely over the edge of your planter. Ensure you select the correct length of "arms" to fit your planter securely.

Amazon

Amazon is another convenient option for purchasing plastic watering pans. They offer a variety of products, including the Curtis Wagner Plastics Plant Hanging Basket Drip Pans. These pans are designed to prevent water from dripping through hanging baskets and are available in packs of 5 or 10. They are easy to attach and highly rated by customers for their effectiveness in humid conditions.

Lowe's

Lowe's is a popular home improvement store that may carry plastic watering pans for ferns. They have been mentioned by customers in reviews, indicating that they offer plastic saucers or drip pans specifically for hanging baskets.

Local Plant Nurseries

Your local plant nurseries or garden shops are worth exploring. These stores often carry a range of plant care products and may have plastic watering pans suitable for ferns. Ask the staff for recommendations or suggestions if you're unsure what would work best for your needs.

Home Depot

Home Depot is a well-known home improvement store that may carry plastic watering pans. While their online selection seems focused on traditional watering cans, it's worth checking their physical stores or inquiring with staff about alternatives for watering pans.

When visiting local stores, don't be afraid to ask for assistance. The staff at these stores are often knowledgeable and can guide you towards the best products for your fern-watering needs.

Ask fellow gardeners

If you're looking for plastic watering pans for your ferns, a great place to start is by asking fellow gardeners for their recommendations. Here are some tips on how to go about it:

• Tap into gardening communities: Join local gardening clubs or communities on social media platforms. These groups are often a wealth of knowledge, with members sharing their experiences and go-to products. You can ask specifically about their recommendations for plastic watering pans, and you might even find someone in your area who is willing to meet up and show you their setup in person.
• Visit gardening events: Keep an eye out for gardening events in your area, such as plant sales, workshops, or community gardening days. These events often attract a wide range of gardeners, from hobbyists to experts. By attending and striking up conversations, you can gain valuable insights and recommendations for suppliers or specific products that might suit your needs.
• Connect with plant enthusiasts on social media: Many plant enthusiasts, including fern lovers, share their experiences and knowledge on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Reach out to these individuals and ask for their advice. They might have tried-and-true methods for keeping their ferns happy and healthy, and they could point you in the direction of specific suppliers or products that have worked well for them.
• Join online forums: Online forums dedicated to gardening, houseplants, or ferns specifically, can be a great way to connect with fellow gardeners. These forums often have a wealth of information, and you can search for existing threads about watering pans or start a new conversation to gather recommendations.
• Check gardening blogs and vlogs: Many gardeners document their experiences through blogs and vlogs. Search for gardening blogs or YouTube channels that focus on ferns or indoor plants. Often, these content creators will share their plant care routines, including the products they use, such as specific watering pans. You can also reach out directly to these gardeners and ask for their advice or product suggestions.
• Look for Facebook groups: Facebook groups can be a great way to connect with other gardeners in your area or with specific interests. Search for groups dedicated to ferns, indoor plants, or gardening in your region. These groups often foster a sense of community, and members are usually happy to share their experiences and recommendations.

When asking for advice, it's always helpful to provide as much detail as possible about your specific situation. For example, mention the types of ferns you're growing, the climate you live in, and any specific requirements or constraints you have. This will help your fellow gardeners give you more tailored and useful advice.

Frequently asked questions