5.1-5.2 containers and growing media

Question 1

Factors to consider when selecting containers

Answer 1

Moveablility
watering (including whether containers are watertight)
cleaning
visual appeal - schemes, colour
weather resistance -rResistance to frost
Porosity (irrigation needs)
Weight
Life span
sustainability
Expense

Question 2

Terracotta

Answer 2

Weight: heavy
Strength: breakable may not be frost-resistant
Colour: terracotta - blends well
Porosity (water requirements): porous, drains well
Heat retention (material and colour):
Longevity
Disposability: ages well. Can be re-purposed when broken
Costs: expensive

Question 3

Polystyrene

Answer 3

used in modular bedding containers
Weight: light
Strength: brittle but strong
Colour: white
Porosity (water requirements): non porous but can be watered from below
Heat retention (material and colour): does not heat up
Longevity: can’t be reused
Disposability: can’t be re-cycled but can be repurposed to increase drainage in
Costs: relatively cheap

Question 4

Plastic/fibreglass

Answer 4

Weight: light
Strength: strong
Colour: variety
Porosity (water requirements): non porous 
Heat retention (material and colour): black heats up, white doesn't
Longevity: can be reused
Disposability: Difficult to re-cycle 
Costs: relatively cheap

Question 5

Peat/biodegradable/paper

Answer 5

Limited short term use for propagation - minimises root disturbance

Weight: light
Strength: not strong
Colour: brown
Porosity (water requirements): porous 
Heat retention (material and colour): does not heat up
Longevity: can't be reused
Disposability: biodegradable
Costs: relatively cheap

Question 6

Stone - natural and reconstituted

Answer 6

Weight: heavy
Strength: strong and durable
Colour: variable
Porosity (water requirements): porous so breathable
Heat retention (material and colour): good heat retention
Longevity: long
Disposability: can be re-used
Costs: relatively expensive an difficult clean

Question 7

Steel and aluminium

Answer 7

Weight: light or heavy
Strength: strong
Colour: silver
Porosity (water requirements): non porous
Heat retention (material and colour): conducts heat
Longevity: durable
Disposability: May be from re-cycled material
Costs: relatively expensive