Pots and Planters

Materials

There is a great variety of materials from which planters and pots can be made.

Glass: these pots can be used indoors and outdoors, and they’re very versatile. They don’t absorb moisture from soil or the air, so you won’t have to worry about standing water in pots or around plants.

Stone pots: pots made of stone are heavy, durable and last for a long time. They’re usually expensive to purchase new, but it’s easy to find antique pots that have been repurposed into planters, but they require extra care in that frost can damage them if left outside in winter in exposed positions.

Metal pots: pots made of aluminium, copper and steel are very versatile and hardwearing, and can look quite stylish, but be aware of how they can corrode if not correctly painted or protected.

Plastic pots and pots: while pots made of plastic are long-lasting indoors, they’re not very durable if exposed to extreme temperatures or sunlight for extended periods so probably less ideal for outdoor space.

Wooden garden planters: these are typically created from recycled products, so you can enjoy the style without guilt! Since wood is a natural material, it is environmentally friendly and you can make wooden outdoor planters very easily with a few woodworking skills.

Clay pots: while these pots are known for being fragile, the truth is that they’re very durable as long as they’re treated with a protective coating before being used. Additionally, pots made from clay are ideal for organic growing, because there’s no risk of chemical residue on the pots that might be transferred to your plants or soil.

Wicker pots: wicker is typically created by weaving plant material together, so it it not so long lasting but can create a unique effect not possible with other materials. Wicker pots are made to look like baskets, which gives them a very natural feel. They’re also usually less expensive than pots made from other materials.

Hanging pots are often made from wickerwork. These can often be seen in a conservatory or bathroom to display especially trailing plants.

Plant stands can be used to raise your pots and make attractive displays indoors.

Colours

There is really no limit to colours of pots you can choose from. But some pots are more likely to attract attention than others, depending on your tastes and preferences. Perhaps the simplest pots are white or ivory pots that have a matte finish. Some people prefer dark pots that create shadows in their pots, while others enjoy light-coloured pots with glaze finishes.

The colour of pots and planters should be chosen with care and it is important to choose pots that will fit in with your home décor and furniture.

Choosing the correct pot for your plants

Choosing a pot for a plant may seem like it’s a matter of aesthetics, but the shape and size of the planter along with the soil/potting mix you choose has a direct effect on the amount of available water for your plant.

If you want to be sure you are growing your potted plants as successfully as possible, whether indoors or out, it’s really helpful to understand the science behind how water and soil interact under different conditions in containers.

In addition to choosing the most attractive planter to show off your prize plant, (also important!) this will help you make informed choices about what kind of pot to use for your plants’ long term health.

Pots for herbs

Plant pots are not limited to merely decorative planting; why not consider pots with herbs which can allow you to have a herb garden that bit closer to your kitchen! Garden planters are often used as mini herb gardens on a terrace or patio.

Drainage holes

If you are choosing a pot for a new plant, make sure you select one that has drainage holes and allows the plant room to grow. You should buy a pot with a diameter that’s at least 25mm wider than the diameter of your plant’s root mass, and if you’re expecting your plant to grow quickly, use a pot up to 100mm wider.

Containers that don’t have drainage holes may be attractive, but they won’t protect your plant from root rot. To prevent water stagnation, pots should have adequate drainage. Plants are watered by being flooded with water, which is then soaked up or transpired through the roots and leaves of the plant to be released into the air.

Scroll back up to browse our range of planters and pots now!