Choosing a pot material
Each material we stock behaves differently outdoors — here's roughly how they compare.
| Material | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Terracotta | Herbs, succulents, anything that likes to dry out between waterings — porous walls let it breathe. | Can crack in a hard frost if left full of wet soil over winter. |
| Galvanised steel | Window boxes and troughs — light, and won't rust in normal use. | Can heat up in full sun, which dries soil faster than terracotta. |
Placement & drainage
Whatever the material, drainage matters more than almost anything else for keeping a potted plant healthy.
- Make sure there's an actual drainage hole — a pot that holds water at the base will rot roots, regardless of material.
- Raise pots slightly off paving or decking with feet or a saucer gap, so water can actually drain away rather than pooling underneath.
- A layer of coarse material at the base (broken crock, gravel) helps stop the drainage hole clogging with soil over time.
- Terracotta dries out faster than galvanised steel of the same size — check moisture more often in summer.
Seasonal care
Unglazed terracotta is porous, which means it absorbs water — if that water freezes over winter, it can crack the pot. In a hard frost, either bring terracotta pots under cover or raise them well clear of standing water. Galvanised steel handles winter outdoors without special treatment.
Curious what's actually happening season to season? Have a look at the world's vegetation for a live view of how growth shifts through the year.
Still stuck?
Email us at notagardenshop@gmail.com and we're happy to help with anything specific to what you've bought. Looking after tools instead? See the tool care guide.