Guides
Practical container gardening guides — choosing the right material, sizing to your crop, and self-watering options.
Why this page exists
Container gardening content usually tells you what to grow in pots without covering the container choice itself. But the container determines watering frequency, root temperature, drainage behavior, and how long the plant stays healthy. A tomato in the wrong container will struggle regardless of soil and fertilizer.
This page covers the material, size, and drainage decisions with enough specificity to match containers to crops and situations rather than guessing.
Container gardening gear worth searching on eBay
Fabric grow bags, self-watering planters, large pots, raised planters, and window boxes. We earn a small commission on qualifying sales; your price is unchanged. Full disclosure.
Fabric grow bags
Aerated felt or geotextile bags that air-prune roots, preventing circling. Better drainage than rigid pots. Available 1–100 gallons. 5-gallon is the minimum for tomatoes; 7–10 gallon is more reliable for full-size indeterminate varieties.
Self watering planter
Reservoir below the growing media; plants draw water upward via capillary wicking. Reduces watering frequency by 50–70% compared to standard pots. Ideal for tomatoes, herbs, and peppers on balconies where daily watering is a friction point.
Large planter pots
15–25 gallon plastic or resin pots for fruiting crops, dwarf fruit trees, and large perennials. Check for drainage holes (not optional) and UV-resistant plastic if in direct sun. Lightweight plastic stays manageable when moving.
Raised planter box
Elevated cedar or composite box for patios and decks. Reduces bending; keeps deer and some pests out. Ensure structural rating if on a load-bearing surface. 12-inch depth minimum for most vegetables.
Window box planter
Rectangular planters for rail mounting or windowsills. Suitable for herbs, lettuce, and compact flowers. Check bracket weight rating for the soil volume — saturated potting mix is heavy. Self-watering window box versions extend time between watering significantly.