Consideration should be given to the area where a pot is placed.  If annual flowers are chosen use a glazed clay or plastic pot for plants loving sunshine, these planters will hold water longer, preventing desiccation.  Shade loving plants, placed on either north side of buildings or in  sheltered  areas can be put in unglazed pots as their watering requirements tend to be less.   Shade plants are more tolerant of excessive watering, it is usually difficult to overwater planters as they dry do rapidly.

  If herbs are grown, a well drained unglazed pot is a great choice.  Herbs naturally are grown in heavier, dry soils.

  A light weight soil mixture should be uses for most containers.  Planter soil  mixes should have abundant peat, perlite or vermiculite mixed with soil.   Some mixes will have a slow release fertilizer in them.  Herbs are the exception to these soil requirements,  less lightening amendments and fertilizers should be used.

   Planters require daily watering during hot dry weather.  A planter should be watered to field capacity.  Field  capacity simply means  watering the pot until water starts to drain out from the bottom.

  Potted flowers, herbs or small shrubs can add colour and beauty to your outdoor living spaces.