If you are new to gardening and or containers, you may be at a loss about how to shop for garden containers. After all, there are literally thousands of options out there, from your basic small tub planters to large copper varieties and everything in between!

Before you go shopping for new garden containers there are a few things you may want to consider.

Plants

Your first consideration should of course be for your plants. What do they need when it comes to a container? While there is no set rule on which comes first, the plant or the planter you should at least have a general idea of what type of plants you would like. For example, if you are going to be potting a small herb garden, you probably will not require a whiskey barrel planter! On the other hand, if you are considering plants that have quite a large root ball, a large or extra-large planter will be required.

Do not forget to consider watering as well; are you going to have the time to water daily if required? If you do not have anyone to water your plants, you might consider a self-watering garden container, just to be on the safe side.

Mobility

Will your plants spend the spring and summer outdoors only to join you inside for the colder fall and winter months? If you will be moving your planter and plants on a regular basis, you want garden containers that are light and easy to move. Handles on either side are useful for this pursuit. Fiberglas or plastic containers are often a good choice for mobility.

Aesthetics

How will a specific planter fit in with your current décor? For homes with a southwest theme, terra cotta planters are a nice addition. In all honesty, there are several planter types that will blend well in almost any décor by simply choosing a complimentary color. The exceptions to this rule would be a whiskey barrel planter set amidst an ultra-modern décor, or vice versa.

Budget

Planters are like most other consumer products in that they run the gamut when it comes to pricing. There are some very nice economical models available from retail outlets but by the same token, there are some that are bit pricier. Take for instance a pedestal and bowl outdoor planter, these are useful sculptures! Sleek, modern in appearance and a nice addition to nearly any garden. It is probably best to determine how much you want to spend, before you hit the internet or retail outlets.

Conclusion

How do you shop for garden containers? You will never go wrong if you will keep form, function and budget in mind. (not necessarily in that order) There are literally hundreds of different types of planters available from simple heavy-duty plastic tubes to gorgeous patio planters with scroll and leaf designs.

The most important thing to remember while shopping is the type of plants you plan to tend, they will tell you more about the type of planter you need than any other criteria.