Fabric Pots, Fall Gardening, gardening tips, Grow Bags, Plant Pots, September Gardening - September 23, 2026

Container Gardening in September: Choosing the Right Pot

Container Gardening in September: Choosing the Right Pot for Your Plants

September is a season of change in the garden.

Summer plants may be slowing down, fall crops may be ready to start, and some container plants may have outgrown the pots they were placed in earlier in the year. At the same time, changing temperatures, sunlight, rainfall, and humidity can affect how quickly containers dry out.

That makes September a smart time to take a closer look at your containers and ask:

Is this pot really right for the plant?

Choosing the right container is about more than appearance. The right pot should provide enough room for the plant's roots, allow appropriate drainage, work well with the growing medium, and fit the space where the plant will grow.

Whether you're gardening on a balcony, patio, porch, greenhouse, or indoors, choosing the right container can make plant care easier and give your plants a better growing environment.

Why Container Choice Matters in September

A container does much more than hold a plant.

It influences:

Available root space
Drainage
Moisture retention
Air around the roots
Plant stability
Watering frequency
Mobility
How much growing medium you need

Grow It Depot's September planting guide also recommends considering container size, drainage, plant root requirements, growing medium, sunlight, and watering needs when growing plants in containers.

September is also a useful time to inspect containers after a long summer growing season.

You may find that:

A plant has outgrown its pot
A fabric container needs replacing
Drainage holes are blocked
Growing media needs refreshing
A container is no longer suitable for the plant
You need different pot sizes for new fall crops

The Basic Rule

Choose the container for the plant—not simply because the pot looks attractive or happens to be available.

How to Choose the Right Pot Size

Pot size is one of the most important decisions in container gardening.

The right size depends on the plant's root system, mature size, growth habit, and how long you expect it to remain in the container.

A Pot That Is Too Small

A container may become too small when:

Roots have filled much of the available space
Roots are coming through drainage holes
The growing medium dries unusually quickly
The plant becomes unstable
Growth appears restricted
The plant needs very frequent watering

A Pot That Is Too Large

Bigger is not automatically better.

An unnecessarily large container can:

Require much more growing medium
Become difficult to move
Become very heavy after watering
Take up valuable growing space
Make moisture management more difficult for some small plants

Beginner Tip

When moving a plant into a larger container, don't automatically choose the biggest pot you can find.

Choose an appropriate size based on the plant's root system and expected growth.

Container Size Guide by Plant Type

Plant Type	Container Consideration	Important Feature
Leafy greens	Moderate root space	Width and drainage
Herbs	Small to moderate, depending on variety	Drainage
Radishes	Enough depth for roots	Container depth
Flowers	Depends on mature size	Width and stability
Strawberries	Adequate root space	Drainage and sunlight
Small vegetables	Moderate to larger container	Root space
Fruit plants	Larger, stable container	Root space and support
Shrubs	Large container	Stability and drainage
Small trees	Very large container	Root space and stability
Indoor plants	Match container to root system	Drainage and manageable size

Always check the growing requirements of the specific plant or variety before choosing a container.

Explore Grow It Depot Pots & Containers

If you need different sizes or styles for your container garden, Grow It Depot offers a wide selection of fabric pots, grow bags, nursery containers, and plant containers for different growing setups.

Shop Pots & Containers at Grow It Depot

Drainage: The Feature You Should Never Ignore

A beautiful pot is not necessarily a good plant pot.

For most traditional container-growing situations, excess water needs a way to leave the container.

Poor drainage can keep the root zone excessively wet and create stressful growing conditions.

Before planting, check:

Are there drainage holes?
Are the holes open?
Can excess water escape freely?
Is the container sitting somewhere water can collect?
Does the growing medium drain appropriately?
Is the saucer holding standing water?

Grow It Depot's September garden-reset guide also recommends checking containers, drainage, growing media, and watering equipment during the seasonal transition.

What About Pot Saucers?

A saucer can be useful for containers placed on:

Patios
Balconies
Porches
Indoor floors
Greenhouse benches

The important thing is to avoid keeping the plant sitting in standing water for long periods.

Grow It Depot carries Grow1 pot saucers in different sizes that can be matched to compatible containers.

Shop Pots, Containers & Saucers

Fabric Pots: A Flexible Option for Container Growers

Fabric pots are a popular choice for many container gardeners.

Grow It Depot's Pots & Containers collection includes fabric pots and grow bags in a variety of sizes. The collection describes these products as options designed around root aeration and drainage for indoor and outdoor growing.

One option is the Hydrofarm Dirt Pot Flexible Portable Planter, available in different versions, including a model with handles.

Shop Hydrofarm Dirt Pots

Why Consider a Fabric Pot?

Depending on your growing setup, fabric containers can offer:

Flexible construction
Good drainage characteristics
Air exposure around the root zone
Easy storage when empty
Different size options

Grow It Depot also carries Grow1 Fabric Pots, Root Pouch containers, and other fabric grow bags.

Browse Fabric Pots & Grow Bags

September Tip

If you already use fabric pots, inspect them after the summer season.

Check for:

Torn fabric
Damaged seams
Root buildup
Poor drainage
Excess debris
General structural damage

Replace containers that are no longer suitable for your growing setup.

Plastic, Terracotta, Ceramic, or Fabric?

There is no single container material that is best for every garden.

The right choice depends on the plant, growing environment, watering routine, and how often you need to move the container.

Container Type	Advantages	Things to Consider
Fabric	Flexible and breathable	May require closer moisture monitoring
Plastic	Lightweight and practical	Drainage design is important
Terracotta	Traditional and porous	Can dry more quickly
Ceramic	Decorative and stable	Can be heavy
Nursery pots	Practical and easy to use	Choose the correct size and drainage
Self-watering containers	Can simplify watering in some setups	More parts to maintain

Think About Your Growing Location

For example:

Balcony:
Choose containers that are manageable and easy to move.

Patio:
You have more flexibility with container size but should still consider final weight.

Greenhouse:
Focus on drainage, plant spacing, airflow, and efficient watering.

Indoor:
Choose containers that are easy to manage and protect floors with suitable trays or saucers.

Match the Pot to the Root System

The part of the plant you see above the growing medium is only half the story.

Roots need enough room to grow and access to moisture, oxygen, and a suitable growing environment.

Some plants have relatively shallow root systems, while others need more depth or volume.

Shallow-Rooted Plants

Some leafy greens, herbs, and flowers may perform well in containers that provide adequate width without excessive depth.

Deeper-Rooted Plants

Root vegetables, larger vegetables, fruit plants, shrubs, and young trees may require considerably more depth and container volume.

Always check the requirements of the individual plant rather than relying only on a general container rule.

Don't Forget the Growing Medium

A good container and a suitable growing medium work together.

The growing medium should provide an appropriate balance of:

Moisture
Air
Drainage
Root support

Different plants and growing systems can require different media.

Grow It Depot currently carries Mother Earth Coco + Perlite Mix, a 70% coco and 30% perlite growing medium. The product listing describes it as an alternative to traditional potting media and highlights aeration and drainage characteristics.

Shop Mother Earth Coco + Perlite Mix

Why Coco + Perlite?

Coco provides a moisture-holding component, while perlite contributes air space and drainage.

However, this does not mean the mix is automatically suitable for every plant.

Choose your growing medium according to:

Plant requirements
Growing method
Watering system
Nutrient program
Container size
Local conditions

Related Product

Grow It Depot also offers other growing-media options for different growing systems.

Browse All Growing Media

How Container Material Can Change Watering

Container plants can dry at different rates depending on:

Pot material
Container size
Plant size
Growing medium
Sun exposure
Temperature
Wind
Humidity
Rainfall

A small container in direct sun may dry much faster than a large container in partial shade.

September can also bring different conditions from midsummer.

That means you should not automatically continue the exact watering schedule you used during summer.

Instead:

Check the growing medium.
Consider recent rainfall.
Look at the plant.
Consider temperature and sunlight.
Water according to the plant's needs.

Water according to conditions—not simply according to the calendar.

Container Gardening in September: What Can You Grow?

Depending on your local climate and planting window, September can be a useful month for starting or refreshing containers.

Possible options include:

Lettuce
Spinach
Herbs
Radishes
Fall flowers
Smaller vegetables
Strawberries
Ornamental plants

Grow It Depot's September planting guide covers many of these container-friendly options and emphasizes choosing plants according to local climate and growing conditions.

Remember Your Local Climate

September planting recommendations are not the same everywhere.

Consider:

USDA hardiness zone
Local temperatures
Frost risk
Sunlight
Rainfall
Length of the growing season

Plant for your climate, not simply for the month on the calendar.

Growing Strawberries in Containers

Strawberries are a good example of why choosing the right container matters.

Grow It Depot currently lists Jayme Garden Dwarf Strawberry Seeds, which the product listing describes as a compact strawberry variety suitable for container gardening, patios, hanging baskets, and outdoor garden spaces. The listing specifies full sun, well-draining fertile soil, moderate watering, and USDA Zones 4–8.

Shop Jayme Garden Dwarf Strawberry Seeds

For container-grown strawberries, pay attention to:

Adequate root space
Good drainage
Sunlight
Suitable growing medium
Consistent moisture
Container stability

A Useful September Shopping Tip

If you are buying a plant or seeds specifically for a container garden, choose the plant first and then select the container around its requirements.

This prevents a common mistake: buying an attractive pot that is not suitable for the plant.

Growing Larger Plants in Containers

Container gardening isn't limited to herbs and small vegetables.

Some compact or columnar fruit plants can also be grown in suitable large containers.

Grow It Depot currently lists Jayme Garden's White Icicle Columnar Apple Tree, with the product listing describing it as suitable for large pots and patio growing. The listing gives a mature height of 8–10 feet and a mature spread of 2–3 feet.

Shop White Icicle Columnar Apple Tree

This is an important reminder:

A plant can be suitable for container growing and still require a substantial container.

Before purchasing larger plants, consider their mature size, container requirements, support needs, and local climate.

When Should You Repot a Container Plant?

September can be a useful time to inspect plants that may have outgrown their containers.

Look for:

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Roots tightly circling the container
Growing medium drying much faster than before
Plant instability
Restricted growth
A container that has become too small

But don't repot simply because September has arrived.

If a plant is healthy and its current container still provides enough root space and drainage, there may be no reason to disturb it.

How to Repot a Plant Into a Larger Container

If your plant genuinely needs more room, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Choose the New Container

Select a container appropriate for the plant's root system and expected growth.

Step 2: Check Drainage

Make sure the container has appropriate drainage.

Step 3: Prepare the Growing Medium

Use a growing medium suitable for the plant.

Step 4: Remove the Plant Carefully

Handle the plant and root system gently.

Step 5: Position the Plant

Place the plant at an appropriate depth.

Step 6: Fill Around the Root Ball

Add growing medium without excessively compacting it.

Step 7: Water as Appropriate

Water according to the plant's requirements.

Step 8: Return the Plant to the Right Location

Make sure it receives appropriate light and environmental conditions.

September Container Inspection Checklist

Before buying new pots, check the containers you already have.

Inspect Every Container

☐ Check for cracks
☐ Check drainage holes
☐ Remove old roots
☐ Check for buildup
☐ Inspect fabric for tears
☐ Clean reusable containers appropriately
☐ Check saucers and trays
☐ Look for pest activity
☐ Check the growing medium
☐ Decide whether the plant actually needs repotting

This quick inspection can save money and help prevent unnecessary purchases.

Common Container Gardening Mistakes

1. Buying the Pot Before Choosing the Plant

Start with the plant's requirements.

Then choose the container.

2. Choosing the Biggest Pot Available

More space is not automatically better.

Choose a practical size appropriate for the plant.

3. Ignoring Drainage

A decorative container with poor drainage can create root-zone problems.

4. Using the Same Growing Medium for Every Plant

Different plants can have different moisture and root-zone requirements.

5. Watering on a Fixed Schedule

Weather and plant water use change.

Check the growing medium and plant instead.

6. Forgetting Mature Size

A small starter plant can become a much larger plant.

Think ahead before selecting the container.

7. Making Containers Too Heavy

Remember that growing medium becomes heavier when wet.

Think about how you will move the container after planting.

8. Crowding Containers Together

Plants need appropriate space for light, airflow, watering, inspection, and growth.

Do & Don't: Choosing Containers

Do	Don't
Choose the container based on the plant	Don't choose only by appearance
Check drainage	Don't ignore standing water
Consider mature plant size	Don't focus only on the starter plant
Choose appropriate growing media	Don't use one medium for every plant
Consider final container weight	Don't assume a large wet pot will be easy to move
Inspect existing pots	Don't replace containers unnecessarily
Adjust watering to conditions	Don't blindly follow a summer schedule
Consider sunlight	Don't ignore the plant's light requirements

Choosing Pots for Small Spaces

Container gardening is especially useful when growing space is limited.

You can grow plants on:

Balconies
Patios
Porches
Small yards
Rooftops
Greenhouses
Windowsills
Indoor growing areas

But a small growing area does not necessarily mean you need tiny pots.

A plant with a larger root system may still require a substantial container even when it is growing on a small balcony.

A Better Question

Instead of asking:

"What is the smallest pot I can use?"

Ask:

"What is the smallest practical container that gives this plant enough room to grow well?"

This approach helps you use limited space without unnecessarily restricting your plants.

September Container Shopping Guide

If you are refreshing your container garden this September, prioritize your purchases.

Priority 1: Containers

Buy new pots where existing containers are damaged, too small, or unsuitable.

Shop Pots & Containers

Priority 2: Growing Medium

Choose a medium appropriate for your plants and growing method.

Shop Growing Media

Priority 3: Plants or Seeds

Choose varieties suited to your climate, available space, and container size.

Browse Jayme Garden Products

Priority 4: Saucers and Accessories

Use appropriate saucers and accessories where they help protect surfaces and manage containers.

Shop Container Accessories

Priority 5: Propagation Supplies

If you plan to start plants from seeds or cuttings, prepare appropriate propagation equipment.

Shop Propagation Supplies

Quick Tips for Better September Container Gardening

Tip 1: Start with the plant.
Know what you're growing before choosing the pot.

Tip 2: Check drainage.
Make sure excess water can escape.

Tip 3: Think about roots.
Container size should provide appropriate root space.

Tip 4: Consider mature size.
Don't choose a pot based only on the plant's current size.

Tip 5: Inspect old containers.
You may already have what you need.

Tip 6: Adjust watering.
September conditions may differ from midsummer.

Tip 7: Keep containers manageable.
Think about final weight before filling large pots.

Tip 8: Use suitable growing media.
The right container still needs the right root-zone environment.

Shop the Container Garden at Grow It Depot

Building a container garden does not have to mean buying everything at once.

Start with the plants you want to grow, determine their container requirements, and then choose the supporting products.

Start With Containers

Shop Pots & Containers

Find fabric pots, grow bags, nursery containers, and other container options.

Choose Your Growing Medium

Shop Growing Media

Choose a growing medium that fits your plant and growing system.

Find Popular Products

Shop Grow It Depot Best Sellers

Explore products currently featured in Grow It Depot's Best Sellers collection.

Add Plants

Shop Jayme Garden

Explore plants and seeds that may fit your container-growing plans.

Related Grow It Depot Guides

This article focuses specifically on choosing and managing containers. For broader seasonal information, explore:

What Should You Plant in September? A Simple Fall Planting Guide

Use this guide for September crop selection, climate considerations, container-friendly crops, and seasonal planting ideas.

Read the September Planting Guide

September Garden Reset: 15 Things to Do for a Healthier Fall Garden

This guide covers seasonal garden maintenance, irrigation, containers, plant spacing, pest checks, and fall preparation.

Read the September Garden Reset

Indoor Gardening Checklist Before September

Useful for gardeners who plan to move container plants indoors or maintain indoor growing spaces.

Read the Indoor Gardening Checklist

A Simple 5-Minute Pot-Selection Checklist

Before purchasing a container, answer these five questions:

1. What am I growing?

Write down the plant or variety.

2. How large can it become?

Check mature size, not just today's plant size.

3. How much root space does it need?

Consider both depth and overall container volume.

4. Does the container drain properly?

Never skip this step.

5. Where will the container sit?

Consider sunlight, rainfall, wind, accessibility, and available space.

If you can answer these five questions, you're much more likely to choose a container that works for your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size pot is best for container gardening?

There is no single pot size that works for every plant. Choose a container based on the plant's root system, mature size, growth habit, and growing requirements.

Is a bigger pot always better?

No. An unnecessarily large pot can use more growing medium, become heavy, and make moisture management more difficult for some plants.

Are fabric pots good for container gardening?

Fabric pots can be useful for many appropriate container-growing situations. Grow It Depot's current Pots & Containers collection includes several fabric pot and grow-bag options.

Do plant pots need drainage holes?

For most traditional container-growing situations, adequate drainage is important. Specialized systems may work differently, so follow the requirements of your particular growing system.

Can I use coco and perlite for container plants?

A coco-perlite mix can be appropriate for certain plants and growing systems. Grow It Depot's Mother Earth Coco + Perlite Mix contains 70% coco and 30% perlite and is described by the manufacturer as providing aeration and drainage characteristics.

Always confirm that the medium is suitable for the plant you're growing.

Should I repot plants in September?

Only if they need it. September is a useful time to inspect containers, but a healthy plant does not need repotting simply because the season has changed.

Can strawberries grow in pots?

Yes. Suitable strawberry varieties can grow in containers when they receive appropriate root space, drainage, sunlight, moisture, and growing conditions. Grow It Depot's current Jayme Garden Dwarf Strawberry Seeds are specifically listed for container gardening and small spaces.

Can fruit trees grow in containers?

Some fruit trees can be grown in large containers when the variety, container size, growing medium, support, and climate are appropriate. Grow It Depot currently lists the White Icicle Columnar Apple Tree as suitable for large pots and patio growing.

How often should I water container plants in September?

There is no universal schedule. Check the growing medium and consider the plant, container size, temperature, rainfall, sunlight, wind, and humidity.

Should I replace my old pots?

Not necessarily. Inspect them first. If they are structurally sound, drain properly, and remain suitable for the plant, they may be reusable.

Final Thoughts

The right container can make container gardening much easier, but choosing one does not have to be complicated.

Start with the plant.

Then think about:

Root space
Container size
Drainage
Growing medium
Sunlight
Watering
Mature plant size
Container weight
Available space

September is also a good time to inspect the pots you already have before buying new ones.

Clean reusable containers, replace damaged pots, check drainage, evaluate your growing media, and repot only when your plants actually need more room.

Whether you're growing herbs on a balcony, vegetables on a patio, strawberries in containers, or a larger plant in a substantial pot, choosing the container around the plant's needs gives you a better starting point.

Ready to refresh your container garden this September? Explore Grow It Depot's selection of pots, fabric containers, growing media, plants, propagation supplies, and garden accessories to build a setup that works for your plants and your space.

Happy growing!

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