Madison Ribbed Slate Planter

Pots and planters hold compost and plants on patios, balconies, walls and windowsills, and let you grow flowers, herbs and shrubs where there is no open ground. This category covers round and square planters, tall and low pots, troughs, wall and vertical planters, herb planters, self-watering planters, flower pot saucers and hanging basket cradles with liners.

Materials

• Terracotta: a traditional look, but unglazed clay is porous so the compost dries out faster. Ordinary terracotta can crack in winter; for pots left outside all year, choose ones sold as frost-proof rather than just frost-resistant.
• Plastic: light, holds moisture well and comes in many styles, though some plastics weaken after years in strong sun.
• Metal: a modern look, but metal heats up in summer and cools quickly in winter.
• Wood: troughs and half barrels look natural but wear over time unless the wood is treated.

Size and drainage

Every container needs drainage holes so roots do not sit in water. Stand pots on pot feet or bricks to keep the holes clear and help stop frost damage. Larger pots dry out more slowly than small ones, and tall, narrow pots need weight in the base to stay upright. For permanent plants, avoid pots that are narrower at the top than in the middle, as the root ball is hard to remove later. Self-watering planters have a reservoir in the base that feeds water up to the compost; saucers catch drips indoors.

Filling the pot

Use multi-purpose compost for seasonal plants, a soil-based compost for long-term plants, and ericaceous compost for acid-loving plants such as blueberries. See compost and growing products for what goes inside.