That's a very interesting blog. Thanks for posting it.

I really like the instructions for making a self watering planter. I'm going to try to think up a way to do that using something more attractive than 5 gallon buckets, since our backyard is small and we like to entertain back there.

John

Hi Babalu aye/John:

You and I probably have similar yard challenges due to living in St. Pete downtown area. I too am always trying to figure out how to resolve the small space gardening dilemas, fit more plants into my small space but avoid the junky-clutter problem while keeping it attractive. Even vertical gardening can impose a cloistered feeling.

It does somewhat raise the bar on creative solutionns....

One thing I have found is that a good can of outdoor spraypaint can help to provide visual consistentcy for pots/containers. It's more distracting to have variations of pots than to have everything the same color.

You probably already know that, but, it's a simple solution to that 'pot impulse buy' that we are all guilty of!

LOL, I've been sticking with all terra cotta pots for that reason, Saintpfla. Some of them I've dressed up a bit with some paint left over from when I painted the house. That way they tie in with the look of the house.

I'm thinking I could probably do one of those self-watering containers using a couple of large plastic pots made to look like terra cotta. I'd just have to seal the holes in the bottom one so it would hold water.

John

I've come to the same conclusion, I can't stand looking at the white buckets anymore...don't know how my neighbors on the lake tolerated my experiments this year...things will look very different next year, much more aesthetic.

BUT, won't painting the outside of Terracotta inhibit it's ability to "breathe"? Kinda like glazing....

Tom

Nope...the terracotta still breathes. For example, if you were to convert a terracotta pot to a fountain or bird bath, you would need to paint the interior with oil-based poly-urethane and the exterior in order to water-proof it. That's the only thing that prevents the terracotta from 'breathing'.

I've done this on fountain projects and bird baths in my yard.

Also, if it's a plastic plant container, plastic does not 'breathe'. Spray paint is just such a nice way to coordinate your yard and to keep your planters from looking faded and ratty. Plus, it's a cheaper alternative to replacing a plastic planter.

I also spray paint some of my plastic chairs to keep them looking nice. They fade in the sun so quickly. The new plastic spray paint works great - no scraping required either!

Tom: I'm going to be spray painting the white buckets that you gave me to blend with my other containers. It should work out fine.

SPF,

Good to know about the terracotta, I'm amazed how little I know about it but I'm moving away from the plastic and headed toward all terracotta, except for the black in-ground nursery containers, which really can't be seen much.

If you want some more bucket setups let me know, I'll probably get some Krylon paint (for plastic applications) and paint a few myself, but most of them are going bye-bye....

Tom

Tom, I've painted some pots completely. Others I've only painted partially to add some visual interest. Here are two examples of partially painted terra cotta pots:

John

John: those are really pretty! Mine are just plain, but have been thinking about doing something similar. Btw...hope your home rennovation is coming along well!

Tom: Before you decide to part with the buckets, try getting creative with them. With the right paint color (terracotta, green, etc...) and maybe some interesting contrasting color stamp (like in John's photo), they may actually look very nice! You can buy different stamp pads at craft storess...like, a tomato stamp or bell pepper...watermelon...or spell out the veggie name with letters? Lots you can do!

Then, if you still don't like it, toss it or give it away.

Here's a link to some creative designs for painting plastic pots:

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/junk/msg0321390020499.html

Way cool John, did you hand paint that second pot or use some sort of stencil? I guess I could probably get some lace and after clipping it down spray the gaps, remember when they striped cars that way in the late sixties? Oops, guess I'm giving away my age.... :-) :-(

SPF - I'll try something....

Tom

Tom,

The way the 2nd pot was painted using a potato stamp, an old trick from kindergarden art projects ;)

John

Good info above and nice pictures, too!

We plan to be away for over two weeks in August. Would like to make self-watering containers for my five gallon potted plants. You guessed it, the blueberries. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Sheri