Plants

Grow Your Space: Best Plant Kits, Quirky Planters and Where to Buy Them in the UK

Why plant kits are the perfect starter for green thumbs (and the plant-curious)

Have you ever wanted a little splash of green on your windowsill but felt intimidated by the idea of caring for a living thing? Plant kits are basically training wheels for houseplant parents. They bundle seeds, soil, pots, and simple instructions into one neat package so you can enjoy the thrill of growth without the guesswork. Think of them as a beginner-friendly recipe box for plants: follow the steps, watch something green appear, and feel like a tiny botanical hero in your own home.

Menkind: novelty, fun and surprisingly solid plant kits

Menkind has built a reputation for quirky gifts and novelty items, and their plant collection is no exception. If you’re after playful planters or themed grow kits that make great gifts (or cheerful conversation pieces), Menkind’s range ticks that box. From avocado grow kits to tiny bonsai projects, they make getting into plants accessible and entertaining.

Grow It Cactus Indoor Plant Kit

Cactus kits are brilliant for forgetful people — they’re resilient, photogenic and low-maintenance. Menkind’s Grow It Cactus kit usually comes with several seeds or pups, a small pot about 3–4 in across, and a soil mix. It’s an ideal choice if you live in a compact flat and want something that copes with busy schedules. Plus, cacti add a sculptural, architectural touch to a shelf or desk.

Grow It Snore Curing Plant

This is one of those novelty ideas that’s half fun, half science. Some plants — like certain air-purifying species — can improve bedroom air quality, and Menkind often pairs a playful concept with a decent starter kit. These kits usually include a small pot, seed or plantlet, and instructions targeted at improving nighttime air; whether it cures snoring is a bonus, but it’s a cute gift idea.

Avocado Grow Kit

Everyone loves the avocado kit for the sheer satisfaction of watching a pit sprout roots and then a skinny stem. Menkind typically supplies the glass stand or pot and instructions on suspending the pit in water. It’s a great way to teach patience — you’ll be measuring growth in inches over weeks — and the result is a sculptural, retro-chic plant that makes a big visual payoff for a small effort.

Bottle Plant Farm Kit

Bottle gardens and terrariums are like tiny ecosystems you can cradle in your hands. These kits usually include a clear glass vessel, substrate, moss and small plants or seeds meant for humid, enclosed environments. They’re perfect for bathrooms with a window or a kitchen counter where humidity helps them thrive. Think of them as living snow globes but without the snow.

Grow Your Own Bonsai Tree & Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree Growing Kit

Bonsai kits appeal to people who like a long-term creative project. Menkind’s bonsai packs generally contain seeds or young saplings, compact soil, and basic pruning tips. Bonsai require more patience and a little technique, but growing one from a kit can be deeply satisfying — it’s part horticulture, part art. Expect to measure and train branches in inches over months and years.

Sloth Planter and Quirky Containers

The sloth planter and other character pots show why planters matter: the vessel sets the mood. Menkind’s novelty planters are ideal when you want a talking point — a 6 in sloth pot dangling from a shelf looks whimsical and instantly elevates a room. These planters are often made from ceramic or resin and come ready-drilled or with drainage suggestions.

Grow Your Own Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plant kits are a gateway to the more curious side of botany. Kits usually include seeds or tiny plants like Venus flytraps, peat-based substrate and a small pot. They’re excellent for anyone fascinated by the oddities of nature. They do need specific care — like distilled water and high humidity — but the payoff is a dramatic, insect-catching housemate that sparks endless questions from guests.

Why Tyres.net appears in plant lists — and what to make of it

You might spot a name like Tyres.net appearing in broad retail listings or directories; that can be confusing when you’re browsing plant categories. Tyres.net is a specialist tyre retailer and not a plant shop, so if it turns up in a plants list it’s likely a classification error or an overlap in a larger directory. It’s a reminder to always check a retailer’s site before assuming they sell garden products — context matters.

Other UK retailers to consider for plant kits and planters

Beyond Menkind, the UK has plenty of retailers that cater to gardeners of all levels. Some focus on seeds and serious gardening supplies; others specialise in design-forward planters. Here’s a quick tour of reliable options so you can pick what suits your style and skill level.

Thompson & Morgan and Crocus — seed specialists

If your goal is traditional gardening — veg, herbs and rare seeds — Thompson & Morgan and Crocus are great places to browse. They offer high-quality seeds, larger kits for edibles, and clear growing advice. These are the places to go if you want a bigger project than a windowsill kit — think raised beds and container veg that yield inches of harvest per season.

Dobbies and Homebase — garden centres with variety

Dobbies and Homebase combine in-store browsing with online convenience. They stock plant kits, starter compost, tools and a wide range of planters in sizes from small (3–4 in pots) to garden-ready containers. Visiting a physical store lets you inspect plant health and pot quality up close; it’s the best option if you prefer to pick your plants yourself rather than buying a sealed kit.

The Range, B&Q and Argos — budget-friendly and accessible

Looking for something affordable and fast? The Range, B&Q, and Argos offer reliable, wallet-friendly plant kits and planters. They’re not always the most artisanal, but they cover the essentials: seed starter kits, peat-free compost alternatives, and practical pots that won’t break the bank. Great for renters and first-time plant owners.

Patch, Gardener’s World Shop and Not On The High Street — boutique and thoughtful

For design-led planters or thoughtfully curated kits, check out Patch for trendy indoor plants, Gardener’s World Shop for trusted gardening brands, and Not On The High Street for indie makers. These retailers focus on style, sustainability and unique gifts — perfect when you want something that looks as good as it grows.

How to choose the right plant kit for your lifestyle

Choosing a kit is more than picking the coolest pot — think about light, time and commitment. Do you have a bright south-facing window where a sun-loving cactus would thrive, or is your flat dim and better suited to ferns or snake plants? Consider how much time you want to spend watering and pruning. If you travel frequently, pick a low-maintenance species with a larger pot to retain moisture longer.

Light and placement

Match the plant’s light needs to your home. Bright, indirect light suits most indoor kits; succulents want direct sun for a few hours. A small kitchen or bathroom window with morning light can be ideal for terrariums and humidity-loving plants. When in doubt, place the kit near a window ledge but out of harsh midday glare.

Size and space

Check the pot dimensions in the kit — many starter pots are about 3–6 in across. If you’ve got a narrow shelf, opt for 3–4 in pots or hanging planters. Larger bonsai kits might need a bit more surface area for training branches, so reserve a tabletop or plant stand for those projects.

Top plant kits for beginners: quick picks

If you want to start with a high chance of success, try these categories: succulents and cacti for minimal care, herb kits for useful results, terrarium kits for visual impact, and avocado pits for low-cost fun. Bonsai and carnivorous plant kits are rewarding but require a bit more attention. For an easy win, pick a succulent or herb kit and give it a bright windowsill.

Styling with planters: small changes, big impact

A planter is like a frame for art — it can make the plant feel precious or playful. If you prefer a clean, minimalist look, go for neutral ceramic pots in 4–6 in sizes. Want whimsical? Choose character planters like a sloth or animal-shaped pot. For boho vibes, mix woven baskets and terracotta; for modern interiors, matte black or concrete-effect pots bring urban chic. Grouping pots of different heights and textures creates a mini urban jungle that reads like curated décor, not random clutter.

Care basics that will keep your kits thriving

Most kits include simple instructions, but a few universal tips help everything from cacti to carnivores: use the right water (distilled or rainwater for sensitive species), don’t overpot — a snug pot encourages root development — and consider humidity. For example, terrariums like enclosed spaces and carnivorous plants prefer acidic, low-nutrient mixes. Measure water in tablespoons and inches rather than guessing; precise care reduces surprises.

Watering and soil

Use soil mixes recommended by the kit — many include pre-mixed compost. Succulents need fast-draining soil; terrariums need peat-free mixes that retain moisture. Water in small quantities: a few tablespoons for small pots is often enough. Let the top inch or two of soil dry before watering most non-tropical houseplants.

Light and feeding

Supplement low light with a small LED grow lamp if you’re serious about herbs or edible kits; these lamps are compact and energy-efficient. Feed plants with a gentle liquid fertiliser during the growing season — a teaspoon per gallon diluted is a modest boost for most small plants.

Sustainability: choosing kits and pots that do good

Look for peat-free compost, recyclable packaging and locally sourced plants where possible. Many UK retailers now list eco credentials, so you can pick kits that avoid single-use plastics. Reusing pots, saving seeds from edible kits, and choosing native species for windowsill pollinator projects are easy ways to reduce waste while enjoying the hobby.

Gifting plant kits — an evergreen present

Plant kits make thoughtful gifts that last longer than flowers and feel personal. Pick a kit to match the recipient: a novelty planter for a friend who loves quirky décor, an herb kit for someone who cooks, or a bonsai set for a patient creative. Add a handwritten note with a care tip — it transforms a product into a small ritual someone will remember.

Where to go from here: building confidence and curiosity

Start small, celebrate each new leaf, and experiment. A single 4–6 in pot that thrives can lead to a shelf of plants that change how your home feels — more alive, calmer and visually richer. Use online communities, retailer care guides, and local garden centres to expand your knowledge. Before you know it, you’ll be recommending kits to friends and giving names to your best leaves like a proper plant parent.

Whether you shop Menkind for its playful kits or explore specialist seed houses and garden centres across the UK, there’s a kit for every pace and personality. Plants aren’t just decoration — they’re tiny, growing stories you get to tend. Ready to start yours?