Why we tested the Novelty Countryside Herb Planter
Budget herb planters get little editorial attention because they are not exciting to review. But they serve a real function: getting herbs growing quickly for someone who does not want to invest in premium planters before knowing if they will stick with herb growing. We tested the Novelty to give an honest assessment of what $18 buys.
We grew basil, thyme, and parsley in the three compartments for 12 weeks, alongside the more expensive alternatives in this roundup, using identical soil mix, watering schedules, and light conditions.
How we tested the Novelty Countryside Planter
- Grew basil, thyme, and parsley for 12 continuous weeks in parallel with premium alternatives
- Assessed drainage timing against LA JOLIE MUSE and Mkono set
- Inspected resin surface for UV discoloration, warping, and cracking at 4-week intervals
- Measured compartment depth and compared root restriction at week 12 against D’vine Dev pots
- Tested all available color options for color fade under outdoor exposure
Full protocols at /methodology.
Who should buy the Novelty Countryside Planter?
Buy this if: You are new to herb growing and want to try it before investing in a premium planter, want a functional outdoor herb planter where appearance is secondary to cost, or need multiple planters for a garden where budget matters more than aesthetics.
Skip this if: The planter will be visible in your kitchen and presentation matters. The $14 upgrade to the LA JOLIE MUSE is worth it in any context where the planter is seen regularly. Also skip for long-term perennial herb growing where the compartment depth becomes limiting.
Drainage: functional and no surprises
Each compartment drained adequately in our test. Water passed through the drainage holes in under 90 seconds of full saturation, which is within the normal range for any well-designed planter. No compartment showed waterlogging over 12 weeks of standard watering. The drainage hole sizing is appropriate for standard potting mix without needing a liner.
Aesthetics: honest about the limitations
The Novelty looks like a $18 planter. The resin finish has the slightly waxy, injection-molded appearance of budget plastic products. It does not look bad; it looks unremarkable. In a utility area, on a fire escape, or in a garage herb garden, it fits fine. On a kitchen countertop next to good appliances, it looks out of place compared to the ceramic and UV-resin alternatives.
The color range is broader than most competitors, which gives some flexibility to match existing kitchen tones. The terracotta and forest green options are more flattering than the plain white.
Durability: better than expected for the price
No cracking, warping, or structural failure after 3 months of outdoor use including direct summer sun. The resin is lightweight but not brittle. When we dropped one empty from counter height onto a wood floor, no cracking occurred. Compare this to the ceramic Mkono pot which cracked on the same test.
Verdict
The Novelty Countryside earns Best Budget because at $18 it delivers honest functional performance for three herbs with no surprises. The aesthetics are budget-grade and that is the only significant tradeoff. For anyone who wants to grow herbs affordably and does not mind the utilitarian look, it is the right buy.
Novelty Mfg Countryside Herb Planter vs. the competition
| Product | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Novelty Countryside Herb Planter | Top Pick - Best value at $18 for basic three-herb windowsill growing. |
| LA JOLIE MUSE Window Box | Upgrade - $14 more buys significantly better aesthetics and UV durability. |
| Mkono 3-Pot Ceramic Set | Upgrade - $10 more buys ceramic construction and better kitchen presentation. |
| Keter Easy Grow Herb Planter | Upgrade - Self-watering reservoir for $37 more, justified only for irregular waterers. |
Full specifications
| Material | Lightweight Resin |
| Compartments | 3 |
| Drainage | Holes per compartment |
| Colors Available | Multiple (Clay, White, Green, others) |
| Suitable For | Indoor and outdoor |
| Depth per Compartment | Approx 4 inches |
See full details on Amazon →
Should you buy the Novelty Mfg Countryside Herb Planter?
The Novelty Countryside is the right herb planter when price is the primary concern and appearance is secondary. The three-compartment design grows three herbs side by side, drainage holes are functional, and the lightweight resin survives outdoor use without cracking or warping. At $18 it costs $14 less than the LA JOLIE MUSE for similar functional performance. The difference is entirely aesthetic: the Novelty looks like what it is, while the LA JOLIE MUSE looks expensive.
Frequently asked questions
Is the resin durable enough for outdoor use?+
For outdoor use in temperate climates, yes. After 3 months outdoor including one period of direct summer afternoon sun, the resin showed no cracking, warping, or structural degradation. Some minor surface discoloration occurred on the lighter-colored version when left in direct sun long-term. The darker colors hold appearance better outdoors.
How deep are the compartments for root growth?+
Approximately 4 inches of growing depth per compartment. For herbs started from small transplants, this is sufficient for a growing season. For larger root systems like mature parsley or sprawling mint, the depth becomes limiting after about 3 months of active growth. Annual replanting or trimming root mass is needed for multi-season use.
Does it come with a drainage saucer?+
No. Like most basic planters at this price, no saucer is included. For outdoor use on a deck or in a window box, this is not needed. For indoor countertop use, a standard rectangular saucer sized to the planter dimensions keeps surfaces dry.
📅 Update log
- May 26, 2026Initial review published after 3 months of herb growing.
