With hundreds of different garden plant pots and containers to choose from, it can be mind-boggling to know where to start looking. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to cover:
Ok, before we dive straight in, ask yourself these questions – this will help you to define the purpose of your pot. Which plant is it for? Do I want to be able to move it? How much money do I wish to spend? And does it need to have any special functions?
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The different plant pot materials
There are six main materials used for making pots, each offering different benefits.
Terracotta plant pots
Terracotta pots also known as clay plant pots, are some of the most common outdoor and indoor plant pots. They come in different shapes and sizes, from as little as two inches in height or diameter. Since most clay pots are unglazed, they can absorb lots of water, which will dehydrate the plants inside. They are also quite fragile, particularly in cold weather.
Plastic plant pots
Plastic containers can mimic many materials, without the added weight. They’re available in various shapes, sizes and finishes, and are always frostproof. Today, some containers are made from recycled plastic for an eco-friendly option.
Ceramic plant pots
Ceramic pots or stoneware, are also made from clay. They’re fired in a kiln at a high temperature then glazed, making them hardier than terracotta pots. This reduces the porousness but not the risk of cracking in cold weather.
Metal plant pots
Metal containers are incredibly durable and highly weatherproof. Each metal offers different benefits; aluminium is lightweight and won’t rust, while cast iron is heavy and will rust over time.
Concrete plant pots
Concrete pots are extremely weighty and highly weatherproof. They protect roots throughout winter and get more beautiful with age.
Wooden plant pots
Wood containers are commonly found in square or rectangle shapes. Wood doesn’t crack in cold weather; its only potential danger is rot. However, this can be easily be overcome by lining your planter with plastic and ensuring adequate drainage.
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The top 10 outdoor plant pots
The best large plant pots
These lead-effect, clay fibre containers are light, frost-resistant and available in six different sizes; small, medium, large, extra-large, extra extra large and XXXL. Each one is made from recycled materials, and requires just 10% of the energy used for making one ceramic or plastic equivalent pot. They’re perfect for a range of flowers, shrubs and herbs; while the larger pots are suitable for small trees.
Where to buy: TerraceGardener.co.uk
Price: £49.90+ (Large plant pot, 38x38cm)
The best ceramic plant pots
These ceramic sneaker planters are incredibly unique. They come in a range of colours and patterns, and inject a dash of quirk into any space – from patios to doorsteps and beyond. You can even lace up the sneaker holes and hang them up high. Load up with herbs or colourful flowers, for a truly memorable summer.
Where to buy: NotOnTheHighstreet.com
Price: £45
The best decorative plant pots
This large, unique plant pot does more than look pretty. It naturally protects the plants inside from predators like slugs and snails with beautiful copper patterns. They’re idea for tender, leafy plants like hostas, as well as supporting edible plants like lettuce, tomatoes, peas and more.
Where to buy: UrbanUndergrowth.co.uk
Price: £18
The best smart plant pot
This elegant planter from Northern doesn’t just look great; being self-watering, it’s also highly functional. It strikes the perfect balance between modern and traditional aesthetics, with a gorgeous terracotta and glazed clay finish. And comes in a range of colours and sizes.
Where to buy: Connox.co.uk
Price: £55
The best clay plant pots
The Royal Horticultural Society has a beautiful collection of hand-thrown clay planters, but these Terracotta Babylon Hanging Pots are divine. They’re an attractive alternative to hanging baskets, and can also be grouped together beautifully on the ground. Each one has been fired up to 1080°C to make it as frost-proof as possible.
Where to buy: RhsPlants.co.uk
Price: £13.99+
The best cheap plant pots
These wood fibre pots are ideal for growing small plug plants and seedlings. Made from organic fibres, they offer superior root aeration; and when it’s time to put your plant in a larger pot (or the ground), the entire unit can be buried and will soon decompose.
Where to buy: Dobbies.com
Price: £2.99 for 24
The best small plant pots
These Petersham Nurseries Small Terracotta Pots were initially designed for two London restaurants, and are now available to buy. Each handcrafted pot has been stamped with the company’s logo; its minimal decoration and delicate size make this pot the perfect choice for displaying small plants or succulents.
Where to buy: MaisonFleur.com
Price: £8
The best wooden plant pots
This gorgeous, sustainably sourced, wooden VegTrug planter is built to last. While it can be used for growing flowers, it’s perfectly designed for growing vegetables – making it a must-have in small gardens, on patios or in gardens where movement is restricted.
Where to buy: VegTrug.com
Price: £99.99
The best metal plant pots
This stunning Aged Zinc Milk Churn is the perfect pot for rustic charm. Being made from zinc, it’s incredibly lightweight so you can move it wherever you wish, with ease. Fill it with trailing flowers or delicious herbs to add a dash of character to your doorstep, patio or garden.
Where to buy: CoxAndCox.co.uk
Price: £45
Best plant pots for all year round
This set of two handmade containers are perfect for a range of flowers, shrubs and small trees. They’re made from clay fibre, which makes them significantly lighter than they look, ideal for weather conditions between 40°C and -20°C, and require minimal maintenance.
Where to buy: GraceAndGloryHome.co.uk
Price: £172.50 for two
Alternative plant pot ideas
Once you start to think about different containers for plants, the possibilities really are endless. Take a look at some DIY plant pots for inspiration…
How to pot a plant
Once you’ve found your perfect pot, you’ll need to add the plant. Yes, you could just stuff it straight in; but if you take a bit of care, your plant will flourish. You will need:
- Your plant(s)
- Your new container, slightly larger than the current pot
- A watering can with a rose sprinkler
- A bucket of water
- Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
- Pebbles or gravel
Frequently asked questions
What are the best plants for pots outdoors?
Coreopsis tinctoria, Hostas, Pittosporum, Cosmos, Busy lizzies, Fountain grass, Ivy, Euonymous, Skimmia japonica.
Planting herbs in pots
Many herbs thrive in containers, just remember to avoid mixing those that need plenty of water, like chives, mint and coriander, with those that prefer well-drained soil, like rosemary, bay, thyme and oregano.
Planting tomatoes in pots
On average, tomatoes need a 20 inch pot to be productive. Add a 2cm layer of gravel for drainage then add premium quality potting soil to the bottom of your pot. Next, add your plant; cover up to two-thirds of the stem to encourage more root growth, add a support, then fill the rest of the plant pot with soil. If you have space, add one inch of mulch to the surface. Then place in a sunny position after all risk of frost, and water regularly.
Planting lavender in pots
Choose a 12-16 inch pot for lavender. Add 2cm of gravel to the bottom for drainage, then fill your container three quarters full with a good quality sandy potting soil and a tablespoon of lime. Next, add your lavender plant, fill the remaining gaps with soil, firm down with your hands, and then water well. If possible, add a one-inch layer of mulch to the surface, then place in a sunny position.
So, we’ve unearthed…
There are mountains of different pots waiting to be discovered; but by asking a few questions before you begin can make the process quicker and easier. What kind of plant pot are you looking for this summer? Let us know in the comments below. And if you haven’t already, remember to download your Free Garden Planner.
** Please note, I only recommend products I own or admire – no items contain affiliate links. And all prices were correct at the time of writing.
Rebecca is the face behind Urban Undergrowth. She became addicted to gardening before it became popular and started writing this blog as a way to share her learnings. After all, sharing is caring. When she’s not digging potatoes, carrying caterpillars or sprinkling cinnamon, she’s a copywriter, painter, vegan chef and Muay Thai fighter.
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