Terracotta pots with side holes, often called strawberry pots or vertical planters, offer an appealing way to maximize gardening space, especially in urban environments or on small patios. Their tiered structure and multiple planting pockets create a unique visual display, allowing for the cultivation of numerous plants within a small footprint. This specific container design presents environmental challenges that necessitate careful plant selection and specialized care techniques. The traditional terracotta material and the pot’s vertical orientation fundamentally change the growing conditions compared to standard containers.
Why These Pots Require Specific Plants
The porous nature of unglazed terracotta is the primary factor dictating plant choice, as water evaporates rapidly through the pot’s walls, speeding up the drying process of the soil. This evaporative cooling effect, while beneficial for preventing root rot, means that plants requiring consistently moist soil will struggle and demand excessive watering. The limited soil volume available in each side pocket further exacerbates the moisture retention issue. Plants placed in these pockets have restricted root zones and are highly susceptible to drying out quickly, particularly during hot, sunny weather.
The vertical structure also creates a competition for resources, where plants in the upper tiers naturally intercept most of the water poured from the top. Consequently, the soil in the lower pockets can remain perpetually drier, which can lead to uneven growth and plant stress. This tiered design requires plants with compact, shallow root systems that can be easily tucked into the side openings. Plants with aggressive or deep root structures are unsuitable because they will quickly become root-bound and outcompete their neighbors.
Best Plant Selections for Side Pockets and Tops
To succeed in the side pockets, plants must tolerate the drier, well-drained conditions inherent to terracotta.
Herbs and Trailing Plants
Culinary herbs that originate from Mediterranean regions are excellent choices because they thrive in low-moisture environments. Thyme, oregano, and rosemary have contained root systems and are well-adapted to the fast-draining soil, making them ideal for the side openings. Using the side pockets for herbs also helps corral aggressive spreaders like mint, preventing them from overtaking an in-ground garden.
Trailing plants are perfect for the side holes, as their growth habit softens the terracotta’s lines and allows them to cascade attractively. Annual flowers such as cascading petunias or calibrachoa create a colorful display. Creeping Jenny, a vigorous groundcover, offers bright foliage that drapes well.
For edible options, certain alpine or everbearing strawberry varieties can be planted in the side holes, allowing their fruit to hang free of the soil, which helps prevent rot.
Drought-Tolerant Options and Centerpiece Plants
Succulents and other drought-tolerant plants are suited to the rapid moisture loss of terracotta and are a low-maintenance option. Varieties like sedums, hen and chicks (Sempervivum), and aeoniums store water in their leaves, making them highly forgiving if watering is missed.
For the large, central top opening, which retains the most moisture and offers the most root space, a slightly taller, upright plant is best for aesthetic balance. Basil, which is more water-demanding than most pocket herbs, or a small feature plant like a compact geranium or dracaena, works well here, providing a focal point.
Mastering Watering and Soil for Success
The greatest challenge with these vertical planters is ensuring water reaches the lower tiers, which is not reliably accomplished by simply watering the surface. A specialized soil mix is necessary to balance the need for drainage with some moisture retention in the limited space.
Soil Composition
A high-quality, fast-draining potting mix should be used, often amended with materials like perlite, pumice, or granite sand to enhance aeration and prevent compaction. Incorporating a moisture-retaining material like coco coir or peat moss can help the soil hold water slightly longer, but it must still drain freely to prevent root zone saturation.
Watering Techniques
The most effective way to achieve even moisture distribution is by installing a central watering reservoir, often a PVC pipe with small, drilled holes, during the planting process. This perforated pipe is placed vertically down the center of the pot, allowing water poured into it to seep out horizontally at all levels of the container.
If a pipe is not used, a slow, deep soaking is necessary, pouring water gently over the top surface and each side pocket until water begins to drain from the bottom hole.
Fertilization
Due to the frequent watering required in porous terracotta and the small soil volume, nutrients are quickly leached away. Regular fertilization is necessary to replenish the soil’s reserves and sustain healthy plant growth. Applying a diluted, water-soluble liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks ensures a steady supply of nutrients.