10 of the best eco-friendly plant pots
Our round up of eco alternatives to plastic plant pots
Eco alternatives to plastic are becoming increasingly popular in almost every aspect of our lives and gardening is no exception. There are various alternatives to plastic pots available, made from a range of materials including wood, stone, metal and terracotta. Plus, there are products made from recycled plastic, helping to keep it out of landfill. And biodegradable pots are perfect for starting off your seedlings.
If you're looking for some tools to get you started, we've found some of the best garden hand trowels and we've also tried and tested the best secateurs. Or, if you're building up house plant collection we've got a selection of some of the best indoor plant pots, too.
10 alternatives to plastic plant pots
Browse our choice of sustainable plant pots for eco-conscious gardeners, below:
Thompson & Morgan Biodegradable Plant Fibre Seed Pots
These biodegradable pots are made from plant fibre and are biodegradable, meaning they can be planted straight into the soil. The pots prevent root disturbance as you don’t need to keep potting up and there’s no plastic involved. They also come in an inexpensive pack of 48 so you’ll have plenty of eco pots to work with.
Price: £11.99
Buy Thompson & Morgan Biodegradable Plant Fibre Seed Pots on Amazon
Eco Wooden Paper Potter
This wooden paper potter tool allows you to transform strips of recycled newspaper into seedling pots. - an eco-friendly method which also saves you money. Plus, you’ll be reducing waste by reusing your old papers. The potter is made from oak from managed forests and is suitable for children aged three and over - a great way to get them involved in the garden.
Price: £15.00
Buy the Eco Wooden Paper Potter at Amazon
Terracotta Clay Pots Pack of 12
You can’t go far wrong with classic terracotta. These mini planter pots are perfect for young plants and succulents and come ready drilled with a drainage hole. Over time, the porous texture causes salt to come to the surface of terracotta, gradually forming a unique pattern.
Price: £12.99
Buy Terracotta Clay Pots Pack of 12 on Amazon
RHS Glazed White Cylinder Pot
The Royal Horticultural Society’s pot is made by hand and is guaranteed to be frost-proof for 10 years, so you shouldn’t need to worry about it during the winter. The RHS logo is featured on the side of the pot, which is finished with a smooth glaze.
Price: £7.99
Buy the RHS Glazed White Cylinder Pot from Crocus (out of stock)
Ecopots Small Amsterdam Plant Pot
Ecopots make their flowerpots and planters from 100 per cent-recycled plastic, meaning they're helping keep pre-existing plastic out of landfill. Its Amsterdam range co-ordinates with a full matching series, so you can collect the set. These natural-looking, sturdy pots can be placed indoors or outdoors.
Price: £11.95
Buy the Ecopots Small Amsterdam Plant Pot from ethical superstore
Elho Easy Hanger Large Planter
The Elho Easy Hanger is great for city living and apartments, where garden space might be limited. The hanger balcony planter is from Elho, where 70 per cent of the materials it uses are recycled and the manufacturing process is fully powered by wind turbines. It’s also UV resistant and comes in five different colours.
Price: £8.08
Buy the Elho Easy Hanger Large Planter on Amazon
Crocus Square Box Contemporary Grey Concrete Planter
This square 'concrete' planter is in fact made from recycled fibreglass and crushed stone. Plus, they're lightweight and easy to move. The planter is handmade and resistant to frost and UV, so it should be able to withstand the weather all year round.
Price: £64.99
Buy the Crocus square box contemporary grey concrete planter from Crocus
Charles Bentley Zinc Effect Planter
These planters are made from durable iron and are weather-proof, so they should be a hard-wearing and long-lasting alternative to plastic pots. The zinc effect and rope handles have a vintage look, so will work particularly well in a loose, informal garden scheme. The planters come as a pair, so you’ll get both sizes.
Price: £39.99
Buy Charles Bentley Zinc Effect Planter from Robert Dyas (out of stock)
Simply Wood Tanalised Pressure Treated Square Planter
Made from high-grade Swedish pine, this extra-large planter should be tough and durable. According to manufacturer, Simply Wood, the tanalised (pressure-treated) wood will last for many years.
Price: £49.99
Buy the Simply Wood Tanalised Pressure Treated Square Planter on Amazon
Ferm Living Plant Box
Ferm Living Indoor PlanterSuitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this elegant plant box comes from stylish Danish brand Ferm Living. Made from powder-coated metal, it’s a great alternative to plastic and has plenty of space to house plants at a higher level. The plant box is available in black plus five other colours.
Price: £179
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