I am a big fan of container gardening. I grow all of my veggies in containers, so when the Smart Pots manufacturer sent us some samples of their soft-sided planters, I was excited. I liked their construction immediately- flat stable bottom, straight sides that stay open, durable feeling fabric. And they come in lots of sizes.
But when I learned what makes Smart Pots better, and started reading what other gardeners were experiencing with their Smart Pots, I was sold!
Why They’re Better:
The fabric sides are the genius of the Smart Pot. In a hard planter, the roots grow until they hit the side, then grow down and circle round and round the bottom until the plant is root-bound. That won’t happen in a Smart Pot. When roots reach the side they “self-prune”. So instead of a few long roots growing round and round the perimeter of the soil, new roots keep growing and branching and spreading throughout the soil, where they can take advantage of all available moisture and nutrients.
Second, the roots stay cooler than in a plastic or ceramic planter. Air can circulate all up and down the fabric sides, so heat is released instead of building up.
Third, they’re re-usable. Empty Smart Pots at the end of the season and let them dry. Then you can brush them clean, OR even put through the washing machine! (no dryer).
So, are you ready to try them for yourself?
Sizes:
- 7 Gallon- use for salad greens, herbs, garlic, small annuals
- 10 Gallon-Use for peppers, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, patio tomatoes, larger annuals
- 15 Gallon-for cucumbers, potatoes, summer squash, eggplant
- 20 Gallon- for tomatoes, melons, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, winter squash
