Gardening is a peaceful pastime that relieves stress and brings joy and beauty to your home and life. But what if you are short on space? Maybe you live in an apartment, and all the area you have is a small patio or balcony, or even just a large sunny corner of the living room? Or perhaps you live in the suburbs, and you have planted every available square inch of ground with something green and leafy, and you are ready to fill the deck next?
In any of these instances, an L-shaped planter, or a corner planter, might be just what you are looking for. Designed to tuck into the tiny angles where nothing else belongs, these planters allow the home gardener a place to practice their art without taking up too much valuable real estate.
Another benefit of gardening in planters is the ability to change up your look. Planters are not fixed in place, so you can move your plants around if you need or want. They are crafted from a wide variety of materials that you can choose from, or you can paint or stain them to match your other decor. To find out more about planters and how you can use them, check out our post on Types of Planters and Planting Pots.
Pros and Cons of L-Shaped and Corner Planters
Let's take a quick look at the advantages - and some of the disadvantages - of using these planters.
Pros
As mentioned before, if you are short on space, finding a planter that will tuck into an unused corner can mean the difference between having plants or not having plants. Even if you have plenty of space, like on a deck, using a large L-shaped planter instead of a traditional rectangle or circular planter can maximize growing space.
Cons
The shape of these planters can also work against you if you ever decide that you don't want to grow plants in the corner any longer. They are shaped for the location they will inhabit, unlike traditionally shaped planters that can go almost anywhere.
How to Choose the Planter that is Right For You
Determining the type of planter that will work best for your needs requires careful consideration.
Available Space
How much room do you have? If you are truly limited to a small corner of a balcony or apartment, then you are going to be looking for a small option. On the other hand, if you are trying to maximize growing space on a deck or patio, then a larger wooden or galvanized steel unit might be what you are looking for.
What Do You Want to Grow?
If your gardening goal is to brighten your patio with flowers or greenery, then just about any planter will work. You are not going to grow a fruit tree in a small corner pot, but you might be surprised at what will fit in a small space.
If you are growing fruit and vegetables, then you want to make sure that the planter is made from materials that are food safe. Some plastics and stone can leach harmful chemicals into your soil, which in turn can contaminate your foods. If you install a wooden planter box, check out our post on plant-safe wood sealers so you can be sure to use the right ones for your veggie plants.
Large L-shaped planters that are raised off the ground are ideal for kitchen herb gardens. Herbs usually need full sun, so this is a wonderful way to make the best use of a sunny patio corner near your kitchen door. Besides an abundant supply of fresh herbs to cook with, another bonus is that herbs smell amazing, so open up those windows and let the scents fill your home.
Decorating Style
Last and definitely not least, is your decorating style! You want to choose a planter that blends in with the exterior decor of your home. If you have a rustic farmhouse, you might want a galvanized steel planter, but if your home is more traditional, then you may want a white wooden planter or something in a classical style.
We have scoured Amazon to find the best variety of planters to help you grow your bountiful harvest!
Best L- Shaped and Corner Planter Boxes
Infinite Cedar's Multi-Level Planter
This sturdy planter box is perfect for gardeners with limited space or that want to add gorgeous greenery to a patio or deck. It is easy to assemble from 1-inch thick cedar planks. It has a sold wooden floor, which will keep your planting medium from direct contact with your decking materials. Paint or stain however you chose to craft the best look for your space!
Click here to find this on Amazon.
Go-Products Elevated Planter
This cedar planter is similar in design to the previous one but rests on sturdy legs for an elevated look. This is great if you don't want your planter to rest on the flor of your deck. It can also be used for raised bed gardening, reducing the amount of time spent stooping to tend one's plants. With three distinct planter boxes, you can grow a variety of plants. The grow boxes are lined with heavy-duty landscape fabric, which keeps the soil away from the wood. It is available in various sizes so you can choose the one that best suits your gardening needs and budget!
Click here to find this on Amazon.
Castlecreek L-Shaped Glavanized Steel Planter
For a Rustic or Industrial vibe in your garden, incorporate a galvanized steel planter. Galvanized steel is lighter than wood and does not rot. The galvanized coating minimizes rust, and the lightweight metal is much easier to move once constructed. This planter has an open floor, which is excellent if you are planting over the soil, but if you are planting on a deck or patio, you will want to line the bottom with landscape fabric to protect your surfaces.
Click here to find this on Amazon.
L-Shaped Cedar Patio Planter
If you have a small patio or balcony but still crave the taste of freshly grown veggies, this chair height planter will tuck nicely into the corner of whatever space you have. T 32 inches tall, it is the perfect height for easy tending of your plants. It is easy to assemble from 1-inch cedar planks and is made in the USA.
Dura-Trel Corner Planter
If you have a small space patio or balcony where you really want plants, then a little corner planter like this one might be just the thing. Crafted from 100% PVC plastic, this planter is guaranteed not to split, fade, or crack. You can plant directly in the planter after lining with landscape fabric, or sit a pot down inside of it for easy maintenance. It comes completely assembled so that you can get right to planting!
Click here to find this on Amazon.
Sapphire USA Copper Corner Planters
This set of two copper-look corner planters will add a classic vintage look to your patio. They are made from heavy-duty plastic that is weather-resistant and easy to care for, yet still lightweight and easy to move. These planters will provide beautiful bases for your flowers for years to come.
Arcadia Garden Products Terra Cotta Corner Pot
For a more traditional garden look in a small space, try one or a pair of these rustic-looking terra cotta corner pots. More substantial than your typical terra cotta pot, at 13.5" x 17.5" this pot is perfect for an outdoor planter. It is made from a blend of recycled plastic, stone powder, and wood dust, so it is light, yet durable. Grow farm-fresh tomatoes on your inner-city apartment balcony, or just use to fill with vibrant flowers to brighten the darker corners of your porch or patio.
Best Choice Self- Watering Corner Planter
Crafted from durable UV-resistant wicker, this planter will tuck into the most awkward corner. It has a reservoir that holds water for those forgetful or busy gardeners and has wheels in case you need to move it around. Fill it with trailing flowers, or add a trellis for a yummy crop of cherry tomatoes to brighten your salads. You will be so surprised at how much you can grow in such a small space!
We hope you found this review useful! Leave us a comment if there's anything you'd like to add to this topic. Happy Gardening!