Choose the Best Containers for Your Plants

How to choose the best container for the job, whether it's terra-cotta or glazed.
Clay Pot Planter on Stone Walkway

Clay Pot Planter on Stone Walkway

The sheer number and variety of shapes, sizes and styles of terra-cotta pots available these days is truly staggering, if not a little bewildering to gardeners who aren't sure which pot or pots to buy. Master gardener Paul James gives a primer on pots:

If you grow a lot of annuals in containers and you're on a budget, it's hard to beat the standard terra-cotta pot. They're functional, lightweight and inexpensive. They're great for growing plants that won't need to be overwintered, especially herbs.

But these pots have two basic flaws: they'll crack if left outdoors in areas of the country where temperatures drop below freezing, especially if you leave soil in them, and they break easily. Thicker walled pots which are sometimes called double-wall are far more rugged and a good deal more expensive. They're also fairly heavy when filled with potting mix and a plant. In fact, large pots can be extremely heavy.

Paul James uses more double-wall pots than any other kind, especially for perennials that overwinter outdoors. However, Paul uses more of these pots than any other, especially for perennials that he overwinters outdoors. They will occasionally crack, but they can endure several years and several alternate periods of freezing and thawing without cracking.

So-called double-fired pots will stand up to the most severe winters without cracking. Yes, they're expensive, but they'll last for decades and that makes them a good value.

Glazed clay pots are becoming more and more popular, and they're ideal for plants that require nearly constant moisture because they aren't as porous as unglazed pots. For example, parsley in a terra-cot pot needs to be watered every day, whereas parsley growing in a glazed pot needs to be watered only once every three or four days. Glazed pots are also excellent for miniature water gardens.

The latest trend in clay pots these days is the faux terra cotta. Many "clay" pots are actually made of plastic. You have to touch it to realize that it isn't clay. This one is even more realistic because the finish has that dusty clay look that up until now you could only get with genuine terra cotta. It also has a planting shelf, so rather than fill the entire pot with potting mix, you need to fill only the upper third of the pot. That saves you money on mix, and it lightens the load considerably.

Next Up

The Best Self-Watering Planters for Your Home, Deck or Patio

Take the work and worry out of watering flowers, veggies and herbs when you use a planter that gives plant roots the right amount of moisture.

4 Clever Container Garden Combos to Try

You don’t need a big yard to grow your dream garden — just a big planter.

How to Design a Container Garden

Follow this simple design concept and boost the impact of your container gardens with plants of various sizes, textures and color combinations.

How to Grow and Care for Calibrachoas

Whether you call them million bells or baby petunias, easy-to-grow calibrachoas may be small, but they pack a big punch of color in the garden.

How to Replant an Overwintered Pot in Spring or Summer

So, you left your pot filled with tender perennials or annuals outside all winter? Whoops! Don't worry, it happens. We'll show you how to determine which plants are ready for another growing season and how to replace the dearly departed with new plants.

How to Grow Sweet Potatoes in Containers

Short on garden space? You'll be happy to know sweet potatoes can be grown in flower pots.

Grow an Olive Tree

Grow an olive tree indoors and let it take summer vacations outdoors. If your climate is warm, you can even plant it in your garden.

Where to Buy Vegetable Plants Online

It's perfectly acceptable to grow many veggies and herbs from transplants instead of seed, and you can even order some online.

How to Make a Combination Outdoor Planter and Privacy Screen

Gain some privacy in style with this easy-to-build privacy screen great for small decks or patios.

How to Set Up Water and Lighting in a Greenhouse

Water and light are essential to plants, and in a greenhouse, you'll provide both.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.