Question
i doing a report on the different factors that affect how a plant grows. i have asked other experts but i am wondering if there is anything different when growing in a container rather then growing in the earth, plz e-mail me with as much detail as u can give me.

Answer
There are many things that are different when growing in a container. The most obvious is that the roots are confined to a space, and can not grow as large as the roots in the earth. They are dependent on the soil in that space for the nutrients they need. With water leaching the soil and no organic nutrients and minerals being supplied by nature, the supply for nutrients rapidly becomes exhausted, while the plant is actively growing. Plants growing in containers require specially prepared soils or growth media. Good potting soil contains a much higher proportion of coarse mineral particles  to maintain sufficient pore spaces in the soil for air, water and root growth. It must have enough organic matter to hold water and keep it from compacting. Watering is different as well. Plants in containers dry out more rapidly, so they will need to be watered more frequently and thoroughly. Because they are not protected by the earth, they are more subject to problems and damage, from hot sun on the root area and freezing temperatures.
The advantage is that if your conditions are not ideal in the earth, you can create better conditions by caring for the plants in a container. They will need more of your attention, but they will have the appropriate conditions they require. I grow successfully in containers because I have rocky, clay, soil and manual irrigation.

bakerplanter