Pots To Help Your Plant Thrive
A great plant deserves a great pot. The right container doesn’t just complement your garden – it helps your plants thrive. Here’s our simple guide to choosing the perfect pot.
1. Pick the Right Size
The size of your pot has a big impact on how your plant grows.
Too small: Roots become cramped and plants dry out quickly.
Too large: Excess compost can stay wet for longer, increasing the risk of root rot.
Top tip: Choose a pot that’s around 2–5cm wider than your plant’s current pot for most flowers and shrubs. Larger trees and specimen plants may need more room
2. Consider How Much Water Your Plant Needs
Different plants have different watering requirements, and your choice of pot can help make care easier.
- Larger pots generally hold moisture for longer, making them useful for thirsty plants or busy gardeners.
- Smaller pots may need watering more frequently, especially during warmer weather.
- Porous materials such as terracotta allow moisture to evaporate more quickly.
- Glazed and non-porous pots help retain moisture for longer.0
Warm weather reminder: During periods of hot weather, containers can dry out much faster than plants growing in the ground. Check pots regularly and consider moving smaller containers into a little shade if needed.
3. Drainage Is Essential
Healthy roots need both water and air.
When choosing a pot, look for:
- Drainage holes to allow excess water to escape
- A size that suits the plant’s needs
- Pot feet or a raised position to prevent water pooling underneath.
Remember: overwatering is often caused by poor drainage rather than too much watering.
4. Match the Pot to the Plant
The best container depends on what you’re growing.
Herbs and Mediterranean plants
Often prefer free-draining pots and materials that allow excess moisture to escape.
Seasonal flowers and bedding plants
Benefit from containers that hold enough compost and moisture to support continuous growth.
Shrubs and small trees
Need larger, stable containers with plenty of room for roots.
Vegetables and fruit plants
Usually need generous containers with good moisture retention and regular feeding.
5. Don’t Forget a Plant Saucer
A plant saucer is a simple addition that can make looking after your container plants much easier.
Placed underneath your pot, a saucer can:
- Help catch excess water after watering
- Protect patios, decking and other surfaces from water marks
- Allow plants to draw up moisture after watering (where appropriate)
- Reduce mess when moving or caring for your plants
Top tip: Choose a saucer that’s the right size for your pot – it should be large enough to catch excess water without becoming a place where your plant sits in standing water for long periods.
Need help choosing?
With our extensive range of outdoor pots, there’s something to suit every plant, space and gardening style. Our team is always happy to help you choose the right size and type of pot to keep your plants healthy and thriving all year round.
Explore our Garden Centre
With over 40 years’ experience of growing and selling plants, a visit to Priory Farm Garden Centre is the perfect choice for any gardener.