I really like the idea of putting the plants in pots, so that gravel cleanup becomes easy. But as long as I'm going to put the plants in pots, I'm wondering if there is a good aquarium plant substrate I should use, beyond just the gravel that I have. And/or maybe should I put a fertilizer tablet in the pot when I plant it?

I do have some tiny terra-cotta pots to use. I boiled them for about an hour - is that good enough or should I do more with them? They are new and never used.

You can put them in pots but don't use potting soil. That could carry harmful parasites and germs to your fish. You can buy fertilizers that are made especially for aquatic plants that won't hurt your fish. I like Flourish by Seachem. That's a good one.

Oh i have terra-cotta things to put in my tank - is boiling essential?

I am new to all this, and don't know much about plants or pots in the aquarium, so don't go by what I say. I am just paranoid about bringing in some nasty bugs or something - that's why I boiled it. I figured it couldn't hurt the pot, anyway.

I wasn't really thinking of potting soil per se, but I have heard of aquarium substrates that you can buy. Perhaps that is unnecessary? And I'm hearing that the liquid fertilizer would be fine, and I wouldn't need fertilzer tabs in the pot?

Hmm well I think I'll do it anyway. I have soaked my terra-cotta items in water treated with aquasafe for 24 hours, but I guess a little extra precaution wouldn't hurt!

yes you can use potting soil. Just make sure you do a test bottle and read up on Diana Watson style tanks.
Here is the forum go to the section called El Natural. She is the mod for that forum.
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com
I have three tanks with potting soil in it with gravel. They are all doing great. So doing it in pots can be done too.
Good Luck

You can use african violet soil i used to but switched to substrate again lol. or there are a couple of products out on the market you can use they are special aquarium substrate there are many the best by far being ADA Aquasoil but it will set you back an arm and a leg. Other ones include flourite, eco complete and there are many more but they are the 3 top on the market.

I used potting soil in my terra cotta pots! My plants are doing fine & so are my goldies!!