The best pots for home gardening will vary according to the plants you are growing, your local climate, and style preferences. There are also some key factors to consider like material, size, and drainage.
Do you know the difference between plastic pots, biodegradable or composite timber pots? At PrimeHort we’ve been surrounded by nursery pots since 2002. We understand the different sizes, styles and functions, and in this quick guide we share a few practical tips to help you make the best choices.
What do you need to consider when choosing pots?
It’s easy to pick a pot based on its design merits, but it’s also important to consider the functionality of the pot, how you’ll be using it in your garden – whether it will be used indoors our outside, and what your plant requires to flourish.
Cover pot Vs drainage holes
There are a couple of differences to home garden pots, e.g. holes in the bottom to allow the potting mix to drain freely, or cover pots which don’t have a hole at the bottom, instead the plant is kept in its original black plastic pot and placed inside the decorative cover pot. To drain completely, these plants need to be taken out of the cover pot before watering.
Probably our most popular larger pot with drainage holes is the Big Tree Tub. These tubs are available in a range of sizes and create an ideal growing condition for young trees, citrus plants, shrubs and more.
Plastic decorative pots
Plastic pots are a practical choice thanks to their durability, light weight, and ease of handling during planting. This makes them well suited for indoor plants, courtyards, decks, and compact outdoor areas. With a wide range of shapes, colours, and surface finishes available, it is easy to match them to your preferred garden style.
In warmer climates, lighter colours are a smarter option, as darker pots tend to absorb and retain more heat. Cheaper plastics can fade or become brittle when exposed to strong sunlight, so selecting pots that are UV treated is a worthwhile investment.
Unlike terracotta, plastic pots are non-porous, which offers several advantages, including moisture retention, making them ideal for gardeners who prefer less frequent watering.
Plants that enjoy consistent moisture e.g. many summer vegetables and varieties such as hydrangeas, often thrive when grown in plastic containers.
Some of our favourite plastic cover pots include our Rio Coloured Cover Pots with their bright colours and modern shape. They look great when displayed in clusters with differing plants, sizes and colours.
For something more minimalist and earthy, check out the Muriwai Decorative Pot.
Teraccotta pots
Italian terracotta pots bring a warm, earthy charm to any garden and pair well with almost any style. Their porous nature allows air and water to pass through the walls, making them great for dry-loving herbs like rosemary and oregano, or Mediterranean plants such as geraniums and lavender.
Glazed pots
Glazed pots can introduce colour and character to your garden or patio. The glaze seals the clay, reducing permeability so the pot retains moisture for longer. It also strengthens the pot, while the thicker walls protect soil from overheating, making glazed pots a good choice for warmer climates.
Patterned & textured pots
Patterned and textured pots are a simple way to add visual interest and personality to your garden or indoor spaces. Raised designs, ribbing, and decorative finishes create depth and character, making these pots ideal as feature pieces for patios, entrances, decks, and interior plant displays. With a wide variety of patterns, colours, and textures available, they can complement both modern and classic garden styles.
Textured surfaces can also disguise everyday wear, making these pots a practical choice for high-traffic areas. Many are made from durable materials designed to handle regular use and exposure to the elements.
Some of our favourites are the Kai Iwi, Mangawhai, Alexandra, Bayleys, and the Omaha Pot – check them out, their different patterns, heights and shapes are designed to look great when displayed together.
Choosing the right size pot
As a rule of thumb, the bigger the plant, the bigger the pot it needs. Shallow-rooted plants like annuals and herbs do well in pots 20–30 centimetres deep, while deeper-rooted plants such as tomatoes or dwarf fruit trees prefer containers at least 50 centimetres deep.
Our Veggie Vine Tower is ideal for vine/climbing plants like tomatoes, snow peas, beans etc. and the self watering reservoir in the base encourages strong yields. They are also great for compact spaces and make a wonderful gift for green thumb friends.
The Parnell Planter range with their polycarbonate lids are also smart options for protected indoor growing of herbs, lettuce, microgreens etc.
How do you know when it’s time to re-pot plants into a bigger pot?
A plant that looks overcrowded or is spilling over the edge of its pot is usually ready for more space. You may also notice roots growing out through the drainage holes underneath, which is a clear sign the plant has outgrown its container.
In some cases, the roots can push the plant upwards, making it look as though it’s lifting itself out of the pot. Slower growth, fewer flowers, or a generally unhealthy appearance can also indicate that re-potting is needed.
Popular home garden pots at PrimeHort:
- Plastic Decorative Pots
KEY BENEFITS: Lightweight, durable, and easy to handle, plastic pots are low maintenance and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They retain moisture well and are available in a wide range of sizes, colours, and finishes. - Hanging Baskets
KEY BENEFITS: Ideal for adding height and visual interest, hanging baskets are perfect for trailing plants, flowers, and compact edibles. They maximise space in small areas and are great for balconies, patios, and entryways. - Grow Pots and Planters
KEY BENEFITS: Grow pots are excellent space savers that are tidy, flexible, and easy to use. Designed with good drainage and airflow to support healthy root growth, making them ideal for herbs, flowers, and small vegetables. - Timber Composite Pots
KEY BENEFITS: Offering the natural look of timber with improved durability. Timber composite pots are stylish and long-lasting. They provide good insulation for plant roots and suit both modern and traditional garden settings. - Biodegradable Pots
KEY BENEFITS: Made from natural, plant-based materials, biodegradable pots break down over time and reduce plastic waste. They are ideal for seedlings and young plants, allowing roots to grow through the pot when planted directly into the ground. - Punnets
KEY BENEFITS: The 6-Cell Punnet is one of our bestselling pots for commercial-scale vegetable and flower growers. But it’s also proved to be a winner for our home garden customers. The punnet provides the perfect growing environment for vegetables, potted colour and fragile seedlings, with excellent drainage and strong plastic.
The above list of pots is just a quick example from our extensive range, so if you would like any advice on the right pot for your plants, please just reach out, we are happy to help.
Garden hardware to make the job easier
While this article focuses on garden pots, it’s a good chance to mention a few of the supporting products that will help with potting up and identifying plants, general plant health, and maximising yields.
- Reusable Copper Plant Labels and Plastic Plant Labels (complete with pencil) – A simple tag to make plant identification simple and long lasting. Labels will help gardeners save time when tracking varieties and planting dates.
- The Gardener Latex Gardening Gloves. Designed for comfort and protection, these gloves make potting and garden jobs cleaner. We now have kids gloves too – ideal for little green thumbs!
- The Gardener Hand Trowel is a sturdy, well balanced trowel that makes filling pots, transplanting seedlings, and working with growing media quick, precise and cleaner.
- The Gardener Cloth Tree Tie, is a soft yet strong tie that supports young plants and trees, helping them establish healthy, upright growth.
- Spruzz Watering Can. These watering cans offer a gentle, controlled way to water and protect delicate seedlings, ensuring consistent moisture where it is needed most. Two handy sizes: 4.5L and 1.8L.
- Coco Fibre Growing Media and Seed Raising Mix. Made from 100% natural coco pith, this RHP certified growing medium readily absorbs water while maintaining excellent air filled porosity. An ideal pH balanced environment of 6–7 is the ideal base for healthy pot plants, strong root development and improved yields.
With the right garden pots and accessories, home gardening can be truly rewarding in every sense.
Please reach out to our team – we are here to help you make the best choices.
