Apparently not! In fact, garden pots come in so many different materials, sizes, shapes and finishes that you could easily be forgiven for thinking that one-size-fits-all. There doesn't seem to be any rhymne nor reason to the plethora of choices available.

However, garden pots can offer distinct variations, nuances and specific advantages depending on the type you choose - or the plant that's going into them. Some will retain moisture better than others while a few offer, as an advantage, that they dry out quicker.

But, if there is one factor that garden pots share it's that they all make gardening in containers a lot more fun. So, let's take a look at a few of the different types and analyse their specific uses for some of your plants.

• Terracotta Pots
  Terracotta pots are really where garden pots all began. Pots made from clay are as traditional as they come and quite possibly the oldest type of garden pot on offer yet they have aged well and continue their fashionable run in the garden.

  Aesthetically they work well in any garden setting but their prime advantage is that they offer a fairly cheap solution to container gardening. However, the clay is pervious to moisture and can either stain the terracotta and eventually crack it over time. Most gardeners who use terracotta pots opt to seal the inside so that this doesn't become a problem in the future.
  



• Ceramic Pots
  
  Ceramic pots, or glazed pots as they are commonly known, are the next step up in the garden pot timeline. Basically they're still pottery crafted but instead of being left with their earthenware exterior they are kiln-dried with a coloured glaze. These garden pots supersede the problems with terracotta as glazed pots don't require sealing inside and won't crack quite as easily as their terracotta counterparts.

  However, ceramic pots have the unenviable mantle of being quite gaudy in the garden. Some of the glazes are incredibly outlandish and combined with a clashing bloom can look almost hideous. Therefore when using ceramic-styled garden pots consideration must be taken when selecting the plant that will grace it, where the pot will be located and what other colours are already happening in the garden.
  



• Bonsai Pots
  
  Continuing the timeline, bonsai pots are possibly the next to feature. As mentioned in a previous post titled Do Bonsai have to grow in pots?, bonsai must grow in a bonsia pot. Traditionally these have been crafted from pottery with very limited designs but more recently there has been a surge towards Tokoname pots (red bonsai pots).

  Bonsai pots are usually flat dishes that offer the plant a support base due to their roots being manicured.
  



• Bamboo Pots
  
  Bamboo pots are an interesting type of garden pots. For many, they're used as indoor planters with another pot containing the plant inserted inside the bamboo pot. Bamboo has the strength to withstand rotting for some time but not forever and so offers a limited lifespan for gardeners who plant directly into them.

  They look great in Bali or Asian-styled gardens contrasting with many of the themes used well.
  



• Plastic Pots
  
  The garden pots progression then makes its way to introducing plastic as a medium for holding our plants and while you may not opt for this material in your garden, it is the type of garden pot that we all purchase our plants in.

  Plastic planting pots offer some benefits that you don't get from terracotta or ceramic pots. First, they will definitely outlast the handcrafted options. Plus, they are lightweight and can be much more manageable even when full of plant medium. This also makes them a good option for rooftop gardens where weight is a necessary consideration.
  



• Foam Planters
  
  However, if you're looking for a real featherwight contender then foam planters are the way to go. They're not as durable as plastic, nor as aesthetically pleasing as ceramic or terracotta, but when it comes down to practicalities, these are a great option for those needing maneuverability.

  Plus, foam planters are looking a little more chic these days than when they were first introduced to us as a viable container option.
  



• Metal Pots
  
  Metal pots, while not as popular as their predecessors, are certainly growing in popularity these days. Tin pots, aluminium pots and even some of the mixed metals such as brass can offer a different feel about your garden planters. Metal pots are often heavier than ceramic or terracotta but the lighter materials can almost weigh the same as a plastic pot.

  If you plan to keep these as outdoor garden pots then opt for galvanized metal as it won't rust or corrode.
  



• Orchid Pots
  
  Orchid pots are a more specific type of garden pot that cater just for orchid drainage issues. They are predominantly crafted from either terracotta or plastic and offer more drainage holes on the sides to keep orchid roots free from too much moisture.
  


• Strawberry Pots
  
  Strawberry pots are another specific style of garden pot produced primarily for growing strawberries. Their holes on the sides of the pots allow runners to be planted out and the strawberries suspended out of the bugs way. These too are often constructed from terracotta or plastic.
  


• Newspaper Pots
  
  The final offering is our newspaper pots. These are intended for raising seedlings more than an option for garden pots but they are a great way to help get your garden growing. They re-use a biodegradable resource and turns into a practical gardening idea.
  

So, garden pots are just as diverse as they plants they will one day contain. And, fortunately gardeners have such a great range of options when making their garden pot decisions.