If you've spent time choosing the perfect pots and plants for your patio, doorstep or garden, there's one small accessory that's well worth thinking about: plant pot feet.
They might not be the most exciting thing on your gardening list, but they can make a real difference to both your pots and the plants growing in them. By lifting a container slightly off the ground, pot feet can help with drainage, reduce the risk of waterlogging and make looking after outdoor pots through a wet British autumn and winter that little bit easier.
So, what exactly are plant pot feet, and do you really need them?
What are plant pot feet?
Plant pot feet, often simply called pot feet, are small supports placed underneath outdoor plant pots and containers to raise them slightly above the surface below.
Usually, three or four are positioned evenly around the base of a pot. This creates a small gap between the container and your patio, paving or decking, helping water to drain away more freely.
Pot feet come in all sorts of styles, from simple, understated designs to more decorative options that become part of the overall look of the pot. At the Old Railway Line Garden Centre, we stock Woodlodge pot feet to complement a wide range of outdoor containers.
Why are pot feet useful?
The main reason to use pot feet is simple: better drainage.
Most outdoor plant pots have drainage holes in the bottom, allowing excess rainwater or water from your watering can to escape. But when a pot is sitting flat on a hard surface, those holes can sometimes become partly blocked by the ground underneath, compacted soil or garden debris.
Raising the pot slightly gives the water somewhere to go.
This is especially useful during autumn and winter, when containers can receive far more water than plants actually need. Compost that stays wet for long periods can become short of air, creating poor conditions around the roots.
As Liam, our Garden Retail Director, says:
“Good drainage is one of the most important things to think about with any outdoor container. Pot feet are a really simple way of helping excess water escape and keeping those drainage holes clear.”
Are plant pot feet especially useful in winter?
Yes, particularly for pots sitting on patios or other hard surfaces.
British winters can be tough on outdoor containers. Heavy rain, cold temperatures and repeated freezing and thawing all put extra pressure on pots and plants.
Pot feet won't make a container frost-proof, but they can help by allowing water to drain away instead of collecting underneath the pot.
Before winter sets in, it's worth checking that:
- drainage holes are clear;
- pots aren't sitting in saucers full of rainwater;
- containers are raised slightly where needed;
- any more tender plants have the extra protection they require.
It's a small autumn job, but one that can make a real difference.
Can pot feet help protect patios and paving?
They can certainly help.
If you've ever moved a large pot that's been sitting in the same place for months, you'll probably have seen the damp ring, dirt or staining that can build up underneath.
Because pot feet lift the container away from the surface, they allow more air to circulate and reduce the amount of moisture and debris trapped directly beneath the pot.
They won't prevent every mark, particularly with porous pots or paving, but they can make keeping the area clean much easier.
Do all outdoor pots need pot feet?
Not every pot needs them, but they're a good idea for many containers that stay outside all year round.
They're particularly useful for pots that are:
- sitting on paving, patios or decking;
- exposed to lots of rain;
- large or heavy and rarely moved;
- made from ceramic, glazed pottery or terracotta;
- planted with varieties that dislike wet compost.
A pot sitting on gravel or another naturally free-draining surface may already have plenty of space for water to escape.
The key is to look at where the pot is positioned and whether water can drain freely from the base.
How many pot feet do you need?
For most round pots, three pot feet are usually enough.
Three evenly spaced supports create a stable base, even if the surface underneath isn't perfectly level. Many decorative pot feet are sold in sets of three for exactly this reason.
For particularly large or heavy containers, you may want to use additional support.
It's also worth remembering that a pot becomes much heavier once it's filled with compost, watered and planted, so always make sure the feet are positioned securely.
How should plant pot feet be positioned?
If possible, position the feet while the pot is still empty.
Space them evenly around the base, keeping them far enough underneath the edge to support the pot properly.
Before planting, check that:
- the pot feels stable;
- all the feet are supporting the weight evenly;
- none of the drainage holes are blocked;
- there's enough space underneath for water to escape.
If you're adding feet to a large, established container, don't struggle with the weight on your own. Ask someone to help.
Choosing pot feet to suit your garden pots
Pot feet don't have to be purely practical. They can also help finish the look of a container.
At the Old Railway Line Garden Centre, we stock Woodlodge, one of the best-known names in garden pottery, with a wide choice of outdoor pots and matching accessories.
If you've chosen a traditional glazed pot, a more decorative set of feet can work beautifully. Or, if you'd rather keep things simple, choose something understated that sits neatly beneath the container.
What about Heritage Garden Pottery?
Heritage Garden Pottery is a particularly popular choice for creating statement container displays, with classic shapes and glazed finishes that work well in both traditional and more contemporary gardens.
If you're using Heritage plant pots outdoors, pot feet are well worth considering, particularly if the pot will be sitting on a patio or paved area.
They help with drainage while keeping the display looking neat and well finished.
Heritage garden pots are ideal for planting with:
- evergreen shrubs for year-round structure;
- seasonal bedding;
- ornamental grasses;
- spring bulbs;
- compact shrubs or small trees.
They're a great way to add colour and interest around entrances, patios and seating areas.
What else can you do to improve drainage?
Pot feet work best as part of good overall container care.
Start by making sure your pot has proper drainage holes. Without them, raising the container won't solve the problem.
Use a suitable compost for the plant you're growing and avoid packing it down too firmly when planting.
During wetter months, keep an eye on saucers and trays, too. If they're constantly full of rainwater, the base of the pot can end up sitting in water.
It's also worth checking drainage holes from time to time, especially on pots that haven't been moved for a while.
Liam's advice is to think about the whole setup:
“When you're planting up a container, it's worth thinking beyond just the plant itself. The right pot, good compost and proper drainage all work together. Getting those basics right gives the plant a much better start.”
So, are plant pot feet worth it?
For such a small garden accessory, we think they are.
Plant pot feet can help:
- improve drainage;
- keep drainage holes clear;
- increase airflow beneath containers;
- make winter care easier;
- reduce moisture and dirt beneath pots;
- give containers a smart finishing touch.
They're particularly useful for outdoor pots that stay on patios or paving all year round and are a simple way to help protect both your plants and your containers through the wetter months.
Find the right pots and pot feet at the Old Railway Line
Whether you're refreshing a patio display, planting up an autumn container or getting your garden ready for winter, our team is always happy to help.
At the Old Railway Line Garden Centre, you'll find a wide selection of outdoor plant pots, Woodlodge pot feet and Heritage Garden Pottery, along with plants, compost and everything else you need to create a great-looking container display.
Visit us in Three Cocks, near Brecon, and speak to our knowledgeable garden team for advice, or browse the range online.
