How do I know what size planter to use?
John Thompson
Published May 20, 2026
How do I know what size planter to use?
When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 1-2” larger than the current size if the plant is currently in a 10” pot or smaller. If your current pot size is >10”, choose a pot that is 2-3” larger in diameter.
How tall should a container garden be?
Visually, the container should be about half the height of your plant (or a third of the total height of the plant plus the container). Using this design principle, a 9-inch pot looks fine with an 18-inch plant, because 18 plus 9 equals 27, and 9 is one-third of 27.
What is the largest size planter?
What are extra large outdoor planter sizes? Outdoor planters come in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from 12 inches to 14 feet in diameter. At Jay Scotts, our largest planter, the Wannsee extra-large planter, is a whopping 50 inches!
What sizes do plant pots come in?
| Pot Size | Pot Diameter (Top) | Pot Diameter (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Litre | 13.0cm | 4″ |
| 2 Litre | 17.0cm | 4.5″ |
| 3 Litre | 19.0cm | 5″ |
| 4 Litre | 20.0cm | 6″ |
What are good planting pots?
Terra-cotta (unglazed clay) pots are made of a particular soil and fired in kilns during the manufacturing process. The rusty brown color of clay is harmonious with every flower and foliage color. Clay pots provide a healthy environment for most plants.
Can a planter be too big?
A pot that is too large for a plant can hold too much water in the soil or take too long to dry out, which can lead to mold growth, rot and root diseases. Too large of a plant pot also can make it difficult to keep the soil firmly packed around the plant’s roots.
How deep should a container be for a vegetable garden?
Most vegetables require between six and 12 inches of container depth to grow healthy and strong.
How big is a medium sized planter?
9-15″
Medium (9-15″)
What is the best plants for tall planters?
20 Best Tall Plants for Container Gardens
- 01 of 20. Agave (Agave)
- 02 of 20. Amaranth (Amaranthus)
- 03 of 20. Arborvitae (Thuja)
- 04 of 20. Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
- 05 of 20. Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
- 06 of 20. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea)
- 07 of 20. Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
- 08 of 20. Canna Lily (Canna × generalis)
What is a #3 plant container?
3 Gallon / #3 Container Sized Pots: This is the biggest size of plants we offer. These plants are at least 3 years old, and can be up to 3 feet tall. These are perfect for replacing or adding to gardens, as the plants should be close to the size of the plants already in the ground.
How do I choose an outdoor planter?
First, know where the container will be located so that you purchase the proper size, shape, style and material. Big-scale pots can create a focal point in a garden. Choose a color and finish that will complement plantings, keeping in mind how the pot will look in winter when landscapes can be brown and barren.
How deep does a planter box need to be for tomatoes?
Typical planter boxes tend to be extremely wide, but not deep. Once tomato plants are positioned within the growing medium, they must have a minimum depth of 12 inches beneath them for healthy root growth.
