Which pot to choose for outdoor growing: A comparison of plastic, fabric, and Air Pot containers

Some people focus on fertilisers, others on light – but few pay enough attention to what the plant is actually growing in. Yet a poorly chosen pot can cause serious problems even for an experienced grower. Overheating, waterlogging, roots curled up like a ball of snakes… So: plastic, fabric, or Air Pot? Let us break it down.

Plastic pots – a cheap and proven classic

Plastic pots probably do not need a lengthy introduction. Most growers use them, whether on a balcony, in a greenhouse or in the garden. They are inexpensive, lightweight and easily available in any size. For raising seedlings, basic cultivation of herbs, flowers or even vegetables, plastic pots are certainly a functional choice. However, if you plan to grow more demanding species, such as tomatoes, chilli or medicinal plants, plastic pots have certain limitations. The main problem can be insufficient drainage, which is why we recommend using substrates lightened with perlite when growing in plastic pots (for example Plagron Growmix, BioBizz Light Mix). Another problem is overheating of the substrate, especially if the containers are exposed to direct sunlight on a balcony or terrace. Black plastic pots can heat up so much that the plant roots are damaged.

Advantages:

• Low purchase price
• Available in all sizes
• Lightweight, easy to carry
• Long service life with proper handling

Disadvantages:

• Roots become tangled
• In hot weather, the substrate overheats

Fabric pots – lightweight, breathable and ideal for the summer season

Fabric pots are often a better choice than plastic for outdoor growing. The main advantage of fabric is its breathability. The side walls of the pot are made from strong non-woven fabric, which allows better access of air to the roots and prevents them from tangling. This phenomenon is known as “air pruning” and naturally stimulates the growth of new fine roots and supports the development of a healthy root system in plants.

Fabric pots are ideal for outdoor growing because they easily drain excess water and the substrate does not overheat in them. They are also very compact, and smaller fabric pots are easy to carry, so they are also suitable for a balcony, terrace or places where you need to handle containers frequently. A small disadvantage of fabric pots is that plants need to be watered more often, because the substrate dries out faster.

Advantages:

• Air pruning
• Excellent drainage
• Lightweight and compact
• The substrate does not overheat even in direct sunlight

Disadvantages:

• Faster drying. They require more frequent watering
• Service life of approx. 2–4 seasons depending on material quality
• Larger fabric pots are not easy to carry

Air Pot – the choice of professionals

Air Pot pots look unusual at first glance. They have perforated walls and protrusions, which make them look as if they came from a space greenhouse. However, the unusual design has a purpose: to create ideal conditions for root system development. As with fabric pots, air pruning also occurs in Air Pots. The result is a denser and more even root ball than with classic plastic pots. Even with Air Pots, plants therefore need to be watered more often. Air Pots are slightly more expensive than other pots, but they are made from durable plastic and can withstand a lot. They are especially suitable for growers who know exactly what they are doing and want to get the maximum yield from their plants.

Advantages:

• Air pruning
• Excellent air circulation and drainage
• Reusable and very durable

Disadvantages:

• Higher purchase price
• More complicated handling and assembly
• More frequent watering

Further useful tips for outdoor growers can be found on our Higarden blog or visit us in store, where we will be happy to advise you in person.