Whether you’re a gardener, a landscaper, or an enthusiast just starting on your green thumb journey, you’ll recognize the importance of having the right material for outdoor planters. They’re not only functional and decorative, but planters also serve as your foundation in creating beautiful and lasting outdoor spaces.
With a vast array of materials available, it can be tricky to pick the best one. This article explores traditional and modern choices, helping you pick the best material for your outdoor planters.
Continue reading to learn more and explore your planter options!
Traditional choices
Why not start this exploration with materials you might already be familiar with? Here are some of the most common traditional choices of planter materials:
Terracotta
When people describe planters, they usually talk about reddish-brown clay pots with a distinctive rustic vibe. Sounds familiar? Those are called terracotta planters, crafted from natural clay and fired in a kiln.
Terracotta is porous, which allows for good airflow and moisture regulation. These characteristics are both beneficial for plant health. However, this material can be fragile and crack in freezing temperatures, making it more suitable for warmer climates or indoor use during winter.
Ceramic
Ceramic planters are made from clay that is glazed and fired at high temperatures. They’re pretty flexible aesthetics-wise, which makes them ideal if you’re after something decorative. The glazing process makes ceramic planters less porous than terracotta, but they remain heavy and can break easily. Despite their fragility, ceramic planters are prized for their aesthetic appeal.
Wood
Wooden planters are usually made with cedar, redwood, and teak. They’re known for their natural resistance to decay and weather damage. Wooden planters offer a natural and timeless look that blends well with different garden styles. However, they also need consistent upkeep including sealing and staining to prolong their lifespan and prevent rot.
Stone
Stone planters are carved from natural stones like granite, marble, or limestone. They’re highly durable and weather-resistant, too. However, may it be small indoor vessels or large outdoor planters, stone containers can be heavy and difficult to move. Thus, they’re perfect for permanent installations.
Cast iron and copper
Traditional metal planters are often made from cast iron or copper. Cast iron planters are sturdy and durable, adding a vintage or industrial feel to gardens. However, they’re prone to rust if not properly maintained.
On the other hand, copper planters develop a beautiful patina as they age, adding character and charm. Both types of metal planters can be heavy and require some maintenance to prevent corrosion.
Each of these traditional materials have attractive qualities and practical characteristics, making them popular choices for gardeners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces.
Modern materials
After exploring the classic options, modern planter materials come next. Here are some of them:
Plastic
Plastic planters are lightweight, durable, and affordable. They come in various styles and colors, often mimicking more expensive materials like stone or ceramic. Plastic planters are weather-resistant and require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for convenience and affordability.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass planters are made from reinforced plastic fibers, offering strength and lightness. They’re resistant to cracking, fading, and weather damage and can mimic the appearance of stone or concrete. Fiberglass planters provide a sleek and contemporary look and are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Aluminum and steel
Modern metal planters are often made from materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or weathering steel. Like the other materials discussed, they’re also quite sturdy and resistant to deterioration. Stainless steel and aluminum planters offer a sleek, modern aesthetic and are lightweight compared to traditional cast iron. Meanwhile, weathering steel, also called Corten Steel, develops a rust-like patina that protects it from further corrosion, adding a unique industrial look to gardens.
Resin
Resin planters are made from a composite material that combines plastic and other elements. They’re lightweight, durable, and resistant to weather and UV rays. Resin planters can be molded into various shapes and styles, often resembling more expensive materials like stone or wood. They require little maintenance and are ideal for those seeking a durable and versatile option.
Fiber cement
Modern concrete planters have evolved to include lightweight versions using fiber cement or hypertufa, which is a mixture of concrete, peat moss, and perlite. They’re durable and weather resistant but are much lighter and easier to move. They provide a contemporary, minimalist look and are available in various shapes and sizes.
Composite materials
Composite planters offer you the best characteristics of many traditional and modern planter materials previously discussed. To create composite planters, manufacturers may combine wood fibers, plastics, and resins. They’re also available in a range of styles and colors, making them suitable for various garden designs.
Because of modern technology, the farming and gardening sector found ways to enhance existing planter materials to cater to the market’s diverse needs. Each contemporary material listed above offer a unique mix of durability, resistance against elements, and aesthetic value.
Bonus: Out-of-the-ordinary planters
Yes, there are some unusual materials you can transform into planters. These unique items can add a distinctive touch to your garden. That, and some of them, you can get for free! Here are a few examples:
- Shipping pallets: Wooden shipping pallets can be transformed into planters, often used to create vertical gardens. They’re an excellent way to recycle materials and add a rustic charm to your garden. Pallets can be disassembled and reconfigured into various planter shapes and sizes.
- Coconut shells: Coconut shells have the shape and strength ideal for planters. As for visual appeal, their natural appearance add a tropical aesthetic to gardens. So, if you want something unique, you can use these fragrant shells as small planters to grow your herbs or succulents. You can also use them for aerial plants or as adornments in garden displays.
- Wine barrels: Do you recognize the rustic beauty of a wine barrel? If so, you’re not alone! This is why many use repurposed wine barrels to make attractive and sturdy planters. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, wine barrel planters also have the strength and capacity to accommodate small trees, shrubs, or multiple plants.
- Recycled metal containers: Pretty much every type of old metal container, as long as they can hold plants, can be uses as planters. So, the next time you need something with an industrial or vintage feel in your garden, look no further! You can use old buckets, tubs, or cans and give them a fresh look using paint or other decorative elements to suit your garden’s style.
- Fabric: Yes, you read that right! Fabric isn’t just for clothing, as you can turn them into fabric planters! Also known as grow bags, they’re made from breathable materials like felt or non-woven fabric. They promote healthy root growth by allowing air pruning and excellent drainage. Fabric planters are lightweight, portable, and can be used in a variety of garden settings.
- Shoes and boots: Don’t part with those pre-loved shoes and boots just yet! Instead of leaving them sad and lonely at the bottom of the bin, you can transform your beloved footwear into quirky, eye-catching planters! Use them to add a whimsical touch to your green space, particularly if you have small plants and succulents.
Using unusual materials for planters not only adds a unique aesthetic to your garden but also promotes sustainability by repurposing items that might otherwise be discarded. These creative solutions can transform any outdoor space into a distinctive and environmentally friendly haven.
Conclusion
When deciding on the ideal material for outdoor planters, consider your climate, the style you’re going for, and how much maintenance you’re willing to put in. By considering the advantages and disadvantages of each material, you’ll be able to find the perfect planters to spruce up your outdoor space, ensuring both beauty and practicality.
