Plastic vs terracotta

There's a huge choice of containers available at Cowell's, but two types remain most popular: clay terracotta, or versatile plastic. So which is best for you?

Terracotta has the look of a richly organic traditional material, yet you'll find angular modern designs among the traditional clay.

Terracotta pots are heavier, and also have porous sides, allowing air and water to pass through and letting plants' roots 'breathe'. This means you'll need to water more often. You'll find pots in our garden centre are labelled 'frost resistant' so they won't flake or crack in the cold: putting them up on pot 'feet' also helps prevent frost damage.

Plastic is light and lasts ages, and there's a dazzling range available. Modern plastic finishes can look almost identical to terracotta, so you can still get the traditional look.

They hold on to water more easily, needing less watering and a perfect environment for plants like blueberries which like to sit in moist compost. Drought-lovers like Mediterranean herbs, though, prefer terracotta.

Please ask the staff in our garden centre for more information and advice about choosing between plastic or terracotta containers for your garden.