When building a container garden, it’s easy to grab any old pots and focus on the plants. However, it is wise to avoid this temptation, as the right pots are just as important to the success of a container garden as plants.
Terracotta
Terracotta is a classic choice for vessels. Its warm orange color goes well with almost anything and is common.
Pros: Terracotta warriors are relatively inexpensive, available in a variety of styles and designs, and relatively heavy, so they are less likely to tip over in strong winds.
Cons: It cracks easily, so terracotta is not a good choice as it can be bumped or bumped. Many types cannot be left outdoors in cold winter areas. Since clay is porous, it loses moisture faster than other materials, which means you’ll need to water it more often.
Plastics
Thanks to technological advancements, plastic basins now have finishes that are comparable to natural materials and often cost less. You can get them in almost any color, size, or shape.
Pros: Plastic basins are usually the cheapest. They are durable and lightweight.
Cons: Some types of plastics become brittle and break easily at freezing temperatures.
Wood
Stained wood has a warm appearance that is perfect for a natural look. But it’s also easy to paint to get the color you want. Most wooden pots are made of cedar, decay-resistant hardwood, or pressure-treated wood to reduce moisture damage.
Pros: Like terracotta, wood is relatively inexpensive. In areas with cold temperatures, it can be placed outdoors all year round.
Cons: Unless you’re using preservative wood, such as treated wood, mahogany, or cedar, you’ll need to seal, line, or paint your pot to prevent rot. Wooden containers are comparatively heavier, so large containers can be difficult to move.
Metal
Metal containers are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gardeners who want a modern look of copper, galvanized or cast iron.
Pros: Reusing recycled items as containers is a great way to save money. Metal containers are also practically indestructible.
Cons: The metal surface absorbs heat, causing the roots to overheat in direct sunlight. Fertiliser salts can damage the surface of certain types of metals.
Polystyrene Foam
The new polystyrene foam containers are lightweight, sturdy and often surprisingly realistic, and come in a variety of sizes and finishes.
Pros: Polystyrene foam containers are more durable than traditional plastic basins. They are well protected from the weather and can be placed outdoors all year round. They are also much lighter than wood, stone, or terracotta.
Cons: High-quality polystyrene pots can be just as expensive, if not more expensive, than the wooden, terracotta, or metal containers they look like. Since they are lighter, they can be blown down in windy places.
Glazed Ceramic
Glazed ceramic vessels are typically more expensive than unglazed terracotta vessels, but offer a myriad of options in color and pattern.
Pros: The glazed ceramic container is one of the most beautiful vessels around, making it perfect for decorating a deck, patio or landscape. They are not porous, so they do not lose moisture as quickly as terracotta.
Cons: Glazed ceramic vessels are just as easy to break as terracotta and are just as heavy. If they are not glazed on the inside, and you live in an area where the temperature is frozen, you will need to move them to a sheltered place indoors.
Concrete
Concrete containers are sturdy and heavy. They are not easy to tip over, but if large containers are to be moved, they can cause casualties.
Pros Very durable and built to last. They have a classic look and come in a variety of styles.
Cons: Limited color options, concrete containers, especially large ones, tend to be expensive.
Hypertufa
Why buy a container when you can make it? Hypertufa is a classic artificial stone product that is often used to make trough gardens.
Pros You can make containers of any size, shape, or design according to your needs.
Cons: Hypertufa doesn’t have a lot of color options, and it has to be cured for a month before use.
Moss and Coconut Fiber
Commonly used for wire hanging baskets, you can wrap any frame in moss or coconut fiber to give the container an absolutely natural look.
Pros: Moss and coconut fiber liners are inexpensive, universally available, and easy to use. They are also lightweight.
Cons: Moisture evaporates quickly from a container lined with moss or coconut fiber. And they are not durable; You usually have to change the lining every year or two.
