Despite the large variety of products available to the grower, growing success often is contingent upon growing techniques, rather than choice of container and medium. Below are guidelines intended to guide new growers in making choices suitable for their particular nursery. Container Size and Shape Depth Air filled porosity decreases as the depth of mix in a pot decreases. If the media chosen is fine textured, a lack of oxygen could occur, stunting growth potential for the nursery stock. Soil-borne diseases are also aggravated by these low oxygen conditions.
Deeper containers are best for optimum aeration and drainage.
One criticism by some growers is that roots in deep containers do not grow laterally, quickly enough after planting. Therefore, plants are easily blown over. In conclusion, a grower may want to experiment with a few plants when more than one container style is available. Often the deepest container is too dry, while the most shallow container may be too wet after irrigation and subsequent drainage. The diameter of the container has no bearing on drainage.