So you are looking to buy planters for your garden to spruce it up ready for spring? While buying a planter may seem like an easy task, if you don't take the time to consider all the factors involved, you could end up with a planter that doesn't meet your needs. From size and material to drainage and aesthetics, there are many mistakes people make when buying a planter. To ensure you make the right decision, it's important to consider all aspects of your purchase before making a purchase. In this article, we'll discuss the 5 mistakes people make when buying a planter and how to avoid them.

Thinking you have to use a ready-made planter

Ready-made planters can be a great way to get your garden off the ground quickly and easily. But if you're looking to create something truly unique and special, it's worth considering taking the time to make something yourself. Not only will it be more personal and meaningful, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you created something with your own two hands! Try using Oakstone Timber sleepers to create your own planter!

Oakstone Timber Sleeper
Oakstone Timber Sleeper
Abbey Planter
Abbey Planter

Not buying Frostproof

Living in the UK we can experience some adverse winter weather with snow and ice causing havoc in the garden. Many planters such as unglazed terracotta and ceramic pots can crack due to the moisture absorption of the materials. Take the worry out of the cold by investing in Frostproof planters that will stand the test of time and ice! Our stonecast products are all Frost-resistant and impervious to cracking and staining such as our Abbey Planter pictured here.

Planting it up

Planting up planters can be a great way to add colour and life to your outdoor space, but it's important that you don't make any mistakes when doing so. Poor drainage, incorrect soil choice, and neglecting aesthetics are all common mistakes that people make when planting planters. It's important to take the time to research the best plants for your planter and understand how they need to be cared for in order to thrive. The RHS has some handy tips here.

Oakstone Timber Sleeper
Oakstone Timber Sleeper
Flagstone Trough
Flagstone Trough

Heavy Lifting

The heavy lifting of planters can cause injury, especially when they have already been planted. If you are lifting heavy planters ensure you bend your knees, keeping your upper back straight. A safer option would be to opt for planters on wheels or plant the planters up in situ to avoid unnecessary lifting and transporting.

Using the wrong Cleaner

1 of the 5 mistakes people make when buying a planter is using the wrong cleaner to clean them up. Now this will really depend on the material of the planter. If it is plastic then a good old wash with water and soap will be fine Cleaning a stone planter can be more technical as using the wrong cleaner can cause permanent damage to the stone - leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Metal Planter

Follow us on our socials for information and inspiration on all things home and garden: