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The Best Railing Planters for a Beautiful Balcony
Last updated: Sep 15, 2023Do you love gardening, but live in an apartment with no yard to grow flowers or plants in? Or, do you have a boring outdoor balcony that could use some natural decor? If so, railing planters and flower boxes are the way to go. Even the littlest balconies should have room for a rail planter. You can grow pretty flowers to add to the aesthetic appeal of your balcony, or you can grow fresh vegetables and herbs to use in your cooking. No matter what you plant in them, railing planters are a great way to add some lush greenery to your balcony or patio.
It is important that you buy a high-quality, durable railing planter, or else you may end up with a mess of dirt and plants everywhere if it breaks or falls down. To avoid such a mess, check out this list of the top railing planters of 2023, as well as our buyer’s guide to choosing the right one and to get the best deals.
Show contentsA Detailed Review of the Nicest Railing Planters of 2023- The HC Companies Box Planter - Best Overall
- Apollo Railing Planter - Runner Up
- Emsco Group Rail Planter - Honorable Mention
- Mortime Iron Hanging Flower Basket - Contender
- Classic Home And Garden Deck Rail - Also Consider
A Comprehensive Buying Guide on Railing PlantersA Comprehensive Buying Guide on Railing Planters
If you’re looking to add some greenery to your outdoor patio space, railing planters are an easy way to do so. The list above contains five high-quality rail planters that are sure to please. However, if you choose to purchase a different railing planter, we have created a list of some key things to keep in mind when you’re shopping so that you are ultimately satisfied with your purchase.
What Are the Key Factors To Consider When Buying a Railing Planter?
Material
Railing planters are made out of a large variety of materials. Plastic, macramé, porcelain, metal, and other materials are commonly used. The material you choose will have an impact on how long the planter lasts.
Before deciding on a material, think about the location in which you will be hanging your plants. Choose a planter material that fits the aesthetic of the area in which you will be hanging it.
Appearance
The appearance of the planter will have a big impact on your decision. It may even be the number one factor you consider when purchasing a product. We want to emphasize that while beauty is essential, it should not be the sole deciding factor of which planter you buy. Some rail planters may have a very basic design but offer excellent quality. However, if you are using a railing planter to increase the elegance of your patio, you should purchase a planter that is attractive.
Dimensions and weight
It is important to consider the type of plants you wish to grow when choosing a planter. Some plants don’t need as much room as others. You want to be sure that the planter you buy provides sufficient space for the plants you will be growing, otherwise, the plants will become overcrowded and will not grow properly. It is also important to keep in mind that the larger the planter, the heavier it is.
Price
Rail planters are available for all budgets. There are very simple planters available on the lower end of the price spectrum, while very complex planters may cost a pretty penny. When buying a planter, it is important to keep in mind that you will also have to buy the soil and plants that fill the planter. So, don’t spend your entire budget on the planter alone.
Features
Railing planters can come with different features. For example, some double as self-watering planters, which are a great option for forgetful plant parents. Others may have drainage holes to prevent root rot. Look for a planter that will set you up for success based on your gardening habits.
Reviews
Reviews function as a reality check for items. It is our suggestion that you check the customer reviews before purchasing anything. Reviews will show whether or not the product matches up to the seller’s claims.
Check the reviews to see whether the railing planter is:
- Worth your money or not, according to people who have already bought it
- If consumers are receiving the correct size as described, as well as any other pertinent information concerning sizes and weights
- If the look is identical to that seen in the photograph
- What other people are doing with their railing planters
- Other important and relevant information regarding the product
What Are the Benefits of Railing Planters?
Many people choose to use railing planters for a variety of reasons. So, here are some of the primary advantages of acquiring one (or more) of them:
- Rail planters are a great way to add greenery to your outdoor patio, especially if you do not have a yard in which to grow plants.
- If you have a bad back and can’t get down on your hands and knees to tend to a garden, a railing planter brings a gardening space closer to you.
- When you’re low on space, you can use these rail planters to organize a vertical garden. These are ideal for balconies and patios.
What Is the Best Way To Secure a Railing Planter?
Your railing planter may be fastened and secured in a variety of ways. You may attach it with a rope or chain, but this technique is preferable if the planter is lightweight.
Screws are suitable for fastening flat-bottomed planters made of resin, plastic, wood, or metal and are a semi-permanent technique. You may use brackets to avoid harm to the railing; these brackets can extend on the railing to suspend the planter on both sides, or they can have an L shape, which supports the plants on one side railing. Hooks or screws can be used to secure the brackets for these planters. Another great option is to use straddles, which are special boxes with a unique design that allow planters to be firmly secured to a railing. Straddles already have built-in ventilation and holes for optimal water drainage and airflow.
This video from Windowbox.com can also help you with the installation of your new railing planters:
Why Should You Have Railing Planters on Your Balcony?
Ideal for balcony gardening
With limited space, urban and condominium residents must utilize innovative ways to satisfy their horticultural hobbies by cultivating in small spaces. In these circumstances, balcony railing planter pots are excellent, since they dangle over the balcony and are firmly kept in place by supporting brackets.
A railing planter saves space on the ground, enabling you to cultivate more flowers and give your home a more attractive look.
Keeps plants off the ground
Railing planters are great for people who don’t have a lot of space on the floor of their balcony for large pots. Additionally, they are great for people with pets who may chew plants if they are on the ground.
Your balcony will be more attractive
There is no finer method to beautify your balcony and make it more appealing than adding beautiful shrubs and blooming plants. They will make your balcony the focal point of your house when combined with beautiful railing planter pots.
A Detailed Review of the Nicest Railing Planters of 2023
1The HC Companies Box Planter
– Best OverallThese containers are made of plastic and are extremely robust and light. They’re ideal for outside container gardening on your terrace, balcony, veranda, or rooftop, thanks to their sturdy material.
These planter pots come with detachable drain plugs, which allow you to quickly move your outside plants indoors or manage the planter’s water drainage. Outdoor plants are enhanced by the classic style and simple hues of the planter. The flower boxes’ traditional design allows them to blend in with any environment, making them ideal for use on fences or balcony railings.
Pros- Drain plugs are easy to remove and provide excellent drainage
- Can fit two different sizes of deck rails for versatility
- Walls are thick and long-lasting
Cons- May break if mishandled
2Apollo Railing Planter
– Runner UpThese brilliant flexible railing planters will add beauty to your deck and railings. They can be easily installed on timber, plastic, or metal railings, as well as chain-link fences. The setup process is very simple: after you have locked the support arm to the proper width and hung it, the planter is good to go. These railing planters don’t require any tools to be mounted.
The planter is kept level by a hidden bottom bracket. With a 1 inch spillage, excess water rests in the bottom storage. They are manufactured in Italy using UV protected resin.
Pros- The planter arms may be adjusted
- Come in a variety of colors and sizes
- Plants are separated from the water reservoir by a hidden tray
Cons- The water reservoir does not have any drainage holes
3Emsco Group Rail Planter
– Honorable MentionThe Emsco Bloomers Rail Planter is composed of long-lasting, weather-resistant resin. It can withstand both extreme summer and winter conditions. This planter can fit railings that are 1.25 inches or 3.875 inches wide. Due to the unique design, it can fit almost twice as many plants as a regular railing planter.
Another great feature of this planter is that it has drainage holes. You don’t have to be concerned about water collecting in the bottom of the planter, drowning your plants. It features drainage holes on the base to assist in the drainage of water and the delivery of oxygen to the plant roots.
Pros- Durable materials give the product a long lifespan
- Offers more planting space than traditional planters
- Simple to install on standard deck railings
Cons- A bit overpriced
4Mortime Iron Hanging Flower Basket
– ContenderThe Mortime Hanging Flower Rack Basket will bring elegance and beauty to your outdoor decor. The basket shelf is extremely lightweight and simple to use. The permeable and hydrophobic characteristics of the included coir basket can assist plants in growing lush and healthy.
This planter is perfect for use on a balcony, veranda, terrace, railing, or patio. This planter is composed of iron with an anti-rust coating for durability. It features an attractive wrought iron design, so the planter itself adds beauty to your outdoor space.
Pros- Attractive design makes outdoor spaces elegant and charming
- Coir basket assists the growth of plants
- Incredibly light and simple to use
Cons- The hangers may bend easily
5Classic Home And Garden Deck Rail
– Also ConsiderThe faded wood appearance of this Jameson Planter is composed of resin and oak. The traditional whiskey barrel-inspired planter is 8 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and 24 inches long, offering plenty of space to grow your favorite flowers, vegetables, or herbs. It has a coated finish that prevents the pigment from deteriorating, plus UV protection to keep the color from fading.
This planter features drainage holes in the bottom to prevent water from collecting at the bottom of the planter, which can cause root rot. The beautiful finish adds visual impact to your terrace, balcony, or entryway in a sophisticated way.
Pros- Color is protected from fading with a UV coated finish
- Attractive design adds to the aesthetic of your balcony
- Lightweight yet durable for longevity
Cons- Does not sit perfectly flat
People Also Asked
Q: What is the best way to hang railing planter pots?A: Railing planter pots with removable hooks and supporting brackets are a great option. The brackets may be used to fasten the pots to balcony railings. When using chains to suspend the planter from the ceiling, the removable hooks come in handy. You may also remove the hooks and brackets and set the planter on a tabletop or other flat area without them.
Q: What kind of soil is best for growing plants in railing planters?A: Plants in planters, unlike plants in the ground, rely entirely on the soil in the pot for all of their nutrition. So, you should choose well-aerated, water-retaining soil. You should also use a high-quality potting mix that has all of the necessary plant nutrients in the proper ratios.
Q: Can I use railing planters to decorate?A: Yes, by planting ornamental shrubs and blooming plants in elegant railing planters, you may make your balcony more eye-catching. Balcony railing planters are available in a number of sizes, colors, and styles. You may choose from a range of distinctive patterns for these railing planter boxes in your preferred shade to complement your terrace railing.
The Garden Gate Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best products for a beautiful and bountiful garden and backyard. The content is created by The Garden Gate Review Team. Garden Gate’s editorial staff is not involved. Garden Gate is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Please reach out to aimperiapt@gmail.com with any questions regarding product testing or specific articles.Related Posts:Spruce Up Your Garden With the Best Trough PlantersTrough planters are also referred to as stock tanks which come in various sizes and shapes. They are used to create eye-catching visual boundaries either indoors or outdoors. Tiny containers…Keep Your Plants Moist Using the Best Self Watering PlantersAre you a plant lover who often misses out on watering the house plants due to tight schedules or frequent traveling? If so, you no longer need to worry about…The Best Retro Flower Planters To Make Your Garden BloomThe ideal planter has a way of bringing out the beauty in any outdoor or indoor garden space, but getting the right one can be challenging. Metal planters can hold…