I've read that it's a bad idea to plant small plants into larger pots (the idea being that they will grow into the large pot). Instead, you're supposed to keep the plant in the smallest appropriate container and move up as it grows. Why? What will happen if I just start a plant in a container that's bigger than it needs?
posted by tumbleweedjack on Oct 17, 2009 - 7 answers

Newbie gardening question: I'm very new to gardening and have some questions about drainage. I live in an apartment, so can only grow things in containers. For plants on the balcony, I'm using terra cotta pots with a hole in the bottom and setting them on the matching saucers. But what about indoor plants? Do all pots need drainage holes? [more inside]
posted by wsquared on Jun 23, 2009 - 11 answers

What plants are suitable for putting on our deck in Seattle? There's no yard/soil, so they must live in containers. The deck is quite large so I was thinking about large decorative plants like small trees or some form of bamboo. Climate-wise, we have the typical PNW weather of moist winters that only fall below freezing a few days out of the year. Also, we are completely ignorant of gardening and would rather have something that can survive with a minimum of attention.
posted by matildaben on Nov 18, 2008 - 11 answers

What winter vegetables can I grow in pots in a warm climate? [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects on Sep 27, 2008 - 5 answers

What kind of plants should I grow in my apartment? Bonus points for traditionally outdoor plants. [more inside]
posted by ArgentCorvid on Apr 25, 2007 - 12 answers

I'm moving into a new apartment in Chicago on June 1st, and I'm hoping to be able to have window boxes. There's also a ground-floor patio (shared with one other person), and I'm thinking of starting some container-type gardening. Any thoughts? [more inside]
posted by bibbit on May 9, 2005 - 4 answers