From lining the shelves in a greenhouse to decorating a balcony; establishing zones in an open space or filling an urban container garden, pots are a mainstay of the Great British outdoors.

But which pots are best for outdoor plants?

Finding the right pot can really depend on where it will go and what it will grow – so here we’re looking at the best type of pots for the job.

Are terracotta pots good for outdoor plants?

Yes. Terracotta pots – also known as clay pots – are a bona fide classic for container gardens and they work indoors, in greenhouses, and outdoors thanks to their breathable, porous constitution.

Terracotta pots are a popular choice for most gardeners thanks to their relatively inexpensive price point and sturdy weight that makes them unlikely to tip over – ideal for small plants – and range of sizes that can make them easy to move and repurpose.

Although the warm colours and clay finish of terracotta pots complement the natural textures of the garden, it’s also easy to seal or paint them. Terracotta pots are available in a huge range of sizes, colours and designs – discover our range of terracotta plant pots.

Are glazed pots good for outdoor plants?

Glazed pots are great for outdoor plants. Thanks to the baking process during production, glazed pots are very durable in cold weather and their glazing creates a non-porous surface that repels water.

Glazed pots are also great at holding moisture, which makes them great for anything that likes damp soil – like tropical plants. Just like terracotta, glazed pots are a good choice for larger floor plants, since the heavier pot will keep them stable.

Browse the whole range of Apta glazed pots – all with a 10 year guarantee – today.

Are metal pots good for outdoor plants?

Rugged and durable, metal plant pots are a great choice for outdoor plants. Metal pots offer a lot of choice and suit a range of home and garden styles – from sleeker industrial tastes to rustic farm chic and country cottage.

Metal plant containers are lightweight but extremely strong, unlikely to get chipped, scratched or cracked and they can be left outside to age, making them a great choice for big plants you don’t want to move.

We have a wide variety of metal plant pots available today – browse the range.

Are stone pots good for outdoor plants?

Yes. Choose a stone pot for larger plants since they’re heavy to begin with, and even harder to move after planting. The porous nature of a stone pot allows air to move through its walls, helping to prevent root rot and soil disease. Stone pots are a great choice for any garden, since they’re heavy and durable, and definitely won’t blow over in the wind or in get knocked down in a high traffic area.

Take a look at the Apta range of stone pots.

Are composite pots good for outdoor plants?

Yes, composite pots are ideal for planting outdoors. Composite is another name for mixed materials, which is what the pots are made of. Normally made using a mix of lightweight cement, sand and fibreglass, composite pots are created to look like real stone, ceramic, concrete and even wood – but they’re much lighter, easier to move and available at a much lower price point.

Composite pots are also UV- and frost-resistant so they’ll last in an outdoor environment, and are recyclable at the end of their life.

Apta’s composite plant pots are available now in a vast range of shapes, sizes and intricate designs.

Where to get the best pots for outdoor plants

With such a wide range of high quality Apta pots available, it’s easy to choose the right outdoor pot – once you’ve decided on your style, where you’ll put it in your space and the plants you choose to grow.

Apta pots are available nationwide – once you’ve browsed the range online, find your nearest stockist to make a purchase.

If you’re a trader, place a pot order with your rep now, or become an Apta stockist today.

Don’t forget to connect with us on LinkedIn and sign up for the newsletter below to stay up to date with news and ideas from Apta.