What kinds of pots to use?

A brief on types of pots to use for home gardening published in June, 2007, can help you select pots for your many planting projects. As you can imagine there are lots of choices and the type you select should be based on appearance, function, durability and a variety of factors...

News & Observer
June 23, 2007
Tina Mast, Correspondent

Pot Particulars

TERRA COTTA Beautiful and breathable, it ages attractively until the day it decides to break down, usually after three or more winters. It's a good idea to take these pots in over the winter if you want to keep them a long time.

CONCRETE AND CAST IRON Some of the most durable materials you will find, and usually the most expensive.

FIBERGLASS Durable and lightweight, it can be made to simulate other materials. You'll find it in the middle of the price range.

RESIN-FOAM Have the advantage of being lightweight but will age in a few seasons. Get the ones that are the same color all the way through so you won't notice as much if they get chipped or a have chunk taken out of them.

PLASTIC. Despite the yuck factor, plastic can be very practical, not to mention cheap. Thinner plastic pots will age faster than thicker ones, and it helps to select brands that are labeled UV resistant. Nevertheless, plastic still loses out against other materials once the beauty contest starts. Original article...