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Roll up your sleeves, you have some potting to do.
If your group chats, Pinterest feed, and neighborhood conversations right now revolve around lawn care, which veggie seeds to sow, and what flowers to plant that'll last through summer, you're not alone. It's that time of the year to prep your garden beds and pots for a bountiful harvest. At House Beautiful, we want to set you up for success, with expert-approved recommendations, from editor-tested raised garden beds to the best gardening gloves to save your hands from thorns.
This time around, we're seeking out the best budget outdoor planters—and who better to ask for recs than designers with a green thumb and a love for nature. We polled several pros for their favorite planters and found 15 worthy options for your patio, deck, and balcony. Best of all, most of the picks on this list are under $100, so you can buy two or even three more planters to house your baby lemon tree, wildflowers, or prickly cactus.
When searching for the right outdoor planter, first determine the size you'll need; some plants prefer a shallow pot, while others do better in a deeper one with good drainage. Consider how the planter will look with what you're trying to grow, if aesthetics are a concern, too. Ahead, you'll find reliable, budget-friendly outdoor planters in various sizes, styles, and colors that will make the growing season a little less stressful.
"One thing's for sure: You can never go wrong with classic aged terracotta planters. They look even more elevated when you layer them alongside other planters of varying sizes and heights. Fill them with real or faux plants and group a few together to create a warm, inviting accent for your outdoor space."
—Audrey Scheck, founder of Audrey Scheck Design
"I recently stumbled upon this outdoor recycled resin planter from Walmart, and I was shocked at how good it looks in person. The proportions and size are great, and the finish looks like stone. And you can't beat the price!"
—Amanda Hickam, owner of Harper Harris Design
"This planter has a modern, powder-coated finish and is made from galvanized steel, making it both rust-resistant and durable. Its minimalist design complements contemporary outdoor spaces."
—Adam Sexton, landscape designer at Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture
"These planters look like aged concrete, but are super lightweight, which makes them ideal for renters or anyone who likes to rearrange their outdoor space often. They hold up well outside without the weight or fragility of ceramic."
—Linda Hayslett, founder of Linda Hayslett
"This classic concrete planter from Home Depot is a must-have staple. Its timeless design works beautifully on both front and back patios, complementing a wide range of outdoor styles. Versatile and durable, this piece can be easily styled with foliage or florals to suit your space."
—Audrey Scheck, founder of Audrey Scheck Design
"I am loving these textured concrete planters from Terrain. The pedestal bottom helps with footprint, and also gives an opportunity to layer pots side by side. The texture is interesting and anchors the whimsy of the plants sprouting above."
—Kelly Neely, founder of Kelly Neely Interiors
"These planters are perfect for creating a cohesive garden look on a budget. The built-in drainage ensures healthy plant growth."
—Sara Malek Barney, founder and principal designer of BANDD/DESIGN
"Known for its double-walled design, this planter provides insulation for plant roots and is made from lightweight, durable materials. Its contemporary look suits various outdoor decors."
—Adam Sexton, landscape designer at Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture
"These are perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to worry about daily watering. The clean design works in a range of aesthetics, and the built-in water reservoir makes them incredibly functional for hot climates or busy homeowners."
—Linda Hayslett, founder of Linda Hayslett
"We love the vintage feel of this design, and they're budget-friendly!"
—Laura Hodges, founder of Laura Hodges Studio
"The scallop detail on this makes it feel special. It adds a bit of whimsy to your traditional terracotta pot."
—Audra Samnotra, founder of Social Swan Decor
"A practical choice for those seeking functionality and affordability. Its minimalist design complements a variety of outdoor settings."
—Sara Malek Barney, founder and principal designer of BANDD/DESIGN
"We love the unique shape of this planter, and the bottom is separate, which is a nice bonus for water drainage."
—Laura Hodges, founder of Laura Hodges Studio
"Simple, modern, and lightweight, this tapered planter works beautifully in contemporary and transitional spaces. It’s durable, UV-resistant, perfect for flanking a front door or lining a patio."
—Angie Socias Coppel, principal and founder of Coppel Design
"This planter offers a sleek, contemporary look without the hefty price tag. Its generous size is perfect for creating impactful plant displays on patios or entryways."
—Sara Malek Barney, founder and principal designer of BANDD/DESIGN
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