Garden Planters

& Pots Guide

A D o b b ie s .c o m fr e e g u id e

The Garden Planters & Pots Guide from Dobbies.com

Contents
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
23

Garden planters
Indoor planters
Wall planters
Hanging planters
Window planters
Wooden planters
Plastic planters
Metal planters
Terrazzo planters
Terracotta planters
How to make a strawberry planter

Stewarts Smithy Patio Tub Gunmetal

35cm
6.99

All gardeners need planters. But what material, size and shape? Read on for help ...

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Garden planters

Planters come in an endless array of shapes, materials and colours

Gardening presents us with an

endless array of options and
considerations, and as you
choose planters for your garden,
you will find yourself with many
things to ponder.
For those new to the gardening world, the
following checklist will make the decisionmaking process a little easier.

Material
Planters are available in an array of
materials, each (along with the type of
finish) giving the planter a different look,
texture and quality.
Before you make your choice, it's best to
consider the climate.
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Ceramic (various types of stoneware

including the common terracotta pot): Not
suitable for regions prone to very cold
weather and snow as they might crack.
Metal (copper, zinc, wrought-iron, and
stainless steel): Because metal absorbs
heat, these pots can dry out plants in
warmer temperatures and hot sun.
Plastic: Probably the most conducive to
varying weather conditions. These
lightweight pots adapt easily to cold and
warm weather, don't break easily and
provide good conditions for all plants.

Size
The size of
the garden
planter is

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Garden planters
quite important as it will directly affect how
your plant grows.
A garden planter must have room enough
for the correct amount of soil. Roots must
have space for growth but not too much
room that overgrowth will take place.
Also, the height and width of the planter
must be able to sustain the size of the
plant as it grows, so some plants might
need to be replanted after a period of time
into a larger pot.

Drainage

The weight of metal planters and pots will

of course depend on the type of metal.
Plastic planters and pots might look heavy
but are often light and easy to move.

Style
Once youve covered all the practicalities,
you can consider the style you want.
Though flowers are the most important
aspect of your garden, the garden planter
itself does not go unnoticed, so pick
something that is in harmony with the
overall feel and atmosphere of your
outdoor space.

Soil in pots needs to drain properly just as

it would in the ground. Therefore, all
garden planters should have drainage
holes in the bottom which will allow water
to slowly seep out and not oversaturate
the soil.
If you intend to place the pot indoors or on
concrete or wood (such as on some
decking or on a front step), put a tray or
base underneath the planter.

Stewarts Sylvan Bell Pot 48cm

17.99

Weight
Of course, the various materials have
different weights. Consider this when
choosing where the planter will sit and
think about whether you'll want to move
the planter or not.
Ceramic planters and pots tend to be
heavier and more difficult to move. You
might not want to use them on weak
surfaces.

Tom Chambers Border Basket 14in

19.99

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Indoor planters

Surround yourself with plants all year long using indoor planters

Why enjoy your garden only when

the weather allows? With the use
of an indoor planter you can
surround yourself with plants all
year long.
Indoor planters give you the opportunity to
enjoy nature in your own home, with the
wonderful colours and fragrances you
usually associate with the outdoors.
However, you must be prepared to
dedicate time and effort towards creating
the indoor garden of your dreams - but of
course the true gardeners among you will
be fully prepared for that!

Choose your style

There are many styles of indoor planter
available. Terracotta planters and wooden

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planters look just as attractive indoors as

they do outdoors. Both types enable a
plant to breathe, come in various sizes
and can be painted to match your dcor.
An added benefit of wood is that it is
resistant to cold and will keep the soil at a
decent temperature when indoors.
Plastic planters are a good choice for
lightness and unusual shapes. Another
benefit is they do not absorb the moisture
from the soil and so require watering less
frequently.
Ceramic planters are perfect for internal
use because of moderate indoor
temperatures.
Freezing
conditions
outside

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Indoor planters
can cause cracking but they are safe
indoors. They also come in many attractive
designs and colours.
Copper planters are actually best suited to
the indoors. Outside they tend to bake the
plant when placed in the sun, but indoors
the plant can thrive.

Plants galore

Elho Algarve Cilindro Plastic Planter

From 3.49

There are many suitable plants for indoor

gardens. With the right environment most
plants will grow inside.
A few hardy ones to consider are ivy, ficus
trees, Chinese evergreens, topiaries and
orchids. Even miniature fruit trees can
thrive indoors.

Pick the right spot

The best location for an indoor planter is
near a window. Light is as important as
water for plants.
Do not place the planter next to heat or it
will dry out the soil as well as the foliage.
Most importantly, place your planter where
you can enjoy your indoor garden!

Cadix Grey Tapered Square Planter

From 23.99

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Cadix Black Pot Square Planter

From 12.99

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Wall planters

From a plain wall to a work of mother natures art

There is nothing like a wall planter

to liven up a barren and boring
wall. Whether in your home or
outside, a wall planter adds
texture and dimension to an
otherwise flat and dull space.
Wall planters are available in a variety of
shapes, sizes and materials.
When making your choice, you must first
decide whether it will be an outdoor or
indoor fixture. What kind of wear and
exposure will the planter endure? Which
types of plants will you use to fill it?

Indoors or outdoors?
For indoor planters, the choices are
endless. Some people choose to liven up
their walls with highly decorative planters,
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and then even fill them with artificial plants

or flowers to save on maintenance and
mess. Others like the look of live ferns,
flowers or other attractive plants.
Live plants will obviously need to be easily
accessible for feeding and watering
purposes. Make sure there is proper
drainage in the well of the planter, but that
it will not leak on floors or carpets beneath.
Also check the plant's requirements for
sun exposure and pick your location
wisely with that in mind.
Outdoor planters can really spruce up the
appearance of a bare fence, an entrance
gate or a shed wall. In fact, any vertical
surface
can benefit
from the

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Wall planters
beauty and colour wall planters can
provide - they highlight all your hard work
and celebrate it.
However, bear in mind that outdoor
planters need to have a carefully chosen
location with proper sun exposure, not too
much wind, and of course accessibility for
feeding and watering purposes.

Show off!
Wall planters are your chance to highlight
and showcase your growing skills and
they can beautify your home - both
indoors and out.

Choosing your material

There are many choices when it comes to
wall planter materials. Some are metal or
wire with various types of fibre lining.
They are also available in rustic materials
such as rattan, raffia and banana grass.
Terracotta and plastic are other popular
choices.

Gardman Gothic 50cm (20 inch) Wall

Trough
11.99

Check the guidelines

Be sure to check the manufacturer's
recommendations regarding suitability for
indoor or outdoor use. Be sure that the
roots of your plant have enough room to
expand as they grow.

Get creative
Once you have chosen your wall planter's
location, unleash your creativity.
Hanging just one can transform a wall, but
hanging a group of planters on one
surface can make a huge statement.

Mix and match

Gardman 40cm (16in) Woven Banana

Grass Wall Basket
7.49

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Perhaps you want to spruce up your shed

wall by mounting four wall planters - two
for vegetable plants and two for flowering
plants. After all, isn't variety the spice of
life? Go ahead and experiment!
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Hanging planters

Learn how to make those hanging planters stay alive and looking good

We've all seen the beautiful

hanging planters at the local
nursery. Some of us have even
tried to duplicate the effort, with
varying degrees of success.
Here are a few pointers that may help in
your next endeavour to create the perfect
hanging planter for your own home.

Ideal solution
Hanging planters are a great way to
counter a lack of ground space in a
garden, among many other advantages.
You can access them from all sides so
watering and weeding are easy and fast,
while pets and small children do not have
access, keeping your plants and flowers
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nice and safe. However, weight should be

a consideration - the size of the hanging
planter, with the soil, plants and water,
might be a problem if not hung securely.

Before you start...

First, do you have a good location
available for hanging a basket? A patio
shade, a window overhang, hooks and
railings are all good locations.
You may have other ideas of your own. Be
creative, but be cautious: electricity and
water do not mix.
When you've found your ideal location,
with plenty
of sun,
available
water

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Hanging planters
source and secure hanging capability,
you're ready to choose pots and plants.

The possibilities are endless if you use

your imagination.

Take your pick

Make your mark

There are a variety of hanging planters

available for nearly every style. Pots that
are lightweight and easily balanced are
your best choices.

Hanging planters can set the tone of a

garden for years to come. So, whether you
opt for a single hanging planter or a
garden full of them, your ingenuity will
make your garden uniquely yours.

Metal or wire designs are popular or you

can go for a more organic material such
as rattan. You can even buy hanging
baskets made from durable leaf material.
There are various fibre liners available and
moss can be used in a pot for delicate or
finicky plants.
Have fun choosing the pots that appeal to
you as well as the hanging accessories
that show them off. Think about the plants
or flowers you will be growing and pick the
basket designs that will complement them
the best.

Gardman Georgian Hanging Basket

From 6.99

Plant choice
Make sure the plants you choose will be
the right size for your planters when they
reach full maturity.
You might start with flowers such as
petunia or impatiens, plants such as ivy or
ferns, or herbs of any kind. Strawberries,
edible nasturtium and lettuces are also
favourites.
Ask your local nursery expert which plants
will grow best in the pots you choose.

Gardman 30cm Hyacinth Hanging Cone

Basket
8.49
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And whether you decide to grow herbs,

fruits and vegetables, flowers or grasses in
your pots, a mixture might be what you're
looking for.
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Window planters

The right window box gives guests a warm welcome

A beautiful and bountiful window

planter is a warm greeting to
guests approaching your home or
business. It can add a decorative
touch to any space, whether you
live in a flat or a house.
Window planters allow you to experience a
garden at your fingertips - you can plant
herbs to add to meals, or flowers to soften
your home's exterior.
They are available in a wide variety of
shapes and sizes to fit your space and
your budget, which is just as well because
there are many factors to consider.

Ask yourself...
What is the size of your window? Will you
be placing the planter outdoors, in a
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window box, or on a windowsill indoors?

Will you need to move the planter in and
out, or will it remain in its fixed location?
What kind of sun exposure does the
location get? Is it highly accessible to you,
considering you will need to feed and
water the plants often?

Decisions, decisions...
Once you have answered the questions
above, it is time to start investigating the
many window planters available.
The available sun exposure will determine
which type of plants best suit your
location, and this will in turn inform your
choice of
window
planter.

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Window planters
Be sure to select planters that have a lot of
room for the roots of the plant to grow.
They should be deep, but not so deep that
they detract from the plants housed in
them. The bottom of the window planter
should have adequate drainage holes to
allow extra water to seep out - this will
prevent root rot.
Elho Algarve Trough 50cm Terra
5.99

Material choice
If you're looking for a traditional and
aesthetic choice, consider a terracotta
planter. Synthetic and plastic planters are
also available, popular for their durability.

Stewarts Balconniere Self Watering

35cm Plastic Square Planter Terracotta
6.99

Stewarts Corinthian Trough 70cm

From 5.99

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Stewarts Balconniere Self Watering

70cm Plastic Trough Dark Green
7.99
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Wooden planters

Its hard to beat wooden planters for good looks and durability

Wooden planters are a popular

choice for gardeners, mostly due
to their attractiveness and
durability. Here are a few things to
consider before selecting one for
your home or garden.

waterproof stain, sealer or paint and

reinforcing the joints with rustproof nails. If
you do use a stain or sealer, be sure that it
is one that will not harm the plants.

Tough but not the toughest

Unfortunately, wooden planters can also

end up providing homes for burrowing
pests such as ants or woodlice, so watch
for signs of an infestation. Putting the
planter on a hard surface instead of
directly on the ground will help deter rot
and keep the creepy crawlies out.

Planters are available in a variety of

woods, including teak, cedar, cypress and
redwood. Most of the woods used are
extremely tough and resistant to rot and
moisture, although not to the extent of
certain other materials, such as ceramic
and plastic.
You can help extend the life of a wooden
planter by using black plastic liners (with
holes punched in the bottom for drainage),
painting the planter with a good
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Beware of pests

Variety of styles
Wooden planters are available in a wide
variety of
styles.
Even after

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Wooden planters
they've weathered they have an attractive,
rustic look about them. And they can be
easily painted to match your house or
garden furniture.
While they are not as light as plastic
planters, they are lighter and easier to
move than ceramic or stone, and therefore
better suited to plants that need to be
moved seasonally.

Gardman Obelisk Wooden Patio Planter

39

The insulating qualities of wood make it

well suited for warm climates and direct
sunlight, where other planters might
transmit too much heat to the roots and kill
the plant.
At the same time, wood is a good choice
for colder areas and for plants that you
plan to leave out over the winter, since it
will keep out frost and not go brittle in
cold, as plastic might.

Plant choice

Gardman Trellis Wooden Patio Planter

39

If you are growing plants that come up in

vines or creepers, such as tomatoes,
clematis or hydrangea, wooden planters
will probably be your best choice because
many of them either include a built-in trellis
or can have one added with minimal effort.
Large planters can even hold an entire
vegetable plot. You should choose plants
that are better able to handle dry
conditions: regardless of what your planter
is made from, the soil in it will dry out
faster than ground soil.

Verandhi Grey Basket 30x30x15

13.99

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Plastic planters

Plastic planters are versatile and cheap

The versatile plastic planter has

come of age as the easiest, most
cost-effective solution to
container gardening since the
lowly clay pot.
While selecting a container depends to a
great extent on intended use, plastic and
resin containers offer a wide variety of
colour, size and shape options to provide
the solution to any planting requirement,
from coddling the smallest African violet to
cultivating the largest bush tomato.

All shapes and sizes

The average plastic container is often a
two-piece affair, consisting of a main pot
partnered with a catch-basin for water
overflow, protecting delicate roots from the
damage of over-watering.
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Plastic planters are available in a large

selection of shapes, from the familiar
round basket with a handily built-in hook
for hanging, to squares, octagons,
rectangles and half-rounds for wall
hanging.
Some planters are designed to hook over
balcony railings, while others are intended
to present inviting fragrance and colour
from a window box.

Colour choice
Aside from size and shape, diversity in
colour makes plastic planters an excellent
choice for decorative accent pieces.
They can tie colour schemes together in
the garden
space or
inside the

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Plastic planters
home. But be careful when choosing darkcoloured containers as, when exposed to
the heat of the sun, they can cause
temperatures inside the pot to become too
high, which can damage delicate roots.

Light and durable

The greatest advantage of plastic
containers are their light weight, durability
and the sheer selection available.

Stewarts Gothic Hexagonal Plastic

Planter White Stone 39cm
14.99

For the avid gardener, plastic planters lend

themselves to transplanting, as the roots
tend to cling less to the smooth sides.
Additionally, plastic planters are easy to
move about as suits ones tastes or the
availability of the sun.
Because of their variety, plastic containers
are easily arranged in groups. They are a
perfect choice for small-scale gardeners,
as they are suitable for flowering plants as
well as a variety of vegetables.
Plastic planters offer few disadvantages,
but they are susceptible to weakening in
extremes of heat or cold and can crack.
But their variety makes them a very
worthwhile option to consider, and their
affordability eases the trauma of replacing
them after a few years.

Stewarts Sylvan Hex Pot 45cmr

17.99

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Stewarts Corinthian Low Planter Plastic

Pot 45cm Black
4.99
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17

Metal planters

Metal planters can take any weather and last for years but watch out for rust

Metal planters vary significantly in

cost, appearance, and durability.
Before selection, review the basic
characteristics to ensure the best
fit for your chosen application.
Advantages and disadvantages
Metal planters offer a good number of
advantages. They can be left outside yearround since they won't freeze and are
durable enough to endure rough
treatment.
They can last for years, if properly
maintained - in fact, they often become
more beautiful over time. They also retain
water well and don't absorb it.
However, as with other types of container,
there are disadvantages. Metal containers
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can corrode or rust, depending on the

type of metal and level of maintenance.
They can also be heavy and expensive,
and do not drain well if you're not using a
purpose-built planter that comes with
drainage holes.

Which metal?
Every metal has characteristics that make
it suitable for different applications.
Stainless steel and aluminum containers
are rust-resistant. Large stainless steel
containers are tough but can be heavy.
Aluminum is lightweight but not as durable
as stainless steel. Copper and brass
containers can cost a bit more, but with
care they can last for years. In addition,
over time
they can
acquire an

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Metal planters
attractive patina, giving them a unique
look. Iron and lead containers are heavy
but durable.

Which plants?
Metal containers are appropriate for many
plants. Large metal planters are perfect for
trees and flowering plants, especially in
areas where they might be near frequent
traffic and receive the odd knock. Small
metal planters are an attractive way to
showcase beautiful herbs and flowers.

Cadix Steel Ball Planter

From 45

All the sizes in between can be used for

vegetables - but do not use lead or leadlined containers for plants that could be
ingested.
Since metal does not absorb or drain
water, where drainage is important you
can drill holes an inch or so above the
bottom, or line the container with rocks,
broken pottery or shells. If water retention
is important, metal without drainage is
perfect as it is.

Cadix Mirror Ball Planter

45

Location tip
Do not use metal planters in areas where
they will receive direct sunlight. Metal can
heat up and dry out the roots of the plants,
so place the plants in shady areas or in
locations where the sun shines for brief
periods throughout the day.
Selected carefully and maintained
properly, metal planters can give you
years of enjoyment.

Tom Chambers Three Tier Metal Planter

45

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Terrazzo planters

Terrazzo planters offer a smooth style with practical sturdiness

Terrazzo is made from a mixture of

cement, granite and marble, which
is then sanded to a smooth finish.
Planters made from this material
offer supreme sturdiness and a
stylish, contemporary look.

The relatively simple manufacturing

process means that terrazzo planters are
available in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

Smooth styling

Solid and sleek

Terrazzo planters are perfect for nonhanging indoor plants and can add a
touch of class to any decor.
Terrazzo's sleek lines and solidly weighted
forms are a perfect complement to many
modern furniture styles.

Versatile and adaptable

All kinds of plants look perfectly at home in
a terrazzo planter as the surface of the
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material is a good match for the organic

form of plants and their foliage.

Terrazzo is easily formed into smooth

cubed vessels, regular round pots and
large, sturdy fixture basins, allowing for
any number of plants in whatever mix of
tall grasses, perennially flowering plants,
small trees or bushes you prefer.

Planter care
In extreme
weather
and wintry
months,

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Terrazzo planters
terrazzo planters are typically covered or
brought indoors. Simple care like this can
protect the finish and prevent cracking in a
bad frost or cold spell.

Weighty issues
There's no question that terrazzo is a
recommended choice when it comes to
both good drainage and heavy usage in
high traffic areas.

Cadix Lightweight Black Balcony

Terrazzo Planter
35.99

Unfortunately, larger planters can become

rather heavy when loaded down with your
own personal version of biological
paradise.

Moving advice
In order to make transportation and feng
shui-style rearrangement easier, consider
buying your deep terrazzo planters along
with large, shallow basins or trays that can
easily be shifted.
Alternatively, plant movers and trolleys are
available to help you shift your pots
around. These are relatively inexpensive
and can help you in your quest to find the
perfect spot for your plants.

Gardman Cast Iron Pot Plant Trolley

31cm (12in) Black
13.99

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Gardman Tall Pot Stand 25cm (10in)

Round Black
6.49
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Terracotta planters

After thousands of years, the terracotta planter remains a firm favourite

People have been using terracotta

to make pots and containers for
thousands of years, so it's no
surprise it's an excellent material
for planters.
Perfectly porous
Because they are made of clay, terracotta
planters are both durable and organic.
The material is fairly weather-resistant,
highly breathable and porous, so it is ideal
for plants with roots requiring extra oxygen
or those sensitive to over-watering.

Treated or glazed?
If the clay has been baked at very high
temperatures or if the pot has been
glazed, it may not be permeable to water.
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So before you make your purchase, it is

important to check what type of clay has
been used to make the pot, and if it has
been treated or glazed in any way.

Weight considerations
While suitable for many applications, clay
planters do have some disadvantages.
For instance, larger terracotta pots can be
quite heavy, especially when filled with soil
and a plant, so they may not be ideal for
big plants that need to be moved around
frequently.
If you are looking for a lighter, more
portable planter then you might find plastic
a more
suitable
option.

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Terracotta planters
If you intend to keep the plant in the same
location, a terracotta planter can be placed
practically anywhere - inside or outdoors.
Keep in mind, however, that clay planters
are not frost-resistant like some other
types of containers.

Natural and earthy

Terracotta planters are aesthetically
pleasing due to their earthy colour and
natural look. Styles can vary greatly, from
intricate and decorative to simple and
minimalist. They also come in a large
enough variety of sizes and shapes to suit
all your planter needs.

Rhubarb Forcer
39

Hose it down
Some terracotta pots absorb salts and
other minerals, which can form a white
crust on the outside of the planter that
some find unattractive. However, these
minerals are easily washed away with a
hose or afternoon rain.
Terracotta Strawberry Planter 35cm
19.99

Classic charm
So in summary, consider terracotta if you
are looking for a durable and breathable
planter with a classic look.

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Terracotta Herb Planter

14.99

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The Garden Planters & Pots Guide from Dobbies.com

How to make a strawberry planter

Strawberry planters are simple, fun and, if things go well, delicious and healthy

Building your own strawberry

planter can be a simple, fun and
inexpensive project and the
results can be extremely
rewarding and more to the point,
delicious and healthy, too.

Choose a location

Almost any container will do for planting

strawberries but if you build your own then
you can be sure you'll have a planter that
will suit your needs perfectly.

Location is important to strawberries as

they prefer sunny environments, and it will
also influence the design of your planter.

How to make a strawberry planter

Building your own strawberry planter can
be a simple, fun and inexpensive project
and the results can be extremely
rewarding.
Almost any container will do for planting
strawberries but if you build your own then
A Dobbies.com Free Guide

you can be sure you'll have a planter that

will suit your needs perfectly.

First, you must decide where you would

like your planter to sit.

Strawberry pyramid
Either in the garden or on a patio, one of
the most popular options is constructing a
strawberry pyramid.
This type
of planter
will last a

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The Garden Planters & Pots Guide from Dobbies.com

How to make a strawberry planter

long time and is reusable, while adding a
decorative touch to your outdoor area.

Do the same to the second level, and

finally plant two or three on top.

Almost any material will be appropriate for

construction, though popular materials
include bricks, large pots and aluminium
circular rings.

This design is very simple, inexpensive,

and creates a desirable tiered system that
will prevent insects and dampness from
destroying your strawberries.

The main idea is to build your strawberry

planter with a large base and many tiers to
prevent things from eating the plants, and
also to prevent the plants from becoming
tangled amongst themselves.

The hanging option

This makes the berries more accessible for

picking, and keeps them off the damp
ground.

The sack method

For a patio or decking, one popular
method simply requires a large sack or
pop-up bag for gathering garden debris.

Hanging containers are also worth

considering as strawberries can expand
downwards, and there is no danger of
them being trampled or eaten. Use a sack
such as the one in the aforementioned
design, or a large basket with holes.
Once filled with potting soil and planted
with strawberries, the container should be
suspended in a sunny place by rope or
chain.

Good, healthy fun

Any size will do, though it should

preferably be around 40x40cm in height
and diameter.

There are endless possibilities for creating

your own strawberry planter, from using
old barrels to tyres and baskets.

To construct, simply fill the bottom of the

bag with approximately 5cm of sand or
gravel, then continue with potting soil for
another 5cm.

Anybody can create one, and it is a fun

project for children to get involved in, too.

From here, begin cutting holes into the

sack that will allow for the strawberries'
leaves to come out from inside.
Create two levels of evenly spaced
openings, no closer to each other than
about 10cm.

What's more, fresh, undamaged

strawberries are a delicious and healthy
treat that can be grown with little cost or
labour.
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Fill the planter to the first level with potting

soil and insert your strawberry plants from
the inside, gently pulling their leaves
through the opening.
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