[rowlandwells]

 for those of us that container grow what do you find the best for flower tubs and veg
 i favour concrete or clay pots  myself for our flower plants as they seem to hold the moister better than plastic  and also don't seem to dry out so quickly as plastic

 we found plastic tubs better for our veg planting in larger tubs understandably concrete tubs a far heavier that plastic to move around i know concrete tubs are more expensive to buy as are frost proof clay pots   

but i was impressed with the advantage of using concrete pots that i have decided to make my own  tubs myself 

i have to say my last attempt at concrete tubs was disastrous and they ended up as hard core for a pathway but I've got a bit of professional advise this time so i going to give it a go hear indoors LOL when i mention making concrete tubs but i am  not giving up  hard core or not 

[Yorkie]

Clay is porous so will drain quicker than plastic.  This is better for plant roots, so long as you maintain watering when needed.

Concrete contains lime so don't use it for any ericaceous plants.

Plastic is cheap and can look good.  It has little insulating properties so roots can bake in summer and freeze in winter.

Whatever you use, make sure you lift it up in winter so that drainage is improved.  Plants don't like sitting in cold wet compost.

[Hey Jude]

I do like a nice terracotta pot and yorkshire long toms are my favourite!

[catllar]

Going to have a go at making your own? Why not - good for you  - nothing ventured, etc....

[arugula]

I remember my Dad making a number of plant containers out of concrete. I seem to recall there must have been shuttering involved to get the container shape as they were made in one piece.

 

[Yorkie]

Tufa is a substance used to make alpine troughs if I recall correctly.  Might be worth a google.