Choosing the Right Plastic Trough for Your Garden or Outdoor Space
Posted on 1st May 2025
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When it comes to gardening or organising an outdoor space, finding the right containers can make a big difference. Plastic troughs have become a popular choice for both amateur gardeners and professionals alike, thanks to their practicality, durability, and range of options. Whether you're looking for something compact or need a large or extra-large plastic trough to handle more ambitious planting, there's a size and style to suit every setting.
Why Choose a Plastic Trough?
Plastic Troughs offer a number of advantages over traditional materials. They’re lightweight, which makes them easy to move even when filled with soil. They’re also weather-resistant, meaning they won’t crack or chip in frost, and they tend to be more affordable than stone or ceramic alternatives.
For those who do gardening on balconies, patios, or paved areas, plastic troughs are an ideal solution. They’re often used for growing herbs, vegetables, bedding plants, or even creating a small privacy screen with taller greenery.
Sizes to Suit Every Need
If you're just getting started with container gardening, a standard-sized trough might be enough. But if you're planning to grow multiple plants or create a feature, you'll likely benefit from a large plastic trough or even an extra-large plastic trough. These give your plants more space to thrive and allow for deeper root systems, especially if you’re planting shrubs or small trees.
Larger troughs also hold more compost, meaning they retain moisture better during hot weather which is an important consideration if you're in an area prone to dry spells.
Colour Choices: Green, Grey, Terracotta, and more
While function is important, appearance matters too. Plastic troughs now come in a wide range of colours to complement different outdoor styles.
Green plastic troughs blend well with natural surroundings, making them a discreet choice for traditional gardens.
Grey troughs offer a modern, neutral tone that fits neatly with contemporary outdoor furniture and paving.
Terracotta orange is a popular option for those who love the classic Mediterranean look, without the fragility of real terracotta.
There are also darker tones like charcoal and black, which give a sleek, urban feel, and lighter creams or beiges that brighten up smaller spaces.
Practical Features to Look Out For
Many plastic troughs come with built-in drainage holes or detachable trays, which help prevent waterlogging. Some extra-large versions are even reinforced to hold their shape over time, especially if they’re used in high-traffic areas or placed on uneven ground.
It’s also worth checking whether the trough is UV-resistant, particularly if it’s going to be in direct sunlight for most of the day. This helps to prevent fading and cracking over the years.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planting seasonal flowers, creating a kitchen garden, or simply adding structure to a patio, plastic troughs are a practical and versatile choice. With so many sizes and colours available including large and extra-large options in green, grey, and terracotta orange. It’s easy to find one that suits both your space and your style.

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