Water-holding polymers have been developed and can serve as a form of insurance against hot, dry winds. The polymers absorb many times their weight in water and release it to the plant roots as needed. Containers and Media Containers are available in a variety of sizes and styles, from recycled buckets or tubs, laundry baskets lined with plastic, traditional clay or plastic pots, whiskey barrels, hanging baskets, tires, or traditional wooden planters. Plastic containers are lightweight and easily moved, and many window boxes are now available with trays. Clay pots are heavier and the soil ball will dry faster in clay pots than in plastic ones because water evaporates through the sides.
Wooden containers can be custom-made, but choose materials carefully.
Proper treatment procedures developed and monitored by the American Wood Preservers Bureau should allow this material to be used without any fear of leaching of chemicals. Research has shown that very little, if any, chemical movement occurs after treatment. If you have reservations about using CCA-treated wood, consider using cedar or redwood for plant containers or other structures in the garden. Redwood and cedar are more expensive but resist rotting and do not require staining or painting. The size of the container you use should depend on the eventual size of the plants it will contain.