Planters & Pots for Beginners

In depth

Choosing your first planters and pots can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of terminology thrown around – ‘terracotta’, ‘glazed ceramic’, ‘self-watering’ – that doesn't immediately mean anything to someone just starting out with houseplants. Don’t worry; it’s perfectly normal to feel this way, and the most important thing is to focus on a few key factors that will make your plants happy and your gardening experience enjoyable. Essentially, we’re looking at material, size, drainage, and ultimately, what you want to grow.

Let's start with materials. Terracotta pots are incredibly popular and for good reason: they’re porous – this means air can move through the walls of the pot. This allows the soil to breathe, preventing it from becoming waterlogged and giving roots a better chance to develop. They tend to be lighter than other options too. Glazed ceramic pots, on the other hand, have a sealant on the outside that stops water passing through. These are often brighter in colour and heavier, but they can sometimes create a less ideal environment for root health if you’re growing plants that prefer drier conditions. Plastic pots are incredibly affordable and come in a huge range of shapes and sizes; however, they don't breathe as well as terracotta or ceramic so it's important to be mindful of watering. You can find plastic pots with drainage holes, which is essential for most plants, but they still won’t offer the same airflow benefits. Don’t get hung up on trying to pick ‘the best’ material; choose one that feels right and suits the type of plant you're buying.

Size matters significantly, not just in terms of aesthetics but crucially, for root growth. A small seedling needs a small pot – perhaps 10cm or 15cm diameter – and you’ll need to repot it into a larger container as it grows. Plants have roots that need space to spread out and establish themselves. If you put a fast-growing plant like a geranium into a tiny pot, its roots will quickly become cramped, hindering growth and potentially causing the plant to struggle. Conversely, a mature plant in an enormous pot might suffer from root rot if the water doesn't drain away properly. Consider how big your chosen plant is likely to get when it’s fully grown – research the mature size of the plant before you buy its pot. Don't be tempted by huge pots just because they look impressive; a slightly larger, appropriately sized pot will always be better than an oversized one that restricts root growth.

Drainage is absolutely vital, and this relates directly to the material you’ve chosen. All your new pots should have drainage holes in the bottom – these are small openings that allow excess water to escape. Without them, water sits at the base of the pot, creating a soggy environment around the roots which leads to root rot - one of the most common causes of plant death. You can buy ‘drainage saucers’ to sit underneath your pots, and these aren't essential, but they *do* catch any excess water that leaks out through the drainage holes and prevent it from damaging your surfaces. Don't be tempted to add gravel or broken pottery shards to the bottom of your pot – this actually hinders drainage; it creates a layer that traps water rather than allowing it to escape. A good quality potting mix, which we’ll discuss shortly, will also help with drainage and aeration.

Speaking of potting mixes, don't just buy ‘potting compost’ – there are different types formulated for different plants. For example, cacti and succulents need a very gritty, free-draining mix, while moisture-loving houseplants like ferns prefer a richer, heavier blend. Most general-purpose potting mixes are a good starting point but always check the packaging to make sure it's suitable for your chosen plant. You can also buy specialist mixes – these often contain added nutrients to give your plants a boost. Once you’ve got your pot and your mix, gently fill the pot with the mix, leaving enough space at the top for your plant. Don’t compact the soil too tightly; it needs air pockets to allow roots to breathe.

Finally, there are some things you can ignore when you're starting out – terms like ‘self-watering planters’, ‘smart pots’, or ‘hydroponics’. These systems often involve complex technology and additional costs that aren’t necessary for a beginner. A simple terracotta pot with good drainage and the right potting mix will provide everything your plant needs to thrive, and it's far more straightforward to manage. You can explore more advanced techniques later on once you’ve gained confidence and understand what your plants require. Focus on getting the basics right – choosing the appropriate size pot, ensuring proper drainage, and using a suitable potting mix – and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying successful plant parenthood.