When choosing a container, bear in mind that plastic pots made purely from polypropylene can become very brittle in cold weather, and so are not particularly suitable for growing plants outdoors. Instead, choose a pot made from a mix of polypropylene and polythene as this will not deteriorate in the cold.

Polythene pots are flexible, which allows them to be folded flat for storage. When filled with compost they become free standing, and are useful for pricking out seedlings prior to planting out.

Biodegradable pots are generally made from a mixture of recycled paper or wood fibre, peat and basic nutrients to help plant growth. These pots are excellent for plants that dislike having their roots disturbed as the pot may be planted directly into the soil. The pot then slowly degrades, allowing the plant's roots to grow out through sides and base into the surrounding ground. Gardeners can make their own degradable pots by forming cones from double-thickness newspaper.

The Egyptian pharoah Ramses III was the first to popularise, if not invent, flower pots, around 1230BC.

Plant Pot Saucers

Saucers can be very useful f...