Terracotta
Earthy texture, a little more attention to moisture.
What to check before choosing
Check filled weight, drainage and the maker’s frost guidance. Porous unglazed clay can dry faster than less porous materials.
THE CONTAINER EDITRoom for roots.
Room for roots.
Room for you.
A balcony corner, a sunny patio, a small backyard. Choose containers that work for your space, then make a plan to fill them.
Find your container type Already measured? Calculate your mix
START WITH YOUR SPACE
Find a useful starting point.
Browse container types, not retail products. These filters narrow the guide; they do not certify suitability for your home.
18 container types to explore.
Estimate the filling volume
Resin & plastic
A lighter empty pot for a flexible layout.
What to check before choosing
Check outdoor/UV suitability, wall strength and stability. Filled mix and water can still make a lightweight pot heavy.
Glazed ceramic
A statement container with a finished surface.
What to check before choosing
Inspect drainage and cold-weather guidance. Use a draining inner pot if the decorative outer container has no outlet.
Window box
A long planting line for a ledge or freestanding stand.
What to check before choosing
Material and mounting vary. Check loaded weight, secure support, drainage below and building rules before attaching anything.
Raised planter
A contained growing area with working height.
What to check before choosing
Check internal depth, liner/drainage design, assembly and full-load limits. Choose the growing medium for the planting plan.
Grow bag
A flexible fabric option for a seasonal setup.
What to check before choosing
Check usable volume, handles and drainage. Protect the surface beneath; do not assume handles are rated to move a full wet bag.
Self-watering planter
A reservoir system for a more deliberate watering routine.
What to check before choosing
Check the reservoir, overflow outlet and instructions for your plant and climate. A reservoir does not remove the need to monitor moisture.
Hanging basket
A suspended planting spot that uses overhead space.
What to check before choosing
Check the hook, support and full wet weight. Allow safe clearance and consider wind exposure, watering access and drips below.
Railing planter
A narrow planting line designed for a compatible railing.
What to check before choosing
Confirm the rail profile, mounting hardware, building rules and loaded weight. Secure it as directed and do not place it above people or a public walkway without suitable protection.
Metal planter
A crisp edge for a contemporary planting arrangement.
What to check before choosing
Check drainage, corrosion protection, sharp edges and heat exposure. Follow the maker’s guidance for liners, outdoor use and plants.
Concrete planter
A substantial container for a layout you intend to keep.
What to check before choosing
Check delivery access, weight and the supporting surface before filling. Confirm drainage and freeze/thaw suitability; moving it may require equipment.
Vertical planter
Stacked pockets or tiers for a smaller footprint.
What to check before choosing
Check anchoring, usable root volume per pocket and water distribution. Materials vary; follow assembly, load and mounting instructions.
Fiberglass planter
A molded container with a clean, architectural finish.
What to check before choosing
Compare filled weight, wall strength and drainage. Check the manufacturer’s outdoor and temperature guidance.
Wooden planter box
A freestanding wooden box for a defined planting area.
What to check before choosing
Check timber suitability, liner design, drainage and maintenance. Follow the maker’s guidance for edible plants.
Long trough planter
A long planting run for a patio edge or garden boundary.
What to check before choosing
Material varies. Check full weight, drainage, internal depth and stable placement before filling.
Garden urn
A decorative focal point with a narrow or raised profile.
What to check before choosing
Compare the opening with usable root space. Check stability, weight and drainage; follow the maker’s frost instructions.
Wall-mounted planter
A planting pocket attached to a suitable vertical surface.
What to check before choosing
Confirm mounting permission, fixings, full-load limits and water management. Protect the wall and areas below.
Nursery pot
A practical inner container for growing or a decorative outer pot.
What to check before choosing
Check usable size and drainage. Empty trapped water from the outer pot and replace damaged containers.
No types match both filters.
Try another material or reset the filters to compare all 18 types.
The details that make a difference.
| Type | Handling | Drainage check | Before winter / storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terracotta | Compare empty and filled weight | Check the outlet is open | Check frost rating and care instructions |
| Resin / plastic | Often lighter when empty | Some outlets need opening | Check UV and temperature guidance |
| Glazed ceramic | Can be heavy and breakable | Do not assume a decorative pot drains | Check freeze/thaw suitability |
| Boxes & raised planters | Check support and full-load limits | Follow the liner and outlet design | Inspect fixings and material care |
| Fabric bags | Check handle and base guidance | Allow water to leave the base | Clean and dry before storage as directed |
ONE DETAIL YOU SHOULD NOT SKIPGive water
Give water
a way out.
Check for a working drainage outlet before filling a pot. A layer of gravel does not replace a missing drainage hole. A draining inner pot can sit inside a decorative outer pot; manage collected water so the roots do not sit in it.
Protect balconies, floors and decks while keeping drainage clear.
Read Iowa State Extension’s container guidanceSIZE IS MORE THAN A DIAMETERMeasure the room
Measure the room
the roots can use.
Use internal measurements, not the widest outside rim. Leave watering space above your fill line. Match the usable root volume to the mature plant and local growing conditions.
These examples show arithmetic only; they are not minimum pot sizes for particular plants.
ROUND / STRAIGHT SIDES12 in × 10 in
Inside diameter × fill depth
About 18.5 liters before extra.
RECTANGULAR PLANTER24 × 12 × 10 in
Calculate your own container Inside length × width × fill depth
About 47.2 liters before extra.
PUT IT TOGETHER / EXAMPLE PLANThree pots.
Three pots.
A little herb corner.
Three straight-sided pots, each 12 inches inside diameter and 10 inches fill depth. Choose herbs and pot sizes for your actual conditions.
- Three containers with working drainage.
- Suitable container mix, a trowel and watering can.
- About 61.2 liters with a chosen 10% allowance.
- Three 25-liter bags; about 13.8 liters beyond the adjusted estimate.
Before you buy
Use this checklist for the container you are considering.
Checklist marks stay on this page only; they are not saved.
The next useful step.
Independent product-type guidance, not hands-on product reviews. No live prices, stock claims or checkout. Planting advice should be adapted to your site.