where can i buy a planter – the best Affordable Planters Guide

Quality planters are available at Dollar Tree for just $1.25. At the time I needed a planter, I found that there was an amazing variety of budget-friendly options. Thrift stores sell glazed ceramic pots under $5, and big-box retailers offer complete setups for less than $20.

The market has plenty of cheap planter pots available both online and in stores. Trader Joe’s ceramic selections range from $5 to $20, and ePlanters’ unique designs start at $20. This piece highlights the best places to buy plant pots that match your budget and style. Your dream garden awaits with options from local spots to trusted online retailers without the need to overspend.

Online vs. In-Store: Where to Find the Best Planter Deals

Choosing where to buy planters really comes down to what you care about most: convenience, selection, or getting what you need right away. Let’s look at what makes each shopping option special and when one might work better than the other.

Benefits of shopping online

The digital world has revolutionized the way I shop for planters and pots. Shopping for plants online gives you amazing convenience—you can look through endless options from your couch at midnight if the mood strikes. You won’t need to plan trips to nurseries or deal with moving large planters around.

The biggest plus has to be the selection. Online stores show you so many options that local stores just can’t match because they don’t have the space. I’ve found unique and rare planters online that I’d never see in my area. Anyone asking “where can I buy a planter” with specific needs will love how online shopping removes all location limits.

It also helps that online plant stores give you detailed product information. The descriptions, measurements, and care guides help me make better choices. This really matters when you’re looking for budget-friendly planter pots with specific drainage or material needs.

Online prices can be better too. These stores don’t need physical locations, so they often have better deals. I’ve seen lots of promotions, especially if you’re a new customer or buying multiple items. You can save quite a bit when you need several planters for your garden.

The convenience of home delivery is amazing—especially when it comes to heavy or large planter boxes. Most online stores know exactly how to pack plants and planters so they arrive in perfect condition.

When in-store shopping makes more sense

Even with all the online perks, sometimes going to actual stores works better. You can check the quality, size, and look of planters before buying them. This hands-on experience means no surprises about colors, textures, or finishes.

Getting items right away is a huge benefit. When I need a planter for a weekend project, nothing beats grabbing one from a store. There’s no waiting for shipping or worrying about delivery delays.

Big box stores often surprise me with their prices. Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other major chains have prices at least 20% lower than average according to pricing surveys. Their seasonal items offer stylish but affordable options when I’m looking for the best place to buy plant pots.

Shopping in stores also means no shipping damage risks. Those delicate ceramic or terracotta planters sometimes arrive cracked even with careful packing. Buying in person eliminates this worry completely.

Local stores often stock larger planters that online shops can’t ship at reasonable prices. When I need a big planter box, garden centers or home improvement stores usually have the best options.

The clearance sales at physical stores can be amazing. Garden centers often cut prices by 70-80% at the end of each season. I’ve bought ceramic pots that usually cost $50+ for just $10-15 during these sales.

Price comparison tools to use

Getting the best deals means using the right tools. Browser extensions like Honey or CamelCamelCamel watch prices and tell you when they drop—perfect for keeping an eye on expensive planters at Wayfair or Amazon.

Many stores match prices, which can save you good money. Home Depot shows you what’s in stock nearby with their “Get It Fast” feature. IKEA Family members get free shipping on certain orders, which adds up to more savings.

Warehouse clubs deserve a look for bulk buys. Costco gives great discounts on planter sets—check out their Theo Resin Planters two-pack or self-watering options. Members often save big compared to buying similar quality items separately.

Store newsletters can get you special deals. Home Depot gives you $5 off just for signing up for their email tips. These small savings add up when you’re buying multiple items.

The timing of your purchase matters too. Spring and fall garden sales or holiday weekend deals can save you serious money. Being patient and picking the right time often works better than rushing to buy.

Budget-Friendly Online Retailers for Cheap Planter Pots

Shopping online gives me access to countless affordable planters. The choices can feel overwhelming, but I’ve found reliable sources that offer quality planters at reasonable prices.

Amazon and Wayfair basics

Amazon’s marketplace has thousands of planters at every price point. Their top-selling planters are surprisingly affordable – Utopia Home’s 5-pack indoor plant pots with drainage costs just $14.99. Quarut’s 3-pack of 10-inch whiskey barrel planters sells at $23.98.

Amazon’s extensive customer review system sets it apart. I can read ratings from thousands of buyers before making a purchase. Utopia’s affordable plant pots have earned a 4.6-star rating from 2,808 reviews. These reviews help me make informed decisions.

Wayfair runs frequent sales with deep discounts on planters. Their clearance section lists over 1,400 planters on sale right now. You can find high-quality items like elegant ceramic planters with bamboo stands in 2-packs for $35.99.

Wayfair stands out with these benefits:

• Clear descriptions of drainage options and materials
• Free shipping on orders over $35
• Regular sales with big discounts

Garden enthusiasts will appreciate Wayfair’s practical options like raised garden beds made from galvanized steel. These beds prevent weeds and provide excellent drainage.

Etsy’s hidden gems

Etsy offers a rich source of unique planters that blend affordability with character. The platform lets me buy directly from small businesses and artisans.

Unlike big retailers, Etsy features distinctive pieces. Independent woodworkers sell cedar planter boxes at affordable prices, and many offer “spring sales” on their handcrafted items.

Vintage enthusiasts will love Etsy’s selection. The site has many pre-owned planters full of character and history. One seller shares their passion: “I LOVE vintage pots!”.

Etsy’s prices can surprise you. Bulk personalized engraved custom logo planters cost as little as $1.10 during sales (regular price $1.46). Budget-conscious decorators can find “Mistake Mini Cement Planters” at $12.00 per box with minor flaws.

Social media marketplace finds

Facebook Marketplace might be the most budget-friendly option. Local sellers list planters at much lower prices than retail stores, often because they’re moving or clearing space.

Social marketplace shopping eliminates shipping costs through local pickup. These platforms also let you negotiate prices, which can lead to better deals.

Patience pays off when shopping these marketplaces. Great deals pop up randomly. Regular checks might reveal the perfect planter that wasn’t there yesterday.

The social aspect creates an unexpected benefit. I’ve connected with local plant enthusiasts and learned about community plant swaps and sales with plenty of cheap planter pots.

Remember to shop carefully on these platforms. Marketplace sellers rarely accept returns. A close look at photos and questions about size and condition will help you avoid disappointment.

Big Box Stores with Surprising Planter Selections

Big box retailers have grown way beyond the reach and influence of simple garden supplies. These days they stock planter selections that match specialty stores. My recent store visits showed some stylish choices at wallet-friendly prices.

Target’s seasonal collections

Target has become my favorite spot to find trendy planters without breaking the bank. Their displays showcase planters in a variety of materials – stoneware, ceramic, cement, and plastic pots.

Target stands out because they balance style with practicality. Most of their planters come with drainage holes – a vital feature that keeps plants from drowning in extra water. They’ve thought about water damage too, with matching saucers you can place under the planters.

New plant parents will love Target’s self-watering pots that make care much easier. These containers help keep moisture levels steady, which takes the mystery out of watering for beginners.

The Lakeside Collection’s seasonal planter trellises show off Target’s unique items, and customers rate them 4.5 stars. These pieces add character while giving climbing plants the support they need.

Many plant lovers deal with limited space. Target has a solution with hanging baskets and wall planters that let you grow more without using floor space. This makes their collections perfect for apartments and cozy homes.

Walmart’s garden center deals

Walmart’s garden center packs variety and value into one spot. Their website has specific categories to help you find garden planters quickly.

Right now, Walmart’s indoor and outdoor planter sections are sorted by size and use. This smart layout saves you time when you’re hunting for specific types.

The store often runs clearance sales on garden items, planters included. Their clearance section has quality options at lower prices, which means big savings. You should check Walmart before buying planters elsewhere.

Budget-conscious shoppers looking for planters will find Walmart delivers quality without high costs. They stock everything from simple pots to decorative pieces that work indoors and outdoors.

Walmart’s edge comes from selling name-brand planters at discount prices. While specific brands weren’t in the data, my shopping trips confirm they mix known brands with their own budget-friendly choices.

Home Depot and Lowe’s options

Home Depot’s planter selection is neatly sorted by size, material, and use. They have everything from huge statement pieces to tiny succulent pots.

Looking for a specific planter box? Home Depot’s search filters are a great way to get exactly what you need:

• Size (extra small to extra large)
• Material (ceramic, resin, clay, wood, metal)
• Shape (round, rectangular, square)
• Special features (self-watering, hanging)

Home Depot runs seasonal promotions on planters. Their “FRESH IDEAS FOR FRESH BLOOMS” spring campaign shows planters for any space. Bargain hunters will spot their “PLANTERS UNDER USD 10.00” collection.

Shopping here is super easy. Home Depot’s “Free 2-Hour Pickup” lets me browse online and grab in-stock planters from my local store. This mixes online shopping ease with instant pickup.

The prices tell the story. Pennington Terra Cotta Clay Pots start at just $2.97 for a 4.25-inch pot. The Guia 14.5-inch Ceramic Decorative Cylinder Planter holds 22 quarts and costs $39.97.

Lowe’s also has reliable planter sections, though they organize things differently and carry other brands. Between these two stores, you’ll find almost every planter type – from budget pots to fancy decorative pieces.

These big box stores make a strong case for being the best place to buy plant pots if you’re watching your budget. They mix competitive prices with huge selection and easy pickup options.

Unexpected Places to Buy Plant Pots for Less

You’ll find a wealth of affordable planters beyond traditional retailers in places many gardeners never think to look. These unexpected sources sell planters at the cheapest prices anywhere – sometimes just a fraction of what you’d pay at regular stores.

Dollar stores and discount chains

Dollar Tree is a real planter paradise with incredibly low prices. Their stackable planters cost just $1.25 each, making them one of the most affordable options you can find. On my last visit, I found an impressive variety that has hanging wire baskets, round plastic planters with saucers, and metal planters.

The selection at Dollar Tree gets even better with practical items like planter pot chains and rolling plant stands. Their clear plastic planter saucers help prevent water damage to surfaces – something indoor gardeners really care about. The quality really impressed me. Their round plastic planters with spouted saucers got 4.7 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews, showing that cheap doesn’t mean poor quality.

Dollar General also has budget-friendly options if you want planters without spending too much. Their stores stock planters of all sizes, styles, and materials for both indoor and outdoor use. The budget-friendly prices let you create a beautiful garden without overspending, whether you need one pot or dozens.

Grocery store garden sections

Your local supermarket might have a garden section worth checking out during your next grocery run. Many grocery chains now have seasonal plant departments with surprisingly affordable pots and planters. You can grab your weekly groceries and a new planter in one trip.

Grocery store garden sections focus on practical, affordable options instead of premium pricing like specialty centers. You’ll typically find simple terracotta pots, plastic planters in standard sizes, and seasonal decorative options. The prices make up for the smaller selection compared to dedicated garden stores.

These planters work great for casual gardeners who want functional containers without making extra trips. Early spring and holiday seasons bring the biggest selections.

Thrift stores and secondhand shops

Thrift stores might be the most creative source for unique, affordable planters. Most thrift shops bring out planters and pots right after Valentine’s Day for spring and Easter displays. The housewares and seasonal sections usually have the best finds – beautiful bone china, concrete, and ceramic pots often cost $3 or less.

Thrift stores offer endless creative possibilities beyond regular planters. Here are some unexpected items that work great as planters:

• Teacups and mugs (perfect for 2-4 inch plants)
• Punch bowls (ideal for succulent arrangements)
• Metal fruit baskets (easily lined with coir for shallow-rooted plants)
• Teapots (great for trailing succulents)
• Kitchen ceramics and canisters

Don’t worry too much about small cosmetic flaws when thrifting planters. Experienced thrifters say “Chips and cracks can lend your foliage display some worn-in charm”. Plastic or glazed porcelain surfaces clean up easily. Clay pots look charming but can be tough to clean over time.

Many plant lovers now use thrifted containers as cachepots (decorative outer pots). This makes watering easier – just lift out the nursery pot to water and check roots. Thrift store planters are the best place to buy plant pots when you’re watching your budget, with prices usually under $3.

These unexpected retailers show that you don’t need specialty garden stores or big budgets for quality planters. Dollar stores, grocery sections, and thrift shops have affordable options for every style and plant need.

Seasonal Sales: When to Shop for the Biggest Savings

The right timing can save you a lot of money when you’re looking for affordable planters. Smart shoppers can cut their costs by half or more just by knowing the best seasonal windows to buy. Here’s my guide to help you save money throughout the year.

End-of-season clearance events

Fall clearance sales are a great way to get planter bargains. Stores start offering big discounts on their remaining stock as soon as the weather cools down. These sales usually give you the best deals of the year.

Home Depot’s Garden Center starts its major clearance right after Labor Day with 50% off plants. Their October 2024 clearance section had these deals:

• $10.00 aloe vera plants (1 gallon size)
• 50% off rose bushes
• 50% off hybrid tea rose bushes
• $10.00 off mixed potted plants

Garden centers prefer to sell their off-season inventory at a discount instead of storing everything indoors for winter. Budget-conscious gardeners can find cheap planter pots during these sales.

Root & Vessel’s clearance section shows this perfectly. They sell “the same exceptional style and quality you love at discounted prices”. Their clearance planters give you “the perfect blend of affordability and style” without the premium price tag.

Holiday weekend sales

Holiday sales are another excellent time to find planter deals. Black Friday isn’t just about electronics – you’d be surprised to know it’s actually the best time to buy plant pots seasonally. Home Depot sells poinsettias for as low as $1.25 during their Black Friday sales.

Late August through early September brings the year’s last major plant sale during Labor Day. This sale lets you save on mums for early fall decorating, with prices cut by 25-40%.

Holiday weekends often come with free shipping deals too. Gardeners.com lets you ship orders over $49 free through December 2025 with code “SHIP49”. This saves you money on heavier planters bought online.

Holiday-themed planters often come with special prices. These decorative containers work well with seasonal plants or look great on their own on porches and entryways.

Spring and fall gardening promotions

Spring brings major sales as stores compete for your business. Holland Bulb Farms runs impressive deals like “50-75% Off Select Perennials” and their “Spring Gardening Sale” with lots of buy-one-get-one-free offers.

Fall is the best time to buy trees, shrubs, and perennials. You get great prices and ideal planting conditions together. A nursery owner explains, “The ground is still warm and that’s when the seasonal rains arrive. The plants spend their time until spring rooting in”.

Looking for the biggest discounts on planter boxes? Early spring might seem right, but smart shoppers wait for progressive sales. Bayview Farm and Garden’s owner Maureen Murphy says, “We do progressive sales. So much is marked off one week and then more is marked off the next”.

Late July and August count as “late season” for plant shopping, which means good deals on planters. Display models and discontinued styles often sell for less because nursery stock moves quickly in peak seasons.

Your regular garden shopping turns into a money-saving adventure when you time your planter purchases with these seasonal windows.

DIY and Upcycled Planter Ideas That Cost Almost Nothing

You don’t need to spend money on planters when you already have so many options at home. Your house is full of potential plant containers just waiting to be found. Let me help you create beautiful homes for your plants without spending anything.

Household items that make great planters

Dozens of items in your home can become perfect planters. Almost any container works well for planting if you prepare it properly.

The kitchen provides endless planting possibilities. Old teapots add a touch of whimsy to any space. Small plants thrive in chipped mugs. Colanders naturally make drainage-ready planters because their built-in holes manage water flow perfectly.

Your bathroom items can become beautiful planters too. Old bathtubs create stunning garden features outdoors. Large plants or multiple varieties grow well in unused sinks that offer plenty of depth.

Food packaging makes surprisingly good free planter options. A quick coat of paint turns clean tin cans into stylish containers. Plastic bottles become perfect planters after you add drainage holes to the bottom.

Personal items create planters that start conversations. Worn-out boots bring quirky charm to your garden. With minimal changes, old purses transform into hanging planters when they’re no longer part of your fashion rotation.

Simple weekend planter projects

A wooden planter box looks professional yet takes minimal time to build. You can create something that looks store-bought with just $50 in materials.

The process isn’t complicated for beginners. You’ll need just two basic tools – a miter saw and finishing nail gun. Cedar fence boards work excellently as planter materials and naturally resist insects and weather damage.

Clean-lined modern planter boxes take about 30 minutes to build with basic lumber. Contemporary style comes from adding angled leg frames, which don’t require complex construction.

The easiest planter box uses redwood fence pickets joined with finishing nails. This simple project lasts for years thanks to redwood’s natural resistance to insects and weather.

Tools and materials you’ll need

Upcycled household planters need minimal tools. You’ll need:

• Cleaning supplies to sanitize containers really well
• Drill or hammer to create drainage holes
• Rocks or gravel to improve drainage layers

Wooden planter projects require a few more specialized tools:

• Power saw (miter saw recommended)
• Finishing nail gun or hammer with nails
• Sandpaper to smooth rough edges (80-180 grit)
• Water-resistant sealant to protect wood

Project materials remain simple no matter what you choose. Household upcycling uses items you already own plus potting soil. Wooden projects work best with treated lumber, cedar, or redwood for durability.

Plants need proper drainage in all DIY planters. Root rot becomes a problem without good drainage. Adding bottom holes to containers and using a rock layer helps keep your plants healthy.

How to Choose the Right Planter Box for Your Space

A planter’s looks matter, but there’s much more to think over when picking the right one. Your plants need the perfect pot that keeps them healthy and makes your space look great. I’ve found several key things that make the difference between thriving and struggling plants.

Indoor vs. outdoor considerations

Indoor and outdoor planters each have their own special needs. Your indoor planters must be watertight to keep your floors and furniture safe. They shouldn’t have drain holes or leaky seams. My go-to solution includes planters with saucers or drip pans that catch extra water.

Wood, vinyl, plastic, and fiberglass work great for indoor planters. These materials perform well in spaces where temperature stays steady. Light levels and available space play a big role in my indoor planter choices.

Your outdoor planters need drain holes to stop water from rotting the roots. Good drainage helps handle rain and weather. PVC, composite, resin, and cement stand up to weather damage best.

Planters with wheels are a great feature that lets me bring plants inside when weather turns bad. This comes in handy as seasons change.

Size and drainage requirements

Plant growth and root health depend heavily on size. Plants need enough space without getting cramped. Small herbs do fine in shallow boxes, while bigger plants need deeper containers.

Plants can’t survive without proper drainage. Roots need oxygen, and without good drainage, they’ll rot. Every pot needs holes at the bottom. Many people think adding gravel at the bottom helps drainage, but water actually sits right above the gravel layer.

Pots without drainage holes can work as decorative covers, or I drill holes myself. A 1/4 inch hole works perfectly – any bigger and soil falls out.

Material durability factors

Different materials affect how long your planter lasts and how much care it needs:

• Terracotta/clay: Breathes well but dries fast and might crack in freezing temps
• Plastic/fiberglass: Easy to move, budget-friendly, handles frost well
• Metal: Looks great but gets too hot in summer, which can hurt roots
• Wood: Natural beauty, stands up to frost but rots over time
• Stone/concrete: Beautiful and stable for big plants but very heavy

The planter’s location helps me choose the right material. Frost-proof plastic, concrete, or fiberglass work best outdoors year-round. I spend more upfront on durable materials to save money later.

Smart Shopping Tips from Budget-Conscious Plant Parents

Plant lovers who’ve been around the block know clever ways to save money beyond hunting for cheap pots. These smart moves help your gardening budget go further without cutting corners on quality or style.

Bulk buying strategies

Buying planters in bulk gives you great cost advantages. Wholesalers give attractive discounts that lower your per-unit cost when you buy large quantities. Your original step should be to check your storage space before placing bulk orders. Good storage keeps your investment safe.

Bulk buying saves you money and gives you better access to products. This works great if you’re a dedicated gardener. Wholesale plant suppliers stock bigger inventories and rare varieties you won’t find in regular stores.

A smart tip: team up with friends or neighbors to buy planter boxes together. You’ll get bulk pricing benefits without needing huge storage areas.

Joining garden club discount programs

Garden clubs give you more than just social perks – they’re a great way to get financial benefits. The Gardener’s Club membership extends plant guarantees up to 3 years for trees and shrubs, 2 years for perennials, and 3 months for houseplants. Members get access to exclusive events from June to October, special deals year-round, and a $10 birthday coupon.

National Garden Clubs teaches through schools that cover environmental topics, flower shows, gardening techniques, and landscape design. These learning opportunities are now accessible to more people online.

Looking for cheap planter pots? These memberships pay for themselves through all the discounts and perks you get.

When to splurge vs. when to save

Smart plant parents know which high prices make sense. Quality construction should be your first check before buying cheaper planters – well-built pieces last longer. Brand names can be worth the extra cost if you want something that lasts.

Ask yourself these questions before spending more:

• Does this fit your overall budget?
• Will the extra cost save you time or energy?
• Are you paying for quality that outlasts cheaper options?

Spend more on planters you use daily or ones that are the foundations of your collection. Save your money on accent pieces or seasonal items you won’t use much. The best places to buy plant pots might not be the cheapest upfront but give you better value over time.

Conclusion

Beautiful container gardens don’t require expensive planters. Quality options exist at every price point. You can find great deals anywhere from dollar stores to high-end retailers, and smart shopping makes this possible on any budget.

The best deals come at the time of fall clearance events. Holiday weekend sales give you regular chances to save money. Your gardening budget stretches even further through local thrift stores, garden clubs, and bulk buying groups.

Tight budgets call for DIY projects and upcycled containers. A wooden planter box needs just $50 in materials to look professional. Many items around your house transform into free planters with small tweaks.

Your planter choice matters more than what you pay. Plants stay healthy longer with proper drainage, right sizing, and sturdy materials. This practical mindset saves money as you won’t need to replace dead plants or broken containers.

Building your dream container garden takes time and patience. Keep an eye on sales and compare prices between stores. Getting creative with DIY solutions often leads to the perfect planter at the right price.

FAQs

Q1. Where can I find affordable planters? Affordable planters can be found at discount stores like TJ Maxx, Home Goods, and Marshalls, as well as big box retailers like Walmart and Target. Online marketplaces such as Amazon and Wayfair also offer budget-friendly options. For unique finds, check out thrift stores, yard sales, and social media marketplaces.

Q2. How can I save money on plant pots? To save money on plant pots, consider repurposing household items as planters, such as old boots, teacups, or colanders. Look for end-of-season clearance sales at garden centers, join garden club discount programs, and explore bulk buying options. DIY projects, like building simple wooden planter boxes, can also be cost-effective alternatives to store-bought pots.

Q3. What are the best materials for indoor and outdoor planters? For indoor planters, materials like wood, vinyl, plastic, and fiberglass work well in climate-controlled environments. Outdoor planters should be made of weather-resistant materials such as PVC, composite, resin, or cement to withstand the elements. Consider factors like drainage, weight, and esthetics when choosing planter materials for your specific needs.

Q4. How do I choose the right size planter for my plants? Select a planter that provides enough room for root growth without being excessively large. Small herbs need shallow containers, while larger plants require deeper pots. Ensure the planter has proper drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. Consider the plant’s mature size and growth rate when selecting a container to avoid frequent repotting.

Q5. When is the best time to buy planters for the biggest savings? The best time to buy planters at discounted prices is during end-of-season clearance events, typically in late summer and early fall. Holiday weekend sales, such as Labor Day and Black Friday, often feature significant discounts on gardening supplies. Additionally, spring and fall gardening promotions can offer good deals on planters and other garden essentials.