Measuring a pot
Pot sizes on this site are the diameter across the top of the rim, measured outside edge to outside edge. To choose a saucer, measure the base of your pot instead: a saucer should be the same size as the base or a little larger.
| Rim diameter | Roughly holds | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 12 cm | 0.7 L | A single herb or a cutting |
| 17 cm | 2 L | Herbs, small flowering plants |
| 22 cm | 4.5 L | Larger herbs, a small shrub |
| 30 cm | 11 L | Shrubs, small trees, mixed planting |
| 40 cm | 25 L | Tomatoes, small fruit trees |
Volumes are approximate and depend on the pot shape.
Terracotta and cold weather
Terracotta is porous: it takes up water and dries out faster than plastic. Water that freezes inside the clay can make it flake or crack. We make no frost claim for any of our terracotta. In freezing weather, empty it or keep it dry, stand it on feet or a stand so it does not sit in water, or move it under cover.
Railings and fence panels
- Railing planter: measure the width of the flat top of your railing. Our railing planter fits rails 4–6 cm wide.
- Over-fence hooks: measure the thickness of the top of the fence panel. Our hooks fit panels 3–4.5 cm thick.
- Check the railing or fence is sound, and check any building rules before fixing planters to the outside of a balcony.
Tap and hose threads
Our tap connectors are BSP (British Standard Pipe) thread, in two sizes:
- G1/2 (1/2 inch BSP): outside diameter of the tap thread about 21 mm.
- G3/4 (3/4 inch BSP): outside diameter about 26.5 mm.
Most outdoor taps in the UK and Europe are BSP. US outdoor taps use GHT (garden hose thread, 3/4 inch, about 26.5 mm but with a different thread pitch). GHT and BSP do not screw together properly; in the US you need a GHT-to-BSP adapter.
Our click-on hose connectors fit 1/2 inch (12.5–13 mm) inside-diameter hose.
Reading a load figure
A figure such as "Supplier-stated 5 kg per shelf, on level ground with all screws tightened" means the supplier tested or rated the item to that weight under that condition. It is not a safety rating and does not cover a weak fence, a sloping floor or missing fixings. Stay well under the figure, spread weight evenly, and do not hang anything over paths or seating.