Pots & Containers

Growing plants in garden pots or containers is the most popular method of horticulture, and easily the cheapest and best way to get started with indoor or outdoor growing for beginners. Many people overlook buying their garden plant pots. They think it's as simple as grabbing the first one they see, as they're all the same, right?

Actually, there is a lot that goes into choosing the container you're going to grow your plants in. You need to evaluate which size you want, which shape, and the type of pot matters too. But, if you are looking to buy garden pots or containers, you are in the right place. Here at Hydrobuilder, we carry the widest selection of plant pots on the market at the lowest prices online. We also have all the grow medium you need, whether you want potting soil or coco.

With the extensive selection you see here at Hydrobuilder, it can get a bit overwhelming. But, if you keep reading, we'll help you figure out which one is right for you.

The different types of garden pots

If you are new to container growing, you might not be aware of just how many different types of garden plant pots really exist. From different shapes to different materials, there are a ton of options out there. We will cover some of the most popular ones below.

Plastic Garden Pots

A tried-and-true growing container, the plastic pot is as simple as it gets. There are square plastic plant pots and round plastic plant pots. Round pots are a more traditional style, but both will get the job done. But, plastic pots are no longer the gold standard in growing.

The problem with plastic garden pots is that your plant roots can become tangled, also known as root circling. This leads to the plant becoming root bound, which can lead to a host of problems on it's own. You'll need to transplant your plant into a bigger container to prevent this. You can learn how to transplant a plant in our blog. But, there are actually pots that prevent root circling, which we will talk about now.

Fabric Garden Pots

Fabric garden pots are quickly becoming the premier pot of gardening. One huge advantage these have over traditional plastic pots is that they prevent plants from becoming root bound. Because the material is a porous fabric, the roots become aerated and will actually prune the roots naturally once they reach the walls of the pot. With plastic garden pots, the roots hit the wall and start circling back across themselves, which is where problems arise.

This aeration also allows for more oxygen in the grow medium, and regulates the temperature. The porous fabric also leads to better drainage, making it harder to overwater the plant. These work well in hydroponic applications as well, and are reusable.

Air Pots

Air-Pots are another relatively new growing container, and provide many of the same benefits as fabric pots. The name says it all - aeration is the reason these are prized as one of the best garden pots available. When you hear the term Air Pot, this actually refers to the product name - as TerraHydro actually is the brand that created these

Similar to the fabric pot, these allow for a healthier root system, and prevent overwatering. Just like with fabric grow pots, Air Pots are known to increase yields due to the higher oxygen levels.

Plastic Grow Bags

One advantage these plastic grow bags have over traditional plastic garden pots is that they have a much longer life, as they can be washed easily.

Which garden pot is right for my grow?

Choosing the right garden pot isn't easy. The reality is that you may need a few different plant pots that you transplant into as your plant grows. The alternative is using a large pot from the start, and letting your plant grow into it. But, this can lead to issues when the plant is young, as it's tough to feed the right amount in an oversized pot.

We highly recommend you stick with fabric pots, especially if you are growing outdoors. There is no better option than Gorilla Pots, which are the best fabric pot on the market.

If you are growing indoors, you can still use fabric pots, but these can be a bit messy. Depending on where you grow indoors, and whether you are using a grow tent or not, you may be better off with plastic pots and saucers. You can always grab a few different types of pots, and figure out which style works best for you!

For more information, check out our complete guide on selecting a garden pot in our blog.

How do I keep my potted plants from drying out?

Using the correct soil or soilless mix will be crucial to keeping your potted plants moist. Some growing mediums dry out very quickly, so consider adding Perlite to increase water and nutrient absorption.

But, your nursery pots shouldn't permanently hold moisture - you want them to dry out after a few days, as this means your plant is actually using the water you feed it. If your pots are always soaked, you can run into issues like root rot. You should be watering every few days, once the top inch or two of soil is dry.

Why is the color of plant pots important?

The color of your pot will affect the temperature of your soil, and thus your root zone. Remember, plant roots need to be kept relatively cool for optimal health and growth. To avoid heat stress, grow in a lighter colored planting pot or container, as these deflect sunlight/heat much better than darker colored pots.

Do indoor plant pots need holes?

The reason most pots have holes in the bottom is for drainage and aeration. This way, excess nutrients and water can drain out, and oxygen can get in from both sides of the pot or container. A concern many indoor growers have is these holes leading to a mess indoors, but this is why it is important to use a saucer.

Do I need a saucer?

If you are using any type of plastic pot, you will need to pair it with a saucer. These hold your pots, and prevent spills while working to retain water in the system.

If you are still unsure which growing container is right for you, or have any other questions, reach out to our experienced growing staff at 888-815-9763 and let us help you through the process. You can also check out our complete guide on container gardening to learn how to grow in pots!