Step-by-step guide to setting up your Ecopots outdoors
Follow these steps to set up your Ecopots and ensure your plants thrive outdoors
Successful planting and care of plants and flowers boil down to a few key elements: quality soil, the right pot, a touch of craftsmanship, and consistent maintenance. Watch this instructional video to effortlessly set up your plants and ensure their long-term health with thoughtful techniques, from planting to repotting.
Step-by-step repoting
Step 1. Choose your pot and get ready
Setting up your pot correctly is essential for healthy plant growth.
To set up:
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Choose the right size: Select a pot 2.5–5 cm (1–2 inches) larger than the plant’s current root ball. For tall plants, use a deeper pot; for spreading plants, opt for a wider one.
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Remove the plug for drainage: Twist and remove the plug at the base of your Ecopots. This prevents water buildup, allowing excess water to flow freely and reducing the risk of root rot.
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Prepare the pot: clean the pot thoroughly to remove any old soil or debris.
Step 2: Add a base layer of clay pebbles
Adding a base layer of clay pebbles is essential to ensure proper drainage and keep your plants healthy. This layer prevents water from pooling at the bottom of the pot, reducing the risk of root rot.
To set up:
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Add a layer of clay pebbles equal to approximately 10% of the pot’s height. ​
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Spread the pebbles evenly to fully cover the base.
Note: Ecopots with water reservoirs, such as the Venice2, do not require clay pebbles as the reservoir system already manages excess water.
Step 3: Select the right soil and fill your pot
Choosing the right soil is essential for giving your plants the nutrients and drainage they need to thrive. A good soil mix ensures proper moisture retention and supports healthy root growth.
To set up:
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Choose the soil:
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For vegetables: Use rich garden soil with organic matter.
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For succulents: Opt for a cactus or succulent mix for better drainage.
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For flowers or Mediterranean plants: Choose soil with added compost for moisture retention.
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Add the first layer of soil: Fill the pot with soil to about 30% of its height, creating a stable base for the plant
Step 4: Add your plant
Properly positioning your plant ensures its roots have room to grow and thrive.
To set up:
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Carefully remove the plant from its original container, loosening the root ball gently if it’s compacted.​
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Place the plant in the pot, ensuring the root ball sits at the desired height, slightly below the pot’s rim.
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Hold the plant steady to prepare for adding more soil.
Step 5: Stabilize with soil, finish with pebbles
Adding more soil and finishing with a top layer of clay pebbles promotes healthy growth and a polished appearance.
To set up:
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Fill the sides with soil: Add soil gradually around the plant’s root ball, pressing it lightly to remove air pockets. Leave 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) of space at the top for easier watering.
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Add the second layer of clay pebbles: Spread a 1–2 cm (0.5–1 inch) layer of clay pebbles evenly over the soil’s surface, fully covering all exposed soil.
This method provides a secure and well-drained environment for your plant to thrive.
Step 6: Select a matching saucer
A matching saucer not only catches excess water but also adds a stylish finishing touch to your Ecopots setup. It enhances the overall look while keeping surfaces clean and dry.
To set up:
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Choose a saucer that matches the size and color of your Ecopots.
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Add the second layer of clay pebbles: Spread a 1–2 cm (0.5–1 inch) layer of clay pebbles evenly over the soil’s surface, fully covering all exposed soil.
Step 7: Position your pot for success
Placing your pot in the right spot helps your plants thrive by providing the correct amount of sunlight and shielding them from harsh weath
To set up:
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Place your pot in full sun or partial shade depending on your plant’s specific needs.
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Stabilize taller pots in windy areas or position them against a wall for added support.
How to maintain your plants & Ecopots
"Simple tips to keep your plants thriving and your Ecopots in perfect condition."
Caring for your plants and Ecopots is easy with a few simple practices. From seasonal plant care to cleaning and repairing your pots, these tips will help you maintain a vibrant garden and ensure your Ecopots stay as durable and stylish as the day you got them. And for extra peace of mind, all Ecopots are backed by our 10-year warranty, so you can enjoy worry-free gardening year after year.
Seasonal Maintenance
Caring for your plants throughout the year means adapting your routine to match the changing seasons. This not only keeps your plants healthy but also ensures they thrive in their Ecopots no matter the conditions.
Take seasons into account:
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Spring/Summer: Water frequently and fertilize every 4–6 weeks to support active growth.
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Autumn: Prune back dead or excess growth and reduce watering as temperatures drop.
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Winter: Add mulch (e.g., straw or bark) around the base of your plants to insulate roots. Move frost-sensitive plants to sheltered areas for protection.
Cleaning your Ecopots
Over time, exposure to storms, changing seasons, and daily use can cause your Ecopots to accumulate dirt, watermarks, or even light scratches. Regular care will help maintain their original look and ensure they last for years to come.
Here’s how to keep them in great shape:
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Start by wiping the surface with a damp cloth to remove dirt and stains.
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For more stubborn marks or light scratches, our Ecopots Cleaning and Repair Kit can help. It includes a cleaning spray for stains and a special sanding pad for light scratches.
Finish with a quick rinse of clean water, and your Ecopots will be refreshed and ready to face the elements again!
Repairing scratches or heavy stains
To maintain the unique look and feel of your Ecopots, it’s essential to use the Ecopots Repair Sponge. This sponge is specifically designed to work with the material of Ecopots, ensuring effective care without causing additional damage. Other sponges might alter the surface texture or finish, so we strongly recommend using this one.
How to use:
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Wet the sponge lightly and gently scrub the affected area to remove scratches or tough stains.
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Buff the surface with a dry cloth to restore its original finish.
Remember, proper care not only keeps your Ecopots looking great but also helps protect their longevity. Plus, they’re covered by a 10-year warranty for extra peace of mind. Learn more here.
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Are Ecopots for indoor or outdoor use?Both! Our larger pots come with a plug in the bottom for drainage, so if you are planning to use one of those pots indoors, we recommend using it with a saucer. Apart from that, you can use Ecopots everywhere you want!
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What is different between Water reservoir and indoor water system?Ecopots with water reservoir is for both indoor and outdoor use. They are designed with a reservoir at the bottom of the pot which is separated by a disk with holes that prevents the roots of the plants from stagnating in excess water. The roots will get the amount of water they need through capillary force. Ecopots Indoor water system as the product name suggests, is for indoor use. With this system, the plug should not be removed unless in combination with a saucer. The plant gets its water through the wick which absorbs water from the spout. Note that both systems can not be combined.
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Do all Ecopots have a rubber plug in the bottom?Yes, except for the mini Ecopots, most Ecopots come with plugs., so you can use them for both indoors and outdoors. We advice to remove the plug for both indoor use (with a saucer) and outdoor use to enable excess water to drain. By outdoor use the rubber plug should always be removed in winter to prevent damage by frost.
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Where can I buy Ecopots?Ecopots are being sold world-wide in a wide range of countries. Many of the stores where Ecopots are being sold can be found on our store locator, but unfortunately not all. Also, more and more online stores, including our own online store, are selling Ecopots, so this may also be a good option. Can’t find a (online or physical) store near you? Drop us a message and we’ll see if we can help you!
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How do I best pot a plant?Potting a plant has never been so easy! No nasty rims to scratch your hands or to make a mess out of this seemingly simple task (you know what we mean, potting soil all over the place…). However, before you start pouring the potting soil in, make sure you add a granulate (this can also be shards of for instance terra cotta pots) or hydro drains in the bottom (say approx. 1/3 of the pot). Oh, and if you’re planning on using the pot outdoors, don’t forget to remove the plug fist! When the granulate is in place pour in some potting soil, then place our plant, top it off with potting soil and firmly press. Add water and some sweet words to the plant and you’re done. Using the flower pot indoors? Don’t forget to use a saucer when your pot has a rubber plug in the bottom.
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What are Ecopots made from?Ecopots are made from recycled plastics. Single use plastic is more and more getting a global problem polluting the world’s oceans. One way to deal with this is to find a good way of reusing those plastics, as we do with our pots (we use up to 80% of recycled plastics for our pots). But even more important; we all have the responsibility to prevent plastics turning into waste all together. That’s why Ecopots are timeless in design and colours (you won’t find trendy and funky colours and shapes with us) and have a life span of over 10 years. Because we believe the most durable products are those you don’t want to have to replace every year or so down to breakage or changing trends.
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Are Ecopots recyclable?Of course they are! Did you know Ecopots are actually made from recycled plastics (up to 80%, the highest percentage in market today)? But you don’t have to think at recycling Ecopots just yet, with a lifespan of over 10 years they will last and last. But, rest assure, when they finally reach the end of their life cycle, they can be fully recycled.
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Where are Ecopots produced?Our flower pots and planters are being made in Asia, where we have our own production facilities. The main reason for this is that all Ecopots feature a distinctive, handmade finish which would be impossible to do cost effective when produced in for instance Europe or the USA.
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Why are Ecopots more expensive than other plastic flower pots?There are a lot of plastic flower pots and planters available in market today and even some of them are also using recycled plastics. However, no other pots use the same amount and quality of recycled plastics as we do and also all Ecopots feature a distinctive, handmade finish which gives the pots a unique look and feel. Our flower pots and planters are the closest to pots made from concrete or natural stone, but with all the advantages of plastics flower pots like durability, lightness and frost resistance. Ecopots simply put is a quality product with a sustainable edge and in no way it can’t be compared with cheap plastic pots which flood many markets today.
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What is the normal response time on my question?If you send your question to support@ecopots.eu we will usually respond as soon as possible, but at maximum within 48 hours (weekdays).
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How do I prepare/ use my Ecopots Venice?Using your Venice is very simple! First you remove the screw so that the pot itself can be removed from the saucer. Then you add your potting soil to the pot, press it very well and water it in the saucer/ bottom part. The plant will suck the water it needs. You can also place the Venice outside, it will work as perfectly, just check every now and then to see if there is still water in the saucer, that's it!
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Are Ecopots food-safe for growing fruits and herbs?Yes, Ecopots are safe for growing fruits and herbs. Ecopots are made of recycled materials, and they are free of harmful substances that can leak into the soil and affect plant growth or human health. Ecopots are specially designed for use in horticulture and have been extensively tested to ensure their safety and durability. They are lightweight, UV-resistant and have a natural look that blends seamlessly into any garden or home environment.
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Are Ecopots 100% waterproof?Most of them are, but not all. Some flower pots and planters have a rubber plug in the bottom of the pot and, although it has a tight fit, it could leak some water. So we advise to always use a saucer when your flower pot has a rubber plug.
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Do I need a saucer with my Ecopots?When you have an Ecopots with a rubber plug in the bottom and you’re planning on using your flower pot for indoor use, we advise using a saucer with your flower pot. Although our pots are close to 100% leakproof, we can’t guarantee that absolutely no water will sip through and potentially mess up your lovely carpet or authentic wooden floor. So, for indoor use it’s best to use a saucer.
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Can I remove the plug in the bottom?Yes you can! Pots from our 2018 or earlier collection can be removed like described below. Pots from our 2019 and up collection have a screw plug which can be removed with a simple twist. You can tell from what collection your pot is by looking at the barcode: the last four digits represent month and year of production (so 0618 is June 2018). We advice to remove the plug for both indoor use (with a saucer) and outdoor use to enable excess water to drain. By outdoor use the rubber plug should always be removed in winter to prevent damage by frost.
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How do the plugs in Ecopots work?Plugs in Ecopots refer to the removable plastic or rubber stoppers that can be inserted into the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. These plugs are useful for controlling the drainage of water from the pot. For outdoor use, it is recommended to remove the plugs from the pots drainage hole to prevent the pot from cracking in case of frost. For indoor use , it is recommended to keep the plug in the drainage hole as the Ecopots stays waterproof and do not let the water flow out of your Ecopots. We always advise to put a saucer under the Ecopots to protect the floor. From time to time you can remove the plug as it also helps to regulate the amount of water that reaches the plant's roots, preventing over-watering and ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
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Do I need to remove the plug in winter?Yes! In winter, we advice to remove the plug if you want to keep your pots outside. Frost may cause cracks and leaks if not taken out.
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How do I remove the plug from the bottom?Some of our flower pots and planters have a black rubber plug in the bottom of the pot. This plug can be removed for outside use, so excess water can drain away. To remove this plug, take a blunt object (like a flat screwdriver) and a hammer. Place the pot bottom side up on a solid, flat surface, then place the blunt object onto the plug and give it a good whack with the hammer. The plug fits pretty solid, so don’t be shy, and it should come out. Don’t throw away the plug, you may want to use it again in the future! We advice to remove the plug for both indoor use (with a saucer) and outdoor use to enable excess water to drain. By outdoor use the rubber plug should always be removed in winter to prevent damage by frost.
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Can my Berlin Growtable or Berlin Tower rust?The Ecopots Berlin Grow Table is made of galvanized steel which has been powder coated to make it more durable and resistant to rust. To prolong the life of the table and prevent rust, it is recommended to keep it dry and clean, and avoid exposing it to prolonged periods of moisture or harsh weather condition for instance high salinity from the sea for people living at the coast. We advise to take the Ecopots Berlin Grow Table and Tower inside during wintertimes
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Are Ecopots frost resistant?Yes, Ecopots are frost-resistant. They are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures. Ecopots are made from high-quality recycled materials which are durable and able to withstand the effects of frost, without cracking or deteriorating. So there is no worries if the plug is removed during the cold weather, so any excess water at the bottom can flow and won't cause freezing and cracking.
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Are Ecopots wheels rustproof?Yes, all the wheels we use are made of stainless steel, which makes them resistant to rust and corrosion.