The smallest choices we make—how we grow our food, decorate our homes, or care for a houseplant—are part of a bigger story. That’s where POTR steps in. This Glasgow-based startup has taken the unassuming plant pot and turned it into a quietly radical tool for sustainable living.
The Garden Grows Smarter
Founded by design engineers Martin Keane and Andrew Flynn, POTR was born from a shared frustration with wasteful packaging and unsustainable manufacturing in everyday products. Their solution? Ingenious flat-pack plant pots made entirely from recycled materials. What makes these pots truly special is their ability to be posted through a letterbox, assembled like origami, and to water themselves.
Yes—self-watering. At the heart of each pot is a reservoir and wick system that mimics natural irrigation, reducing water waste and giving plants just the right amount of moisture. For anyone who’s ever loved a plant to death with overwatering, this is the kind of quietly brilliant design that transforms how we care for our green spaces.
Design with a ConsciencePOTR’s ethos goes far beyond convenience. Every pot is made using recycled polypropylene and natural cotton cord, which means fewer resources, lower emissions, and a lot less waste. Their “Saved from the Sea” collection takes things even further by using discarded fishing nets recovered from oceans—a tangible step in tackling plastic pollution while offering something beautiful and functional in return.
A portion of profits from this range supports marine conservation efforts, tying the act of potting a houseplant to broader ecological restoration. It’s a rare example of circular design in action, where waste becomes resource, and care for plants extends naturally into care for the planet.
Growing Greener at Home
POTR’s mission sits comfortably within a larger movement: sustainable gardening. As more of us turn to growing herbs on balconies, nurturing native plants, or transforming small urban spaces into wildlife-friendly sanctuaries, the need for thoughtful tools becomes ever more important.
Sustainable gardening isn’t just about reducing pesticides or switching to peat-free compost. It’s also about materials, water usage, and thinking long-term. A plastic-free garden doesn’t have to mean a bare one—and POTR is showing that innovation can thrive in places we once overlooked.
Recognition and Reach
The horticultural world is taking notice. POTR’s pots were awarded Sustainable Garden Product of the Year at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show—a landmark moment for a product that quietly challenges an industry steeped in tradition. From the UK to Japan, where their origami-inspired designs have found a natural home, POTR is planting ideas that grow far beyond borders.
A New Way to Grow
As gardeners, whether seasoned allotmenteers or indoor plant lovers, our tools and choices matter. POTR invites us to rethink the humble pot not just as a vessel for greenery, but as a step toward smarter, more sustainable living. It’s design that doesn’t just look good—it does good.
So the next time you sow a seed or rehome a houseplant, think about where your pot came from. Better yet, choose one that folds flat, waters itself, and helps clean up the oceans while it’s at it.
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🌿 Explore more at potr.co
Sustainable Herbs & Vegetables to Grow at Home: For Beginners
If you’re new to growing, start with herbs. They’re forgiving, fast-growing, and thrive in small spaces. All you need is a sunny windowsill, recycled containers, and a bit of patience.
Basil: Ideal for indoor pots; loves warmth and regular watering.
Mint: Best grown in its own container to prevent takeover; perfect for teas and summer salads.
Parsley: A biennial that’s surprisingly hardy and full of iron-rich greenery.
Thyme and Rosemary: Mediterranean herbs that flourish with minimal fuss—great for forgetful waterers.
These herbs grow well in upcycled containers or sustainable planters like those from POTR, which offer built-in watering systems ideal for busy or beginner gardeners.
The Home-Grown Pantry: Easy Vegetables for Small Spaces
You don’t need a rolling allotment to grow meaningful food. With the right setup—raised beds, grow bags, or even deep window boxes—you can harvest a surprising amount of fresh produce.
Lettuce and Salad Leaves: Quick to grow, often ready to harvest within a month. Choose cut-and-come-again varieties to prolong your yield.
Radishes: Underrated and rapid-growing—ideal for impatient gardeners.
Cherry Tomatoes: Choose compact, bush varieties like ‘Tiny Tim’ or ‘Balconi Red’ for containers.
Spring Onions and Chives: Easy to grow from seed or even kitchen scraps.
Spinach and Swiss Chard: Rich in nutrients, with vibrant foliage that looks as good as it tastes.
If you’re short on space, vertical gardening systems, stacking pots, and clever wall-mounted planters can turn a balcony or courtyard into a flourishing micro-farm.