How To Choose The Right Planter

How To Choose The Right Planter

The health and vivaciousness of a plant can depend on how it is planted. Choosing the right size planter gives ample room for your plant to flourish and you can also compliment your garden decor by selecting the right shape and material. This guide outlines how to make the right choice for your plant.

Why Use A Planter?

Container planting has a few benefits for both you and your garden:

• Versatility & accessibility - once a tree or plant is in the ground it’s usually there for the long term. If you change your mind on the design or layout of your garden, containerized plants are easier to move and can be placed in areas that are more easily accessed for daily tasks such as watering
• Control vigorous growers - plants like Mint or Bamboo can be invasive if planted directly into your soil. A planter helps to separate them from the rest of your garden and controls their growth to the areas you choose
• Fewer pests and diseases - pests and diseases often move around your garden from plant to plant, by using in a container the chance of this is lessened
• Appearance - with a selection of various sizes, shapes, materials and colours available, planters can play a part in your overall garden decor. Some common design schemes include country garden inspired terracotta, or modern contemporary zinc planters
• Limited space required - If you have a smaller sized garden, rent your home, have a lack of green space, or live in an apartment with a balcony, container gardening may be the best option for you due its convenience, easily moveable parts and non-damaging properties

What Size Do I Need?

There is no hard and fast rule for how big a planter needs to be. A general rule of thumb is to give most plants at least an inch of growing space around the existing roots (2 inches for trees).

Most pots are measured in litres, but actual sizes may differ. You can figure out a rough estimate of a planters capacity once your pot is measured with some simple maths:

• Round planters - multiply the diameter by the height and divide by 1000
• Square or rectangle planters - multiply the height by the depth then divide by 1000

Ideal Plants For Concrete Planters

• Upon arrival, most plants arrive in a nursery pot and will require planting up. Here’s a basic guide to help decide which planter is right for you:
• Small planters - A great choice for perennials, bedding plants, and alpines.
• Medium planters - Fruiting and ornamental climbing plants
• Large planters - Roses and larger houseplants

Some trees will also arrive in pots, and the size will depend on age or species.

• Jumbo planters- smaller trees or shrubs
• Tree planters - older & fully grown trees

What Shape Of Planter Is Best For My Plant?

• Cubes - cube planters are often used to plant trees or taller plants, as they have a wider base to keep the plant stable
• Troughs - troughs are ideal for planting hedges and bedding plants. Troughs are often a popular choice for balconies and smaller spaces, or for lining paths with flower displays
• Bowls - ideal for small trees, herbs, small plant displays and succulents, these plants look great on patios or tabletops
• Tall - these planters are perfect for showing off trailing or bushy plants and are often used with topiary

What Material Is Best

Planters can be made out of a variety of materials each suited to different plants, purposes and climates. Here is a rundown of the key materials and what they do best.

• Corten steel - a type of steel that naturally weathers over time, and develops an attractive and protective rust layer. These planters are would suit an industrial or more minimalist design scheme
• Fibrecotta - a composite material made from layering cellulose fibre and clay with fibreglass. These planters are lightweight,frost-resistant, well-draining and good for soil and would suit a Mediterranean or west-African inspired design scheme.
• Fibreglass - a versatile, strong material that produces lightweight planters in a variety of shapes. These planters can come in any colour or shape so are ideal in any garden and would make a durable addition to your space
• Poly-terrazzo - a combination of resin and stone, these planters have a unique texture and colour combination that bring a touch of modern style to your space. They are a great lightweight and sturdy alternative to stone planters.
• Polystone - made from resin combined with powdered stone, Polystone planters are lighter than solid stone and less likely to chip or fracture. These planters bring neutral tones into your garden, making them ideal for most spaces.
• Stainless steel - lightweight, rustproof and great looking, stainless steel planters look impressive and can survive outside in most weather conditions and come in a brushed or polished finish that makes them perfect for a modern styled garden
• Terracotta - these planters are a great all-rounder that look great and are beneficial to your plants. These porous planters allow air and moisture to pass through them, keeping the soil healthy and your plants happy. They aren’t great with frost and should be kept in a sheltered area. Their faded orange solar is a staple of the garden and will be great in most spaces.
• Wood - every one of these natural planters is unique, and their look can be enhanced by varnishes and paints to achieve whatever look you like. These planters are lightweight but do need regular care to keep them in the best condition.
• Zinc - Our zinc planters are made from steel coated in a layer of zinc and are lightweight, flexible and rustproof. These planters will survive most weather conditions and should be moved carefully to avoid scratching. You should also consider putting a bag or lining in before adding soil.