Stackable Planters Are This Season's Most Cost-Effective Gardening Must Have

When you’re creating your perfect patio, garden, or balcony, there are a few factors you’re probably keeping in mind: What can I grow here with this amount of light? How can I maximize space? How can I make this the most comfortable escape from the world? And how can I do all of that without breaking the bank?

There’s a pretty simple answer that's surfaced online recently, and they just might be the gardening essential of the summer: stackable planters. Here's why they're worth relying on when it comes to your precious planting.

The Benefits of Stackable Planters

You’ve likely seen stackable planters before, either made from plastic or ceramic material, dotted around some of your favorite gardens. Because you can plant an abundance of flowers, herbs, and vegetables in them while also maximizing vertical space, they're ideal for small gardens, balconies, or patios where you're limited horizontally. Instead of having to narrow down which plants you want to grow with your limited square footage, you have multiple tiers to fill—aka more diversity of color, shape, texture, and scent.

Stackable planters typically boast built-in irrigation systems, so they maintain consistent moisture levels and reduce the need for frequent watering. And when you do have to water them (or prune and harvest), the plants are all easily accessible. Plus, it’s a bit tougher for weeds to grow in a vertical planter than it is for them to take root in the ground.

Along with the growing advantages, they're aesthetically pleasing. Often lightweight and portable, you can easily move them around to optimize sunlight exposure or rearrange your space.

What to Plant In Your Stackable Planter

If you’re wondering what to grow in your stackable planter, you’re going to love the answer: just about anything.

Reserve the entire planter for herbs like basil, parsley, mint, cilantro, and thyme. Create a salad garden with lettuce, spinach, arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and other greens. Design a floral escape with petunias, marigolds, pansies, and geraniums. Grow a whole host of cascading strawberries; try your hand at a vertical vegetable garden; or plant a selection of succulents. If you're looking for a more innovative idea, focus on a different sense: your sense of smell. Use your stackable planter for aromatic blooms like lavender, rosemary, jasmine, and geraniums.

Where to Find an Affordable Stackable Planter

There is no shortage of options for where you can get your hands on a quality stackable planter that cost less than your average raised bed. The internet loves the new $30 five-tier stackable planter at Costco, posted by @costcohotfinds on Instagram. As one user said on the post, it could make a lovely Mother’s Day gift. You do have to find it in stores though, as it's not available online.

Home Depot carries its own sturdy stackable planter for the same price, and Walmart’s $18 stackable planters come in fun colors. Amazon offers a whole selection at affordable price points—if you're willing to spend a little more, snag Amazon's Choice for $60.