Wheeled Garden Planters are a Godsend for Tricky Plants You Want to Survive Summer *and* Winter — These Ones Look Great, Too

Not only do wheeled planters keep plants protected from the elements, but they're great for small outdoor spaces, too

wheeled gray garden planter filled with flowers on a deck with stone detailing and brick wall behind
(Image credit: Gardenesque x EcoPots)

If you enjoy gardening, you'll know that planters are a must for growing healthy flowers, herbs, and even vegetables. And while standard planters are perfectly functional, a wheeled garden planter lets you move plants according to weather conditions — key for keeping more delicate varieties alive and healthy throughout the seasons.

"You can roll tender plants into shelter before a frost or heavy storm with wheeled garden planters, and easily shift sun-loving plants to brighter spots as daylight changes through the year," explains landscape designer Katherine Aul Cervoni. "They also allow for seasonal rotation — think tropicals such as palm trees, sub-tropical ferns, or lemon trees — without replanting."

Below, discover the best outdoor planters with wheels to shop this summer, offering functionality and style, along with expert advice on the key things to look out for before making this more practical purchase.

In addition to the benefits of being able to easily move plants according to the weather conditions to keep them healthy, landscape designer Katherine Aul Cervoni notes that wheeled garden planters are also an effective choice for designing a small garden.

"They're perfect for patios, balconies, or rooftop gardens where flexibility and space-saving are key, especially if you’ve got larger or heavier pots (such as with trees) and need to be able to move them around easily," she says. "They're also great for renters or urban gardeners looking to adapt their space with the seasons or daily sun patterns."

A headshot of Katherine Aul Cervoni
Katherine Aul Cervoni

Katherine 'Kat' Aul Cervoni is the founder and principal of the landscape design firm, Staghorn NYC, as well as the home-gardening blog The Cultivation by Kat. With a passion for helping people reconnect with nature in their everyday lives, Kat designs outdoor spaces that function as natural extensions of the home. Her work emphasizes low-maintenance, sustainable plantings — especially native species — that offer long-term beauty and ecological value. Kat’s design approach balances seasonal interest with practical, liveable spaces that invite daily use and year-round enjoyment.

How to choose the best wheeled garden planter

As with any garden accessories, there are key things to consider to ensure practicality. First, it's important to choose a weather-resistant wheeled garden planter, says Katherine. "Look for durable materials like fiberglass, resin, or metal that can handle the elements."

"Make sure the wheels are sturdy and lockable — especially if placing on sloped surfaces," she adds, further recommending wheeled garden planters with "drainage holes or removable liners to prevent root rot."



While these wheeled garden planters offer both form and function, don't forget to take note of the common container garden design mistakes to ensure a visually pleasing planting display.

Emily Moorman
Freelance Design Writer

Emily is a freelance interior design writer based in Scotland. Prior to going freelance in the spring of 2025, Emily was Homes & Gardens’ paint and color editor, covering all things color across interiors and home decor for the Homes & Gardens website. Having gained specific expertise in this area, Emily is well-versed in writing about the latest color trends and is passionate about helping homeowners understand the importance of color psychology in home design. Her own interior design style reflects the simplicity of mid-century design and she loves sourcing vintage furniture finds for her tenement flat.