Here’s a few tips on how to choose the right shape, size, and material for your garden pots:
The Right Size
Choose a planter that’s the right size for the plant or shrub that you want to grow in it.
Small pots for small plants, and these will need watering more often as the soil will dry faster. Large garden planters for larger shrubs or large shallow planters for planting lots of small plants together.
As a simple rule, choose a planter that has a diameter 2-4 inches larger than the size of your plant. This will allow your plant to thrive and grow.
The Shape
Tall and narrow, short and round… patio garden planters come in a variety of shapes. It’s often a case of choosing the shapes you like, but there are a couple of things to bear in mind.
Tall, narrow planters are ideal for plants and shrubs with large, deep roots to grow down into of the pot to find water and food. Short, round planters are ideal for compact plants such as seasonal bedding plants. Short, wide bowl or planters are great for very shallow rooted plants such as bonsais.
The Material
The material the pots and planters are made from is worth considering, although as with shape it is also a case of the finishes that you find attractive for your garden or patio.
Garden planters and pots come in various materials, ceramic, terracotta, plastic, wood or metal. Check out our range of pots at Woolpit Nurseries. Here are a few points to consider about the different types of material:
Terracotta pots: Pros: bring an Italian feel to a garden. Cons: porous, cheap, break easily, can crack in frost.
Plastic pots: Pros: large choice of shapes, sizes, and colours, affordable, lightweight, easy to wash and reuse. Cons: plastic can fade, brittle in the sun, not environmentally friendly.
Ceramic pots: Pros: look classy, attractive. Cons: breakable, easily chip, heavy, difficult to move, more expensive.
Wooden pots: Pros: rustic charm, attractive, eco-friendly, easy to move. Cons: not weather-resistant, rot, split.
Metal planters: Pros: attractive, durable, choice of shapes and designs. Cons: risk of rusting, get hot in summer.
Drainage Holes – Important
Always check for drainage holes in a garden planter or pot. Many plants die from excess water and waterlogged soils because of lack of drainage holes. Good drainage will help excess water within the planter to run out the bottom of your pot allowing the plant can roots can grow.