2,046 Outdoor Planters

Planters are a great way to always keep the landscape close by. While we all aspire to live with acres of sprawling fields and gardens, outdoor planters are an accessible and more attainable alternative. The modular nature of outdoor planters means you can create as small or as large of a landscape that fits your needs.

When looking to buy outdoor planters, ask yourself the following questions:

What type of plant you are growing? When buying a planter the primary detail to note is what size your plant will be at full size. Knowing what size range to stay within is the first step to selecting a planter.

What type of outdoor planter are you looking for?
Raised Beds: Great for larger scale outdoor planting, raised beds allow you to create the perfect soil composition and conditions for outdoor growing. Whether building your own vegetable garden, or even a succulent landscape, raised beds are a great way to gain control.
Vertical Gardens: Living walls create gardens in spaces that traditionally have had to do without. Used indoors and out, there are many different systems available for vertical gardens and are perfect for filling a blank wall or enabling an enthusiastic gardener with limited ground area the opportunity to have a landscape.
Window Boxes: Window boxes are one of the most affordable ways to add instant curb appeal to any home exterior. Kitchen window boxes are perfect for housing edible herbs, while those installed around the house can create an instant cohesive exterior finish.
Pots: Clustered around the patio, outdoor pots instantly add a casual finishing touch while flanking a front door, a formal entrance is instantly created. Use these planters as architectural and sculptural accessories while simultaneously adding some vegetated life.
Hanging Basket Planters: Lined along an outdoor patio or covered walkway, hanging basket planters keep delicate annuals up off the ground and closer to eye level. Consider hanging planters for unexpected drama.

What material do you plan to use for your planter? There is always a struggle that occurs between price, durability, and aesthetics. Depending on your needs and preferences, certain planter materials will be more suitable.
Ceramic: Ceramic planters may be available in the widest variety of colors and styles, they are also one of the most expensive materials for planters. While they retain water well, they are heavy and easily cracked or broken.
Metal: Metal is one of the more affordable options for outdoor planters. The acquired patina that comes with age also adds character and beauty. Metal planters can dent easily as well as overheat the soil, doing harm to the plants, so it may be wise to keep a metal planter in a shaded area.
Plastic or Fiberglass: Affordable and easy to maintain, plastic planters still present an artificial appearance that is difficult to overcome. Usually the planter’s appearance does not improve with age and exposure.
Terracotta: Terracotta is a moderately priced alternative to ceramic planters. They are attractive, well draining, and are suitable for all styles of house. Like all pottery, they can be extremely heavy and more easily breakable.
Wood: Wood is a classic planter material that provides an attractive warm and rustic elegance and great for designing the perfect planter if you’re up for a DIY challenge. Keep in mind that wood may age and weather more prematurely than other materials if the right care and maintenance is not applied.

What to look for when buying an outdoor planter/care and maintenance:
Drainage: It’s important that planters are equipped with drainage holes or that holes can easily be drilled into the planter if they are not provided. This aids in good drainage and prevents the soil from becoming too saturated.
Consider your climate: The material selection of your planter does not need to be dictated by your climate, but it’s important to note that the care and maintenance that you put into your planter will be influenced by the climate. In freezing climates, take care to monitor terracotta and ceramics because they tend to crack more easily. In hot and sunny climates, make sure to select a material that won’t overheat your plants or be sure to keep them in the shade. It’s all about preventative care. If you plan ahead, you can really use any material for any condition.