Planters: Ceramic, Plastic, and Terra cotta 🪴

There are many types of planters available for your Garden sPOT but which one is right for you? Carrie Engle of Valley View Farms Garden Center talks about ceramic, plastic, and terra cotta options.
Ceramic is the most expensive. It's also the heaviest, which can be an advantage if you're planting a top-heavy tree, battling windy conditions, or if you have energetic pets. Ceramic can be weather resistant and cope well with freezing (as long as the top opening is the widest part of the planter and freezing soil can expand upward). Ceramic planters hold moisture better than terra cotta planters.
Plastic planters can be very inexpensive, strong, and lightweight. Plastic also holds moisture very well. In the past, plastic planters looked a little bland but these days you can find them with all types of textures and finishes. Often, it's hard to tell plastic from ceramic, stone, or even metal at first glance.
Terra cotta planters are a classic look. They can be modestly priced however, the material is more brittle than ceramic or plastic, which can result in chipping. Terra cotta is very porous and wicks moisture out of the potting mix, so you may be watering more often. (Terra cotta planters are best for low-water plants like succulents and cacti.) The porousness also means the planter walls can hold moisture as freezing temperatures move in. Ice forming within the planter walls will cause the planter to crack.

[@ellenreilley3938]

I subscribed and I’m looking forward to more videos. Thanks Carrie.

[@rabbitgregory9289]

At one time, everyone put a layer of rocks at the bottom of the pot for drainage. Is that really necessary? Thanks. 🌺

[@gardenspots]

No, that is not a good idea. It simply restricts the root area. If you have drainage holes in the pot and good potting mix (do not use garden soil in pots) the drainage will be fine.

[@nymode]

Thanks for your videos. Very informative! Question: What pot would be best for forcing bulbs indoors, such as crocuses?

[@gardenspots]

Any pot that is at least 5” deep to accommodate bulb and roots will work. The pot also must have drainage holes.

[@nymode]

@@gardenspots Thanks again!!

[@jesseostone386]

What do you suggest using to cover the hole on the inside to keep the soil from washing out when watering?

[@gardenspots]

We don't recommend covering the hole. If you have good quality potting mix, water it slowly and thoroughly the first time (until it runs out a little). It should then hold together enough to prevent much run out. If you are concerned about staining the area underneath, use a saucer - but empty it after every rain/watering!

[@user-zc2me9ug5o]

I am from Bangladesh, how can I buy these?

[@gardenspots]

I don't know what the situation is in Bangladesh as far as what garden centers carry, but there are many online sources for planters.

[@user-zc2me9ug5o]

@@gardenspots
For my roof gardening.