This morning glory vine has taken up a whole area of Beverly Hills, St. Andrew.- PHOTOS BY Rita Elliott

My neighbour will be growing morning glories in containers on her handsome deck this year, using a tripod of bamboo stakes for support. She will probably be using terracotta pots.

As she is new to container gardening, she asked me questions about the ideal size container (depth, diameter).

The vine she plans to grow will have reasonably small root systems and won't require large pots. She will be safe with a 2-3 gallon. That's roughly 30 cm (12") deep and 20-30 cm (8"-12" wide).

However, I would consider using larger containers - the smaller the container, the faster it will dry out. I like to use wooden half whiskey barrels. I plant the vines at the back, and plant shrubby annuals in front of the vines. Well, that's my system when I am up to it!

Terracotta pots can wick moisture from the soil, especially during the hottest months of the year, so check at least once each day and water as needed, probably daily. You might consider using fake terracotta containers made out of plastic. They look similar, and won't dry out so fast. Whatever you choose, make sure your containers have adequate drainage holes, fill with regular potting soil, and water as often as required.