Tips on Managing Container Weight

Credit: Brand X Pictures/Home and Garden/Alison Miksch

Heavy containers can be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on the situation. Decks and patios are designed to bear the weight of a crowd, so a reasonable number of containers can be accommodated without compromising the supporting area’s structural integrity. However, if you have extraordinary container gardening plans, check with your building designer or strata council.

If you plan to move your containers often, reducing their weight is a definite plus. To significantly reduce the weight of your container planting select high-quality plastic pots or the new lightweight resin containers and fill them with a lightweight peat-based container potting mix.

Tall pots can be partially filled with other materials, such as foam “popcorn” packing material or crushed aluminum cans. Cover this layer with landscape fabric before finishing off with soil to prevent the soil from sifting downwards. The amount of soil you will need depends on what you plan to grow. Annuals will thrive in about 30 cm (12″) of soil, but a small tree needs at least 60 cm (24″) of soil.

Weight is a bonus in windy spots. Containers that are too light may blow over if planted with tall plants.

Related stories:
Tips on Enhancing Pot Portability