Virtually any type of plant can be grown in a planter. This makes them a perfect alternative to borders – especially if you’re short on space. But do you really want to buy more plastic?
In this article, we take a look at some of our favorite bamboo planters – and some of the alternatives. You’ll see that the only limit to sustainable container gardening is your imagination.
Growing in planters is a wonderful way of adding interest to a shady nook or sunny corner. They’re versatile too. You can move planters around whenever you feel like it. Ideal if your plant has different needs through the changing seasons. It’s a bit like rearranging your furniture. You can even use them as a way of screening your balcony or outdoor seating area for privacy.
Do you want your kids or grandkids to share your passion for gardening? Why not give them a small planter to look after? It’s the perfect way to introduce children to gardening and encourage them to develop their own green fingers.
Some plants need a specific type of soil. Azaleas, for example, won’t grow naturally in many gardens. But they love peat-free ericaceous compost. Using a planter means you can give each plant the nutrients it needs to thrive. So it’s understandable that shrewd gardeners have been using planters to their advantage for hundreds of years.
A Bit of History
So where did our infatuation with using planters in our gardens come from?
It’s said that the first records of container gardening date back to the ancient Egyptians. They adopted this means of gardening to enable plants to be grown in the desert. With searing heat during the day and rapid temperature drops at night, the Egyptians moved planters depending on the needs of the crop. Planters were used by the Ancient Greeks and Romans too.
Much later, in the 1700s, traders used containers to transport exotic live plants across oceans. Gardening didn’t become a popular pastime until the 18th century. But soon after, planters became fashionable both inside and outside Victorian homes.
In most garden centers today you’ll find a huge array of planters on display. From very tiny pots to home a single cactus, right up to huge planters suitable for growing fruit trees, there’s something for every plant. Let’s dive in and find out a bit more about bamboo planters…
What are Bamboo Planters
A bamboo planter is any container made from bamboo that can be used to grow a plant or crop. Depending on the way the planter is made, it may need an additional liner.
Bamboo planters are available in all shapes and sizes. Bamboo is used whole, woven, tied together, or reconstituted, so there’s a dazzling variety to choose from.
Where to Use Bamboo Planters?
Lightweight and durable, bamboo planters can be used virtually anywhere:
- Inside your home – bamboo planters bring warmth and style to any room
- On your patio or balcony – create a lush oasis to enjoy at any time of the day
- In the garden – water and cold-resistant, bamboo containers create interest all year round
- As a windowbox – imagine a stunning box of herbs or flowers on your window ledge
- As a wall hanging – use bamboo planters to bring height or create a focal point
- As a vertical garden – short on space, why not create a stunning vertical garden against a wall?
Here are some of the planters we love…