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of the plant. For instance, if planting a tomato that will grow 2-3' high, a minimum size container would be 12" in diameter and depth. A container any smaller will be chal- lenging to keep watered and fertilized over the course of the season. When in doubt, always "size up." It is always easier to add plants to fill a large space than "nurse" a plant that doesn't have enough space to grow properly. In general, it will be difficult to maintain plants in containers that are smaller than 10" in diameter and 8" in height. The combination of heat and wind will quickly dry the soil and roots as it is chal- lenging to provide enough water to sustain the plants. Consequently, they will suffer heat stress. Drainage Considerations When selecting a container, it is highly recommend to use only those with at least one drain hole; preferably, multiple drain holes. It is very difficult to success- fully grow any plant in a container without drainage. More Tips for Selecting a Container Succulents prefer to grow in soil that dries between watering, so they thrive in con- tainers made from porous materials such as concrete, clay and terra cotta. When unsealed, these materials "breathe" allow- ing air to flow from the soil. This facilitates drainage and keeps succulents healthy. Try a self-watering container. There are many different styles on the market. They can be a great asset during an extremely hot and dry growing season. Pro Tip Use pot feet or a pot trolley under con- tainers that sit on a deck or patio. This will prevent any discoloration of the wood or concrete over the course of the season. Fall clean-up will be a breeze! Soil for Containers One of the critical keys to successful con- tainer gardening is using a soil mix that is designed specifically for containers. You can easily find this at any garden center or online. Don't use soil from your yard as will become hard and compacted in con- tainers. Some containers are quite large and re- quire a lot of soil. You can place a "filler" such as packing peanuts, Styrofoam pieces or empty water bottles in the bottom third of a large pot to reduce the amount of soil needed. There are reports that plastic items such as these may leach chemicals over time.