Are you looking to add planters to your garden, but can’t decide what to add? We aren’t alone! We are often asked about the best planters for different gardens, and we are here with a guide that walks you through the various planter options and considerations to help you find the perfect planters for your garden.
Consider the Material
When choosing planters for your garden, consider the material they are made of to ensure they provide durability and complement the aesthetic of your garden. There are several planting materials to choose from, which we have detailed below:
Terracotta
Terracotta is porous and breathable, with quick-drying properties that make it an ideal material for well-draining conditions or plants that require consistent moisture. Terracotta plants can also be painted, allowing you to choose from a range of colours or patterns that suit your style.
Terracotta planters may require more frequent watering, depending on the plants you add to them, so consider this carefully before making your choice.
Plastic
Plastic planters are a cheap alternative that are perfect for anyone with a tighter budget. They are also lightweight, making it easy for you to move them around your garden as necessary. Plastic planters will usually retain water well, too, so you don’t need to worry about regular watering.
Plastic planters aren’t the best in colder climates, and you will need to add protection to prevent plant roots from freezing. Liners can be used here, which will add to your overall costs.
Wood
Wooden planters are a good option for colder climates as they come with insulation. They are aesthetically pleasing too, and you can have fun with different colours and stains. Wooden planters can require ongoing maintenance to prevent the wood from rotting.
Wooden planters can also be expensive and heavy, making them difficult to move around your garden.
Ceramic
Ceramic planters offer a luxurious and artistic look to your garden, making them a good choice for modern gardens. They are very expensive and can be less portable than other planting materials.
Stone
Stone planters offer a classical look that works in traditional gardens. Stone planters can be very heavy, making them difficult to move. Their weight does make them incredibly stable, though, so you don’t have to worry about them blowing over in the wind.
Steel
Steel planters are perfect if you want a durable planter that will last for years. Many are made from thick steel, which can help with insulation and retain water well. Most steel planters will come with drainage holes drilled into the bottom to prevent them from getting waterlogged, but you will need to take care not to overwater your plants.
Consider the Size
The size of your planter needs to be considered when making your choice, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root ball and provide room for it to grow. You don’t want the plant to outgrow its container quickly and be left needing to purchase a larger one.
You should also avoid buying a planter that is too large for your plants, as this can cause excess water retention, leading to root rot and promoting shallow root growth.
Consider the Drainage
Drainage is a vital part of the planters, and you need to ensure there are enough drainage holes for proper drainage. You don’t want waterlogged soil, as this can cause root rot, damaging your plants.
You also need to ensure there is enough depth in the planters for the water to drain away from the roots. This helps to keep your plants healthy and happy!
Consider the Aesthetics
Finally, consider the aesthetics of the planet, ensuring it matches your current planters or other garden accessories. Consider the style, looking for designs that will work with existing planters and a colour that matches the colour of your fence or furniture. It’s worth considering that lighter colours will reflect heat, keeping soil cooler, while darker colours can absorb it.
The stability should also be considered to ensure the planters won’t blow over in heavy winds. Ceramic, stone, and steel planters are usually heavier and more stable, but be mindful that moving them can be challenging.
The shape of your planter should also be taken into consideration. Planters with straights or tapered sides are a good option, as they are easier to remove plants from when you need to repot or harvest them.
Find Your New Planter Today
By considering all these factors, you can narrow down your choice and find the perfect planters for your garden. When choosing your planter, we recommend considering steel planters for their durability and modern design. Ironbark Metal Design offers fantastic steel planter boxes, with the option to customise your design to ensure the perfect fit for your garden. Check out their corten steel planter boxes and other options today!
Stephanie Grace, a graduate with a degree in Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design, has been inspiring DIY enthusiasts with her creative and practical guidance for over 14 years. Her career in design and crafting began in a small artisan workshop, where she developed a passion for transforming everyday materials into beautiful and functional items. Stephanie joined our website in 2018, rapidly gaining popularity for her easy-to-follow DIY tutorials and innovative project ideas. Since then, she has been the creative mind behind our DIY section, helping readers bring their artistic visions to life. Outside her professional pursuits, Stephanie enjoys pottery and urban gardening, hobbies that showcase her love for hands-on creativity and nature.
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