When we are out using our gardens, we begin to see areas for improvement. A lack of plant life, particularly during the warmer months of the year can leave a garden feeling lacking.
Garden containers can be a way to provide instant impact to your garden landscaping with a large statement pot-grown tree to give structure and interest year-round, or an arrangement of seasonal bedding plants providing an instant pop of colour just when you need it.
The great thing about garden planters is that arrangements can be added to, altered or completely scrapped and started from scratch as needs dictate. Not to mention there's a huge array of options available to get you started on your "pot-scaping" journey.
Top tips for buying garden planters
The choice of garden planters available to buy can be a little overwhelming. But understanding your specific garden design needs will help to whittle down your options, ensuring you get exactly what you need.
- Size matters: For me, the key is ensuring you are buying a planter that is big enough for your patio planting needs. If in doubt opt for a larger size to allow room for growth. You can always tuck in an extra "filler" plant, like a trailing ivy if you find it looking a little empty.
- Don't buy your plants before your planter: Buy your planter at the same time, or just before your plant. You should be ready to get your plant settled in its pot as soon as possible after purchase, therefore ensuring you have everything you need to get that done ensures your plant isn't sitting out for too long.
- Consider drainage: Look for holes in the base as these are crucial to allow drainage. Some plants, such as succulents, require more drainage than others, whereas vigorous spreaders, bamboo for example must be completely sealed so they won't spread out of control.
- Check the weight: Once a planter is filled with compost and plants it can weigh quite a bit, so consider this if you're hoping to be able to move your planter around your garden. Metal and stone containers are stunning visuals, but they are heavy so will need to be in a fixed position.
- Think about irrigation: planters are often construed as a low-maintenance garden addition. However, unless they have their own water source you will need to stay on top of watering. So consider garden irrigation if you would like to leave pots to thrive without effort.
- Material choices: All planter materials have their pros and cons," says garden expert at My Job Quote Fiona Jenkins. "Timber planters are very popular as the natural material blends well with flowers and shrubs. They are fairly durable but you do need to keep them protected to prevent them from rotting. Metal planters can corrode without some kind of coating. However, if you’re after a rustic appearance, that’s not a problem. Plastic planters are very low maintenance but they can fade and warp in the hot sun, so you do need to be careful where you position them. Terracotta, stone and concrete planters are aesthetically pleasing but they can dry out quickly in the summer and can be prone to staining and algae growth," says Fiona.
A landscaper and gardening expert with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Currently she works for MyJobQuote as their resident expert on all things gardening. She is highly knowledgeable about different plant varieties.
Where to buy garden planters online
Knowing how popular container gardening is, most of the big-name retailers are well stocked with plenty of options.
- Amazon: options with prime next delivery
- Wayfair: for discounts on great products
- Dunelm: UK's leading home furnishing brand
- B&Q: sturdy choices and DIY options
- Argos: low prices for sets of planters
- Crocus: ornate styles from a garden supplier
Amazon
If you're one of the many Prime members then you'll benefit from speedy free delivery on lots of these garden planter products. With some big-name brands like Elho retailing on Amazon there are some great quality options.
Ideal for a contemporary look, these planters have integrated wheels making it easy to move them about.
These long and narrow planters will be ideal for zoning a seating area. Pack with bedding plants and edge with trailing plants to spill over the sides.
These sturdy zinc planters are rust and weather resistant. Ideal for displays of spring bulbs or a potted herb windowsill display.
Wayfair
It's easy to search by price on Wayfair, so depending on your budget you'll be able to find something within that range by filtering out those products which are too expensive.
These durable metal raised planters can be put together in different shapes without the need for tools. Ideal for creating a small raised bed vegetable garden.
Perfect for a cottage-garden look this milk churn style planter comes with a drainage hole in the base.
These will make a contemporary addition to a front entrance. Place either side of a door and fill with ornamental grass such as miscanthus.
Dunelm
There are plenty of smaller more ornate garden planters in Dunelm's range as well as bigger options which suit hardcore gardening entusiasts.
The deepness of this planter will be ideal for growing vegetables on a patio or even balcony. It's at a good height to reduce the need for crouching.
You can plant directly into this lined basket but be sure to make slits in the lining to ensure water can pass through. For greater longevity place a separate pot inside the basket.
Made from responsibly sourced wood this classic planter can be placed in the corner of a patio with plenty of planting space for a lush floral arrangement.
B&Q
As well as options for planters B&Q stock materials for those who would prefer to build their own from timber or brick.
A great choice if you like the appearance of metal planters but don't want to be burdened with the weight of it.
The built-in trellis makes this garden planter ideal for growing climbers. Place against a fence or line up multiple pieces together to create a privacy screen.
This durable powder-coated steel planter is ample enough for growing an array of plants and vegetables.
Argos
Argos has a more modest choice than some of the larger online retailers but their selection includes some quality selected products including hanging baskets, trellises and pots.
A great price for this set of three planters and they're a decent size for bedding plants and spring bulbs.
These planters can be easily attached to railings with their curved hook. They have drillable drainage holes too.
Hanging baskets are such a vibrant addition to the summer garden. The sturdy hooks can be attached to almost any wall.
Crocus
If buying your planter from crocus you'll be able to benefit from their large selection of plants too. They are a specialist garden retailer so you'll be able to get everything you need for your container.
This set of three bowls is ideal for shallow-root plants like succulents. Arrange together as a set or spread out.
The embossed leaf design makes these planters decorative enough even without a plant. A simple potted fern will do nicely.
Inspired by Tuscany but thrown in Turkey by 4th generation potters. A perfect classic terracotta pot for true Mediterranean style.
For further inspiration on some great outdoor products have a look at our guide on where to buy patio lighting.
