Garden Planter Materials

It's important to be choosy and creative in selecting your garden planters. First, each planter should complement the plants aesthetically and functionally. Besides, keep in mind that the material, size and shape of the planter should be conducive to your plant's health as well as to your surroundings. Here are some useful details about types of containers.

Wood Planters
Traditional wood planters have always been popular with gardening enthusiasts. Not only do they lend a classy, artistic touch to your surroundings, they fare well in colder weather and also provide more insulation than terra cotta pots. If you like wooden planters or baskets, make sure that your planter is made of a rot-resistant wood like redwood or cedar because a garden planter made of pine or other rot-prone wood won't last long with its inside in constant contact with moist soil. You'll want to also finish the wood with a plant-proof preserver for extra durability.

Terra-cotta and Glazed Clay Planters
Terra-cotta pots are heavy, which prevents even substantial plants from tipping over. Terra-cotta pots are porous; thus, while oxygen remains available to the plants' roots, moisture evaporates rapidly. So plants in a terra-cotta planter must be watered more frequently. However, if you have young children or pets or if you live in a cold climate where soil may freeze and expand, your terra-cotta containers may not last long. Glazed clay pots aren't as porous as terra cotta, though you can choose glazed colors that match your decor.

Plastic, Stone and Wrought Iron Planters
Plastic pots often resemble terra-cotta containers and can be moved or cleaned more easily than terra cotta. Plastic containers retain moisture better than clay, which is an advantage in hot or dry climates but a disadvantage if you tend to over-water plants. Plastic pots are less expensive and readily available in many designs. They're lighter than clay pots and may topple if plants are top-heavy. Stone garden planters add a natural effect to your house or garden, but are often difficult to move. They also can break fairly easily. Wrought-iron garden planters or other unusual stands can add appeal to your home, while also minimizing wood rot and preventing insect manifestations.