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Mar
Having a little green spot in your backyard can change your life in a way you didn’t think was possible. When you’re in touch with nature, your mind and body relax and you get to be present at the moment. But plants aren’t just decor that can make you feel better – they are living organisms too. That being said, you will have to find them the right spot, pick suitable soil, water them as much as they need and add fertilizer if it’s necessary.
But even if you make sure to provide all of that, it won’t make any difference unless you use the right garden planters. Seeing those lovely gardens and balconies on social media is probably making you wish for one. So, if you have some extra space in your garden, porch or balcony, here are the best types of garden planters you can get for your new green babies.
When it comes to low-effort gardening, self-watering garden planters are the best investment you can make for yourself and your garden.
No matter if you have flowers or want to grow vegetables, you can get a self-watering pot that can fit your backyard in terms of size and design too.
These innovative planters usually have a classic minimalist design and are constructed to help your plants take the water they need when they need it. The integrated self-watering system makes this planter ideal for busy people, or for anyone who wants to be sure that their plants will stay hydrated at all times. If you’re a busy person, travel often, or simply are still learning about gardening, such planters will spare you from many unwanted moments. Your plants will remain fresh and will grow fast in front of your eyes.
All you need to do is top up the reservoir and let the plants self-water themselves. But be sure to check the water level indicator, though. It will show you how more water has remained and whether you need to refill it.
These planters are sturdy, made of injection-moulded HDPE, UV and are corrosion resistant. They’re BPA-free, recyclable and food-safe (ideal for planting veggies or creating a magical herb garden).
If you decide to take the self-watering planters inside your home for the winter, you shouldn’t worry about dripping water. They come with a drip tray that will take care of everything and your floors will remain safe and dry.
The fact that these pots are scalable (the units can be ‘plugged in’ to each other) makes them ideal for integrated watering and larger growing space.
It’s best if you get these planters with built-in stands so you can be sure that they can endure the whole weight (along with the dirt, plants and water). This way the pots won’t fall over and break.
These planters have been the most popular options for gardens for years. The warm earthy tones make them ideal for blending in with the natural colours of your garden. The great thing is that they are affordable and come in various shapes and sizes. If you’re looking for a heavier planter that could endure winds and rain, without flipping over, then this one is a great choice.
However, even though they’re heavy, the downside is that they can easily break. They’re also porous and can lose moisture faster than other containers. This means that if you have plants that require frequent watering, such planters won’t be a great choice (unless you have the time and desire to do it).
Concrete is a very popular material for modern planters. These pots are usually sturdy, large and heavy, which makes them ideal for outdoor plants that require a stable pot that won’t fall when the weather is challenging. The concrete is excellent for moderating soil temperature, as well as good insulation and moisture loss.
If you’re looking for edgy designs that can enrich your garden, concrete pots are a great option. However, these pots are quite heavy, so be sure to find a good spot for them (somewhere where you’d want it to stay for a long time).
Wood is a lovely material that gives a natural, and warm look that is ideal for your backyard garden. The great thing is that you can pain wood pots in any colour you want. However, wood will easily decay when exposed to the elements. Most wood planters will endure about a year outside before you see the damages. To be sure your wood pots will endure the weather for a long time, seek rot-resistant wood (if you can’t find such planters, you’ll have to line and treat the wood regularly, to prevent it from decaying).
Metal planters are usually made of cast iron, copper, zinc, stainless steel or bronze. If you want some industrial aesthetics in your garden, then metal pots are your best option. They’re durable and can make for great centrepieces in your backyard.
There are a few downsides with metal, though. The biggest problem is that it can absorb heat during hot days, which for some plants might be fatal. Place them in a shady place, or at least in a place where they won’t be exposed to the sun the whole day.
These are the most affordable planters on this list. They come in any size, shape and colour you want and you can find them in any garden store. They’re known for their durability and lightweight (great for moving around the garden or balcony). However, they can easily break (although this shouldn’t be a concern, given the fact that they’re quite affordable). The only downside is that they aren’t quite good for heavier plants.
In most cases, these are made of wood and are a superb option as a separate section in your garden. These are ideal for veggies, especially if they require special soil and watering. Raised planters look amazing and will make your garden look neat (and if you want, it will give your garden rustic charm). The bottom of the planter must be punctured so the water can drain. Make sure to get rot-resistant wood for these planters.
