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Too early on the year to shop for planters?

I got a National Garden Gift voucher for Christmas and I want to get a couple of large-ish planters/pots, suitable for a camellia I currently have in a crappy plastic pot and maybe an Acer. Aside from the fact that the voucher is a little awkward because there aren't many garden centres that do online shopping around here, the ones that do don't have a particularly great selection of pots online. Should I wait until after valentine's Day, perhaps?
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  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Just don't wait until spring! 
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If they're not going to run out, time wise, it's probably better to wait.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    If you can go in person you'll probably find more choice. Large heavy planters would cost a lot to post and ceramic ones would stand a fair chance of arriving broken, so my guess is they aren't all offered online.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - it's not ideal if you have to order online, for the reasons @JennyJ gives.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ManderMander Posts: 349
    I was thinking more local delivery but none of the garden centres near me have online inventory that I can look at. It's a bit of a pain to go visit them as I don't have a car but I suppose I'll have to just plan to make a special trip soon.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That's certainly difficult @Mander. I couldn't reach either of my local GCs without a car. One of them certainly doesn't list their products, so I can understand how difficult that could be. 
    Have you a friend or neighbour who might take you?
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited January 2022
    In your situation, without a car and little choice locally, I'd consider buying the pots online with a credit or debit card and then use the voucher later (they are normally valid for a long time) to buy plants, compost etc as the season moves on.  Many online suppliers are doing winter sales at the moment - you'll probably save more than the delivery charge, find a wider selection and not have to worry about transport home.

    (I have bought large terracotta pots online without any problem.  Any reputable supplier will ensure they are well packed and protected to avoid damage and they will have a refund policy which you should check before buying.)
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think that's a very good idea @Plantminded. Always lots of other things needed.  :)

    I'd agree that most vouchers are usually a year at least, although it's always worth making a note of when they're going to run out - calendar or phone reminder etc. 
    Not that I've ever had that problem... ;)

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    @Mander, Crocus is offering up to 30% off pots and containers but you'll have to be quick - the sale ends today! (Other online retailers are available 😊 !)
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    You could maybe phone your local GC @Mander , and see if they can tell you what they have or what brands they stock so you can search online to see what they look like, and maybe save a wasted journey.

    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
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