Tag: gardening products

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Bring the Outdoors into Your Home with Stylish Indoor Plant Pots

Show off your houseplant collection with the latest indoor plant pots.

I walked outside this morning, inspired to connect with nature and take care of some much-needed nursery chores, like taking cuttings from my flower bushes. With the first squelch of my feet, I hesitated. The Duranta and Plumbago were lush and full and ready for me to take cuttings. But they were also soaking wet. Yuck. Better to stay inside. The rainy season gives me a chance to take care of houseplants instead, but I don’t really have any nice indoor plant pots.

Most of them need an upgrade for their living quarters. My houseplant pots were looking rough, and many of them were still in growing pots. Time to find some new indoor plant pots and come up with a few plant container ideas.

Houseplants have become an integral part of interior design, adding beauty, tranquility, and a touch of nature to our homes. The interest in houseplants, especially unique and rare varieties, has risen in the last 10 years, especially during the pandemic when everyone was stuck inside with no way to connect with nature.

I’m usually a nut for outdoor landscape plants, as well as fruit and vegetable gardening, but now I was ready to transform my home into a lush oasis!

The Latest Houseplant Trends

I haven’t spent much time inside the last few years, so I haven’t been following the interior design trends. I was happy to find a few new interesting houseplant décor ideas to use.

Statement Plants

Large dramatic statement houseplants need large dramatic indoor plant pots

Large, eye-catching plants such as Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata), Monstera deliciosa, and Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) can make fantastic focal points. Their lush foliage and unique shapes make them ideal for creating a striking visual impact. These plants need large Indoor plant pots with as much grace and style as the specimens they contain.

Vertical Gardens

I could fill up some blank wall space, particularly in my office, with a vertical garden. I can create living walls with cascading plants like Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) or Philodendron Brasil without taking up space with houseplant pots.

Desert Chic

Succulent houseplants need low, shallow indoor plant pots

I don’t have a lot of time to care for indoor plants, so going for the minimalist appeal of succulents and cacti might be a good idea. They feature sculptural forms, muted colors, and low maintenance requirements.

Biophilic Design

This new trend focuses on integrating nature into living spaces to create a harmonious connection with the environment. I always feel better when I’m around my plants, so incorporating a variety of plants in small indoor plant pots throughout my house could really improve my indoor peace of mind.

The Latest Fashions and Technology in Houseplant Containers

As a grower who focuses on outdoor pollinator plants and edible gardening, I’ll admit I haven’t paid very much attention to the newest houseplant container designs. I was pleasantly surprised to see how new technologies have impacted the range of plant container ideas available.

Minimalist and Sleek Designs

Sleek modern indoor plant pots lets the foliage speak for itself.

Clean lines, neutral colors, and simple shapes are on-trend for houseplant containers. Opt for pots with a minimalist aesthetic to complement contemporary or Scandinavian-inspired interiors.

Sustainable Materials

With a growing emphasis on eco-friendly living, containers made from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled plastics, or natural ceramics are gaining popularity. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also add a touch of organic beauty to your home.

Self-Watering Systems

Innovative self-watering containers are perfect for busy individuals or those who struggle with plant care. These containers feature reservoirs that provide a consistent water supply to the plants, ensuring they receive the right amount of hydration without constant monitoring.

Hanging and Wall-Mounted Containers

Hanging planters and wall-mounted containers are great for maximizing space and adding visual interest. They allow you to create stunning vertical displays, bringing plants to eye level and adding a unique dimension to your home decor.

Artistic and Unique Shapes

Unconventional indoor plant pots with interesting shapes, colors, and textures have gained popularity, allowing you to express your personal style and make a statement. Consider containers with geometric patterns, textured finishes, or even handcrafted artisan pieces to add character to your plant display.

DIY, Eco-Friendly, and Cheap Indoor Plant Pots

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a passion for frugal living. Reusing, recycling, and upcycling isn’t just thrifty, it’s also a good way to reduce waste and leave a gentler impact on the envrionemt.

Incorporating recycled and upcycled houseplant containers into your home decor also provides an opportunity for creative expression. There are some fun ways to recycle and upcycle items from around your house to create unique houseplant decor.

Recycle or Upcycle: Giving New Life to Household Items

Instead of letting unused items gather dust, why not repurpose them into charming houseplant decor? Here are some ideas to inspire your recycling and upcycling endeavors

Vintage Containers

Turn vintage teacups, tin cans, or mason jars into planters by drilling drainage holes or using them as cachepots for smaller potted plants. Their nostalgic charm adds character to your plant display.

Indoor Plant Pots from Glass Bottles and Jars

Remove labels and repurpose glass bottles and jars as terrariums or vases to create indoor plant pots. Create a self-contained ecosystem or showcase a single stem or small bouquet for a minimalist and eco-friendly touch.

Wooden Crates and Boxes

Wood crates make great indoor plant pots

Transform wooden crates or boxes into rustic plant shelves, creating multi-level displays for a variety of houseplants. Sand and paint them in desired colors or leave them in their natural state for a charming, farmhouse-inspired look.

Hanging Macrame Plant Holders

Repurpose old t-shirts, ropes, or yarn to create macrame plant holders. The intricate knots and flowing designs add a bohemian and trendy vibe to your indoor space.

Upcycled Drawers or Suitcases

Salvage old drawers or vintage suitcases and convert them into charming planters. Line the bottom with a plastic sheet, add soil, and plant directly inside. This repurposing idea adds a touch of nostalgia and whimsy to your indoor garden.

Hanging Globe Planters

Repurpose clear glass or plastic globes, such as old light fixtures or fish bowls, into hanging planters. Add a layer of pebbles for drainage, fill with soil, and hang them with ropes or chains. These hanging planters create a captivating display for trailing or air plants.

Choosing the Best New Indoor Plant Pots

When it comes down to it, the right houseplant pots are those that fit your style and make it easy for you to care for them. I want to add some large vining plants on a pole, so I’ll be looking for a three-gallon size pot to hold my Jade Pothos.

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Take Advantage of End-of-Summer Garden Sales

Use end-of-summer garden sales to replace old equipment

Gardening in the South and Subtropics can be a struggle. Along with some crazy weather, we’re also so off-step with the rest of the country, that getting supplies can be impossible. You really have to be prepared and buy ahead. On the other hand, the rest of the country is holding some amazing end-of-summer garden sales just when we need them!

I don’t know how many times I’ve walked into the local home improvement store during peak gardening season only to find shelf after shelf filled with Christmas decorations. As soon as August hits, the mish-mash of holiday retail madness ensues. Back to school blurs into Halloween, which hints at Thanksgiving, and then crescendoes into Christmas. I’m now expecting to eventually find a skeleton in a Santa suit display at my local big box, ala Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather.

This is particularly demoralizing when you’re still trying to grow the ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner and Holiday gifts.

End-of-Summer Garden Sales to the Rescue

It pays to be prepared, and the one advantage we have is that you can find deep, deep discounts on garden tools and supplies as the gardening season ends in the rest of the country.

Most gardeners are done by July and may already have planted their Fall gardens. So, you’ll find plenty of discounts online.

You can even buy lots of seeds for cheap, because they must be sold by the end of December.

Pro Tip: If you pop your seeds into an airtight container and put them in the fridge, you can save them for years.

Some Awesome End-of-Summer Garden Sales on Amazon

Because I own a nursery, I have a rolling inventory of things I need and purchase on a regular or seasonal basis. I also purchase most of my supplies through wholesale outlets. So, I don’t do a lot of online window shopping.

However, just recently, I ran across a flurry of great discounts on Amazon for gardening supplies. Since Florida gardeners are just getting ready for our main gardening season, I thought I’d share them with readers so they could take advantage of end-of-summer garden sales.

RELATED READ: Florida Gardening: What to Plant in July

Please note that these discounts may not be available when you read this blog post. These are fantastic current discounts I found on the day of writing. So, YMMV when it comes to sales and discounts that may change.

Seed Starting Trays

If you need to replace your cell trays, it’s a good time to do so.

While Amazon Affiliate rules mean I cannot list the prices or ratings on the products, I’ve only listed products with discounts of at least 20 percent and ratings of over 4 stars from buyers.

Here are some of the best bargains I found today in seed starting trays:

MIXC 10 Packs Seed Starter Tray Seed Starter Kit with Humidity Dome
JIAQUAN 5-Pack 120 Cells Seed Trays Seedling Starter Tray
Guioiby 10 Pack Seed Starter Kit with Vented Humidity Dome

Seed Starting Mix

Some gardeners use seed mix, others use potting soil, and still, others use whatever they have lying around.

If you’re one of those gardeners that really relies on your vegetable harvest to put food on the family table, you don’t want to experiment. You need excellent germination rates and you need to make the most of every seed you sow.

I found some discounts on seed starting mix that will help you keep overhead costs down.

Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix

Espoma has won me over with its excellent products that really perform. I don’t get any commission for referring it like I do the other products on this list. But I’m so impressed with their gardening products, I don’t care. I had to share.

Black Gold Organic Seedling Mix

Potting Mix

Roots Organics Original Potting Soil with Mycorrhizae
PittMoss Plentiful Organic Potting Mix

I use a lot of potting mix, so I usually make my own. Organic formulas are usually pretty pricey, so finding them on sale is always a good thing.

RELATED READ: Freedom from the Big Box: Making Your Own Potting Soil

Fertilizers and Plant Supplements

Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer

Dr. Earth brand is one of my favorites, and I’ve used it many times in my garden. I was particularly impressed with their fertilizer for acid-loving plants and the effect it had on my touchy little gardenias!

J R Peters Jacks Classic 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer

I’ll admit that I’m less than perfectly fastidious about being organic when it comes to ornamental plants, especially those in pots, like tropical hibiscus and houseplants.

Jack’s is one of the first fertilizers introduced to me during the early days of my interest in horticulture. A friend of mine in junior high who worked at his uncle’s nursery said it was their go-to feeding solution. And that was a very, very long time ago — last century! Jack’s has been around for ages and is still lauded by those who use synthetic fertilizers.

Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Concentrate

Alaska brand fish emulsion fertilizer is a solid product that I have used myself with good results. I’ve seen some very pricey ones online, but I’ve also noticed they do a lot of advertising.

Soil Inoculants

Myco Bliss Organic Mycorrhizal Fungi
Wildroot Organic 16 Species Mycorrhizal Inoculant

I’ve been watching a lot of seminars on soil health recently because it’s been just too hot to spend much time outdoors. I was interested to see one presentation that showed a dramatic increase in yields when the beneficial fungi to beneficial bacteria ratio was close to 1:1. Adding a mycorrhizal inoculant may be the quickest way to improve the soil health of your garden.

Gardening Tools

Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears

Fiskars has a long-lived reputation for quality, so when I told my husband I wanted new pruning sheers, these are the ones he chose. And he was right — excellent quality!

SHARPAL 103N All-in-1 Knife Garden Tool Multi-Sharpener

They say you’re only as bright as your sharpest garden tool, and I suspect they’re right. Keeping your tools in good condition — sharp, clean, dry — doesn’t just extend their lifespan and save you money. It also makes them easier to use and prevents fatigue. No one wants you to spend 10 minutes sawing away a fruit tree branch when you’re pruning. It wears you out and damages your precious plant.

Hori Hori Garden Knife

I’ve been wanting a Hori Hori knife for years — and in fact, I got such a great price on it, I had to stop writing this to buy it. It’s not exactly David the Good’s machete, but that may be for the best.

You'll find discounts on plants at many end-of-summer garden sales

Treating Yourself on the Cheap

As gardeners, they are always some special tools we crave. Perhaps they’re a bit too expensive to justify. Maybe they’re just a better-built and pricier version of something we already have. Sometimes, we have trouble justifying spending money on tools that make gardening and homesteading just a bit easier.

When you find a tool you crave, just make sure you check out online stores in July and August for those end-of-summer garden sales. October and November are great months for in-store sales because even in the South, they’re clearing the shelves for fake trees and cheap ornaments from China to put on them. November and December are great for seed clearance sales. You’ll find there’s usually a lot of life left in those seeds.

It’s worth keeping an eye out for that special tool. A few I’ve purchased in the last couple of years seemed indulgent, but when it came down to it, they changed my gardening life.

All products were flagged as discounted on the date of writing, but you may find the sales have expired or ratings have changed.

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Seed Saving Hack: Gardening Game Changer

seed saving

I’m an obsessive seed collector. It’s probably pathological. I’ll buy them from the corner dollar store on sale, or at full price. I’ll buy seeds I don’t have room to grow. I will wade into median strips if a pretty wildflower or weed calls to me, looking for seeds. Seed saving can become addictive.

There are even plants I grow almost practically just to collect their seeds.

I know that sounds strange, so it would be more accurate to say that I grow and plant extra plants just to collect the seeds from them later.

I’ve even been known to risk my life to collect seeds.

That sounds even stranger, so it would be more accurate to say that I’ve collected seeds from dangerous plants thinking it was something else that looks a lot like something benign.

THAT was an interesting couple of hours.

I’ve been known to leave paper plants covered in spent blossoms sitting on any flat surface around the house, as well. I finally got that under control, and now I have storage with ventilation for drying seeds.

But storage has always been a problem. What do I do with them once I have them dried and bagged?

For years, I tossed plastic zip bags filled with seed and moisture absorbers into a big woven basket. Whenever I needed to plant seeds, I got to enjoy a whole hour or more of sifting through all the bags and trying to read the Sharpie labeling.

But then I saw something in a video or an article or somewhere that changed everything.

Photo Cases to the Rescue

There are a dozen different “manufacturers” for these photo cases. My guess is that small Amazon FBA sellers purchase them in bulk from Alibaba or some other factory in China, so the brand name probably isn’t particularly important.

But I can tell you that I got the one above from Amazon, and it has been a complete game-changer when it comes to storing and organizing my seeds.

I don’t miss spending hours browsing through my pile of plastic bags at all. I’m able to sort them according to what makes the most sense to me.

I’ve got brassicas all in one 4×6 container, tomatoes in another, lettuces in another, etc.

My seeds stay dry and organized while I’m creating soil blocks for planting them out. Better yet, the light packets don’t blow off the table or potting bench with every little breeze.

Seed Saving Benefits:

  • Easy to carry around the house and garden
  • Finding what I want takes just a moment
  • Seeds remain whole and uncrushed
  • Seeds stay dry and cool
  • Takes up very little space on my office shelves
  • Translucent containers makes it easy to assess what you have before opening

Heartily Recommended

I don’t normally like to flat-out recommend a product, and I’m not really recommending this particular seller or manufacturer, or model.

However, if you’re seed saving, whether your own seeds or purchased seeds, I can heartily recommend any of these photo cases for seed organization and storage.