Do This, Not That: Common Planter Pot Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Table of Contents:

Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Size Planter Pot
Mistake #2: Overwatering Your Planter Pots
Mistake #3: Overcrowding Your Planter Pots
Mistake #4: Ignoring Sunlight Requirements for Your Plants
Mistake #5: Neglecting Seasonal Planter Pot Updates
There Aren’t Any Mistakes With Post & Porch’s Modern Planter Pot Collection

Planter pots are a simple yet impactful way to elevate your home’s overall curb appeal vibe.

But even the most enthusiastic gardeners occasionally make mistakes that can undermine the beauty and health of their outdoor plants. Or maybe you’re among those who feel they're missing a green thumb entirely (something we all struggle with at some point – don’t worry!).

No matter which you relate to most, let’s explore some common planter faux pas modern homeowners frequently commit – and how you can fix them effortlessly, with on-trend style.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Size Planter Pot

Do This: Select your planter size based on a plant's unique growth rate and root requirements. According to Better Homes & Gardens’ gardening experts, "Plants with expansive root systems or rapid growth, such as small trees or shrubs, benefit significantly from being placed in a spacious environment like a large planter pot, an XXL planter pot, or a tall one."

Tall planter pots not only accommodate deeper root systems but also add attractive vertical elements to your front porch – perfect for boosting curb appeal. "A planter that's too small limits root development, resulting in weaker plants. Choose a planter pot about twice the diameter of your plant’s root ball to encourage healthy growth," advises the University of Illinois.

Not That: Avoid planting small or slow-growing plants in oversized or giant planter pots. An excessively large container can cause your soil to retain excess moisture, leading to the dreaded root rot. As Sunset Magazine points out, "Too much soil around small roots means it stays wet longer than the roots can tolerate, creating the ideal conditions for plant disease."

Try these quick tips for choosing the right front porch planter size:

Measure First: Choose a planter pot about twice the diameter of your plant's current root ball for optimal growth. Unsure what a root ball is? Click here to find out more.
Think Ahead: Fast-growing plants or plants with expansive root systems benefit from large or XXL planter pots. Try to have a clear plan before planting different varieties.
Go Tall for Drama: Tall planter pots create visual interest and accommodate deeper roots, enhancing curb appeal. The Holbrook by Post & Porch is an excellent option.
Avoid Excess Space: Small or slow-growing plants can get waterlogged in oversized pots, increasing the risk of root rot. Try to pick a planter that fits the plant’s needs.
Drainage Matters: Ensure your planter has adequate drainage to avoid excess moisture buildup. Want to drill your own planter pot drainage holes to be sure? Take a look below:

Mistake #2: Overwatering Your Planter Pots

Do This: Regularly check the soil moisture before reaching for your hand-dandy watering can or modern hose. Delci, a gardening YouTuber, suggests a simple test: "Insert your finger about an inch deep into the planter’s soil; if it feels dry at this depth, it's time to water." Many front porch planters include built-in drainage holes, which help you prevent excess water accumulation.

Selecting materials like ceramic or fiberglass for your black planter pot or modern planter pot can further aid in managing moisture by allowing excess water to evaporate more efficiently. According to Pure Modern, "Good drainage is essential. Always ensure your outdoor planters have proper drainage holes to help excess water escape and protect your plants from root rot."

Not That: Avoid assuming every outdoor planter pot needs daily watering. Overwatering can lead to root suffocation and drowning, particularly in large pot planters where water can pool. As the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources explains, "Waterlogged planter soil deprives roots of oxygen, causing plant stress and making them susceptible to diseases."

Check out these websites for proper watering guidance based on your plant’s specific needs:

The Sill (for houseplants)
Reddit (real stories and experiences from gardeners)
The Morton Arboretum (expert watering recommendations)
Google (search for care tailored to your specific plant!)

Mistake #3: Overcrowding Your Planter Pots

Do This: Give your plants enough room to breathe, grow, and thrive.

Select wide planter pots or long planter pots to house smaller plants with similar watering and sunlight needs. According to Proven Winners, “Plants need sufficient space to grow and access air circulation, sunlight, and nutrients without competition. As a rule, leave a few inches between each plant to ensure healthy airflow and reduce disease risks.” Thoughtful plant spacing creates not only a visually pleasing arrangement but also supports better plant health and growth.

Not That: Avoid overcrowding your flower pot planters by placing different plants too close together. Overcrowding creates competition for essential nutrients, water, and sunlight, resulting in weaker, stressed-out plants. The University of Minnesota Extension highlights that “Crowded plants are more likely to experience fungal diseases due to restricted airflow and moisture retention,” emphasizing the importance of proper spacing for plant vitality (and visibility).

Take a look at these helpful resources for avoiding overcrowding in planter pots:

Proven Winners with Container Garden Design: Spacing Plants Effectively
University of Minnesota Extension with Container Gardening with Annuals: Proper Spacing
HGTV with Container Gardening Basics: How to Avoid Overcrowding
Better Homes & Gardens with Tips for Successful Container Gardening
The Spruce with How to Properly Space Container Plants

Mistake #4: Ignoring Sunlight Requirements for Your Plants

Do This: Place your outdoor pot planters according to your plants' specific and unique sunlight preferences. Sun-loving plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, so position them in areas that receive ample sun exposure. Conversely, shade-tolerant plants thrive with less than two hours of direct sunlight and should be situated in sheltered or partially shaded spots. According to Penn State Extension, understanding these distinctions is crucial for plant health.

Not That: Avoid placing your outdoor planters without considering the amount of sunlight each of your home’s locations gets. Misjudging sun exposure can lead to poor plant performance or even plant failure (don’t panic, green thumb-less people!). To assess sunlight levels, take a look at your house throughout the day and note the duration/intensity of sunlight in different areas. This practice helps ensure that each plant is placed in an environment that meets its needs.

Here are some helpful references for understanding plant sunlight requirements:

Mistake #5: Neglecting Seasonal Planter Pot Updates

Do This: Regularly refresh your modern planter pots with flora suited to the current season to ensure they consistently look their best. After all, rotating your plants based on seasonal weather changes helps maintain vibrant curb appeal year-round. According to Southern Living:

“Updating your planter pots each season not only ensures plants are healthy and thriving but also keeps your home’s exterior visually interesting.” Consider annuals in spring, heat-tolerant blooms in summer, ornamental grasses in fall, and evergreens or cold-hardy plants in winter.

Not That: Don’t leave your planter pots unattended, allowing them to remain filled with plants that are past their prime or unsuited to your current weather conditions. Neglecting seasonal plant updates can diminish your home's curb appeal and negatively affect plant health – drat.

Want to replace your plants with seasonal ones? Click here to read our Post & Porch blog guide.

There Aren’t Any Mistakes With Post & Porch’s Modern Planter Pot Collection

With these easy "do this, not that" guidelines, you'll be confidently avoiding common planter pot pitfalls. From selecting the ideal pot size to mastering seasonal updates, each step empowers you – green thumb or not – to cultivate thriving outdoor spaces. Put these practical tips into action, and watch as your home's curb appeal transforms effortlessly into a stylish oasis.

But whether you’re working with a small stoop or a sprawling front porch, the right combination of modern planter pots, large planter pots, and small planter pots can make all the difference. Which is where Post & Porch comes into play; we build high-quality, stylish planters right here in the USA that are expertly designed for durability and maximum curb appeal.

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Here's an overview of Post & Porch’s standout planter pot collection:

The Milard: Bold and angular, the Milard is a durable, contemporary planter redefining curb appeal and outdoor spaces with its striking silhouette. It comes in 2 sizes and 2 colors (black and beige) offering an eye-catching design, sparking conversation.
The Millcreek: Made from fiberstone, the Millcreek combines modern aesthetics with enduring craftsmanship. This sleek and chic planter elevates every outdoor space, is meticulously engineered for attention, and comes in 2 colors – black or beige.
The Heritage: Fusing up-to-trend design with practical functionality, the Heritage is crafted with a tall, sleek elegance that sets the tone for your home’s personality. Its durability matches its refined look perfectly, coming in 2 colors: black or beige.
The Holbrook: Combining an enhanced curb appeal design with functionality, the Holbrook houses your plants while blending seamlessly into any outdoor space. Its angular, weather-resistant construction comes in your choice of 2 colors: black or beige.
The Serene: Made from a lightweight blend of resilient colin, fiberglass, and polyresin, the Serene comes in 3 sizes and features a timeless design to complement any home. It’s built to withstand weather with elegance and comes in 2 colors: black or beige.