Clay vs. Plastic Pots - Preference?

Plastic is fine. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes and the pots are sitting on something like wood blocks. If they're flat on the ground drainage is blocked.

It’s my experience that clay pots will absorb some of the water and the plant will need watering more often.

From Google:

Yes, clay pots, especially unglazed terracotta pots, absorb water due to their porous nature. This absorption can be beneficial for certain plants, as it helps with drainage and aeration, but it can also lead to issues like water loss or the need to ensure the pot is fully saturated before planting

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It’s my experience that clay pots will absorb some of the water and the plant will need watering more often.

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This for sure, especially if the pots are exposed to the sun. I've painted the exterior of clay pots with enamel paint to help with water loss in the past when I used them a lot and it helped them retain moisture better.

Now, I pretty much only use the heavy duty plastic pots but even those will break down over time due to UV damage..


I've probably got 50+ plants in pots between the 2 porches and patio and have gotten away from the old type clay pots for the most part.

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The newer molded plastic ones are 10x lighter and actually look decent plus they won’t break

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They are making some very nice size and style of glazed ceramic pots now, but DAMN, those things are $$$$.

Most all my pots are now heavy duty plastic. I do have 2 real old ones that are made from molded concrete and they must weigh close to 40 lbs. each as they are damn near 2 inches thick.

Depending on where you are (Memphis here) clay pots that absorb water will crack and break if you leave them out in a freeze.

Hell, invest in a bunch of those 5 gallon buckets that Home Depot sells. The ones I've seen in their stores are bright orange and they make a great pot for planting vegetable plants since they usually have nice healthy root systems to support the plant growing and producing.

Plus they are deep enough for you to install a stake for plants like tomatoes to be tied to as they grow. I grow an in-ground traditional garden and stake the following:

Bell peppers, the many varieties of hot peppers I grow, eggplants and tomatoes. All of those plants will often be knocked over due to the weight of the fruit on them and especially if strong winds or heavy rain comes into play.

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Would grow bags be a suitable substitute? I’m in north MS, so I’m a little worried about them drying out in the summers.

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I like them and they are economical. First summer incoming so can't comment on drying out just yet. For what it is worth, they don't gush out of the sides when watering so they do hold moisture in to some degree.

There is a claim that air having access through the fabric has benefits to the roots.

TLDR: Fabric bags are my go-to from here on.

I grew a 16 plant crop of sativa in 10 gallon grow bags, they did fine. The only downside is that they are kind of a PIA if you meet to go up to a bigger bag. On a few I had to cut the bag off to get the root ball out

prefer the look of terracotta but plastic is much more durable