Terracotta (or clay) pots perform better and actually last longer when they are coated on the inside with a waterproofing sealant. This will also help keep your pots from getting water and calcium stains. If you do accidentally break a garden pot, you can use the shards by putting them over the drain holes of your other pots before adding soil. Put the shards in so that the bend (or what was the inside of the pot) is facing down. This acts as a barrier to keep the soil from washing out the hole but also keeps the hole clear from debris. You can also use a small piece of screen to cover the hole. Another option is to line the bottom of the pot with medium sized rocks instead of pottery shards. The rocks also act as a filter for excess water.

Repeat containers on steps for a stunning effect.

If you plan on putting a garden pot on a deck (which is one of the advantages of container gardening in the first place), you will want to have the pot raised off the wood so any water that leaks out the bottom will evaporate. To do this, you may have to purchase a pot stand or pot feet. Pot feet are small clay or ceramic “feet” that the pot can sit on and can usually be purchased anywhere pots are sold. The best options for pots placed on a deck are metal, fiberglass or resin. Metal pots are lightweight since they are usually hollow. Fiberglass and resin are excellent choices because they look incredibly similar to concrete or stone without the extra weight.

Terracotta
Terracotta is a reddish clay that is commonly used for pottery. Garden pots made from terracotta are usually left unglazed and are quite porous. When planting, be sure to water down the pot before adding soil. If you don’t, the pot may soak up moisture from the soil making it harder to start the plant.

Concrete
Because of its heavy weight, concrete is a great choice for planters that you don’t intend to move. To help prevent cracking, concrete pots are made a lot thicker than ceramic pots. This type of pot gives your garden a real permanent look and after some time to weather, these pots will look as if they have been a part of your garden for decades.

Stone
A stone garden pot is not actually made from a single stone like they used to be. Today, these pots are made from a mixture of limestone and other materials to increase their durability and keep the pot as lightweight as possible. Manufacturing techniques make it virtually impossible to tell that they aren’t made from solid stone. These pots have many of the same advantages and uses as pots made from concrete.

Ceramic
Because they are glazed, ceramic pots offer the widest variety of colors. On the flip side though, a ceramic garden pot can be easily chipped or cracked so care should be used while moving or handling. In cold winter areas, a ceramic garden pot should be moved indoors to prevent cracking.

Metal
A garden pot made of metal offers a unique look. Metal is a very durable material that will change in appearance over time – especially copper and steel. You should take care of your metal pots by applying a rust inhibiting coating.

Metal cans make attractive plant containers.

Fiberglass
Don’t let its appearance fool you. Fiberglass pots can be made to look exactly like clay, stone or concrete pots. They can also be made glossy to give the appearance of a glazed ceramic pot. A big advantage of fiberglass is its light weight and durability.

Resin
This high quality material, polyethylene, doesn’t chip or crack like a clay garden pot. Resin pots can withstand the exposure of wide temperature extremes.

Wood
Although technically not a pot, wood planters make an excellent choice for those who love its natural beauty. Typically, wood planters come in teak, cedar, redwood and pine. Redwood and cedar naturally resist rot so they can be left unpainted. Along with paint, stain and waterproofing sealers, wood planters will last longer if you line the inside with plastic or simply place the soil into clay pots and set them inside the planters.