Pot sizes, demystified

A 10-inch pot holds one tomato. An 18-inch pot holds a brinjal. Here’s the quick reference for everything else.

The single most common beginner mistake is growing a big plant in a small pot. The plant spends its life root-bound, thirsty and stunted, and you blame yourself.

Rough guide: herbs and greens are happy in 6–8 inch pots; one tomato or chilli wants a 10–12 inch pot; brinjal, climbing beans or two tomatoes want 18 inches or a grow-bag. Gourds want the biggest container you can give them, plus something to climb.

When in doubt, size up. A bigger pot holds more water and more root, which means more forgiveness when life gets in the way of watering.

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