Plastic Plant Pots with Handles: A Gardener’s Guide

Plastic plant pots with handles are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Their lightweight yet durable construction makes them an ideal option for growing plants. This guide covers everything you need to know about selecting, using, and caring for plastic pots with handles

Benefits of Plastic Pots with Handles

Plastic offers several advantages as a material for plant pots:

• Lightweight: Pots made of plastic are lighter than those made of ceramic, metal, or wood. This makes them easier to move around when you need to water, move, or show off plants.

• Durable – Modern plastics resist chips, cracks, rust, and rot. Handles add extra strength. Plastic pots can last for many seasons.

• Affordable – Inexpensive to produce plastic pots are budget-friendly. This allows you to acquire many pots at low cost.

• Simple to clean: plastic that is smooth can be scrubbed or washed with a power washer. Plastic won’t absorb odors, stains, or salts.

• Insulating: Plastic protects roots from extreme temperatures by blocking some of them. Handles remain cool to the touch.

• Good drainage – Plastic pots allow excess water to drain freely through holes in the base. Overwatering is less likely.

• Customizable – Plain plastic pots can be painted, decorated, or outfitted with casters. Handles provide a place to attach plant ID tags.

Choosing the Right Plastic Pot with Handles

When selecting a plastic pot, consider these factors:

• Size – Check that the pot diameter and depth match the plant’s root mass and growth habit. Allow extra space.

• Drainage – Pots should have drainage holes and elevated “feet” to prevent waterlogging.

• Style – Choose round, square, tapered, or novelty shapes to suit the plant and your display needs.

• Color – Neutral and earthy tones like terra cotta, brown, tan, and sage green blend into gardens. Bright colors make a statement.

• Handles – Sturdy loop handles are easier to grip than small molded finger holds. Rope handles also work well.

• Use – Indoor pots can be basic. Outdoor pots need UV resistance and weather durability.

• Budget – Set a budget per pot and for the total number of pots needed. Shop sales and bulk deals.

Using Plastic Pots with Handles

Follow these tips for successfully growing plants in plastic pots with handles:

• Watering – Check soil moisture frequently. Water thoroughly until excess drains from the base. Plastic may require more frequent watering.

• Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix. Mix in perlite or pumice to improve drainage.

• Fertilizing – Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Slow release pellets also work well.

• Sunlight – Position plants in the appropriate amount of sun. Plastic won’t block light like glazed ceramic can.

• Transplanting – Carefully loosen rootbound plants, keeping the root ball intact. Gently place in a slightly larger pot.

• Pruning/Shaping – Trim back wayward growth to keep plants compact and full. Remove spent blooms and dying foliage.

• Display – Show off plants on shelves, stands, or indoor/outdoor furniture. Use saucers to protect surfaces from moisture.

Caring for Plastic Pots

With proper care, quality plastic pots can be reused for many years:

• Cleaning – Scrub inside and out with mild dish soap. For tough stains, use a bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly.

• Sanitizing – After cleaning, soak pots in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to kill pathogens. Rinse and dry.

• Storing – Nest pots inside each other or pack in bins to minimize storage space. Keep out of direct sun and severe cold.

• Repairs – Use silicone sealant to patch small cracks and holes. Fix broken handles with epoxy adhesives.

• Refreshing – Freshen up old pots with a new coat of spray paint. Stencil on designs or use outdoor vinyl decals.

• Reusing – Give gently used plastic pots a second life! Donate to plant swaps, thrift stores, or community gardens.

Popular Brands of Plastic Pots with Handles

Many major retailers and specialty brands offer quality plastic plant pots with handles. Here are some top options to consider:

• Vigoro – Offers the iconic Alhambra plastic pots in round and tapered shapes, sizes from 6″ to 24″. Drainage holes and sturdy side handles.

• Bloem – Known for square plastic pots with rope handles. Available in terra cotta and black colors and small to large sizes.

• Pennington – Good selection of plastic pots and saucers in round and decorative shapes. Affordable prices.

• Gardeners Supply – Sells faux terra cotta and metal-look plastic pots made from recycled dairy jugs. Loop side handles.

• Lechuza – Features a self-watering pot system. Plastic liner pots connect to decorative outer planters with handles.

• La Jolie Muse – Elegant, minimalist-style round plastic pots with side handles. Modern matte finish colors.

• IKEA – Budget-friendly basic plastic pots and saucers in multiple sizes and colors including grey, pink, and teal.

DIY Decorated Plastic Pots

Let your creativity run wild by decorating plain plastic pots!

• Paint pots with acrylic craft paints and seal with waterproof varnish. Add stripes, patterns, or themes.

• Wrap pots with jute, hemp, or cotton rope. Secure with craft glue for a rustic look.

• Decoupage magazine clippings, tissue paper, or scrapbook paper using mod podge.

• Glue on shells, beads, marbles, or tiles to encircle the pot in a mosaic pattern.

• Stencil on names, monograms, or designs using paint pens and plastic stencils.

• Affix magnets to the pot then decorate with colorfully painted rocks or mini chalkboard labels.

Tips for Using Plastic Plant Pots with Handles

• Add casters to instantly make large pots portable. Wheeled pots can be easily moved indoors or outside.

• Use very lightweight soilless planting mixes in plastic pots to reduce overall weight for hanging or elevated displays.

• Set plastic nursery pots inside more decorative cachepots. Remove to water then place back in the cachepot.

• Shut pole barn doors, fencing, or trellises can provide vertical surfaces to affix multiple plastic pots using specialty hardware.

• Cluster matching plastic pots together on pool decks or patios. Arrange them at staggered heights for visual interest.

• Repurpose old buckets and pails as quirky jumbo planters. Just drill drainage holes and attach rope handles if needed.

The Takeaway

With styles ranging from classic terra cotta tones to vibrant solid colors, plastic pots with handles offer versatility, durability, and ease of use. They are must-have items for gardeners looking for lightweight, affordable, low-maintenance options to display plants in their best light. Follow the tips provided to select quality plastic pots with handles, maximize their benefits, and creatively integrate them into your indoor and outdoor living spaces.