OSRS Empty Plant Pot: A Comprehensive Guide to Uses and Acquisition

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the empty plant pot might seem like a trivial item at first glance, but it plays a pivotal role in one of the game’s most rewarding skills: Farming. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting your journey in Gielinor, understanding the significance of this unassuming item can elevate your gameplay. This guide dives deep into the empty plant pot, exploring its uses, how to obtain it, and why it’s essential for Farming enthusiasts. Optimized for both players and search engines, this blog post will ensure you’re well-equipped to make the most of this item in OSRS.
The empty plant pot is a foundational item in OSRS, primarily used in the Farming skill. It’s a small, unassuming clay pot that players fill with soil to grow seedlings, which eventually become fully-fledged plants. While it may not have the glamour of a rare weapon or armor piece, its utility in Farming makes it indispensable.
Item Description and Basics
In the game, the empty plant pot is described simply as “an empty plant pot – it looks like it’s made of clay.” It weighs 1.36 kg and is stackable in your inventory, making it convenient to carry in bulk. You’ll need it to kickstart your Farming endeavors, as it’s the vessel for growing everything from trees to herbs.
Why It Matters in Farming
Farming in OSRS is all about nurturing plants from seed to harvest, and the empty plant pot is the first step in that process. Without it, you can’t create seedlings, meaning your Farming skill progression would grind to a halt. It’s a low-cost, high-impact item that bridges the gap between seeds and mature crops.
How to Obtain an Empty Plant Pot in OSRS
Getting your hands on an empty plant pot is straightforward, with several methods available depending on your playstyle and resources. Here’s how you can acquire this essential item.
Purchasing from Farming Shops
The easiest way to obtain an empty plant pot is by buying it from one of the many Farming shops scattered across Gielinor. Locations like the Farming shops in Catherby, Ardougne, and Falador stock them for a modest price of 40 coins each. These shops typically have a decent stock, with around 100 pots available, restocking over time.
Dropping Plant Pots After Use
Once you’ve used a plant pot to grow a seedling and planted it, the pot doesn’t disappear—it returns to your inventory as an empty plant pot. This makes Farming a self-sustaining process, as you can reuse pots indefinitely, provided you have the seeds and soil to keep going.
Looting from Nature Implings
For players who enjoy hunting implings, the Nature Impling offers a chance to loot empty plant pots. Caught using the Hunter skill, these implings can yield one pot per catch, alongside other Farming-related goodies. It’s a less reliable method but adds variety to your acquisition strategy.
Using the Empty Plant Pot: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’ve got your empty plant pot, it’s time to put it to work. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to use it effectively in OSRS Farming.
Filling the Pot with Soil
To start, you’ll need a trowel and some soil. Head to a compost bin or any patch of dirt and use your trowel on the empty plant pot. This fills it with soil, transforming it into a “plant pot filled with soil.” You can also use compost or supercompost for better plant health, though regular soil works fine for most purposes.
Planting Seeds
With your pot filled, select a seed—such as an oak seed, herb seed, or fruit tree seed—and use it on the filled plant pot. This creates a seedling, which you’ll need to water using a watering can. After a short wait (usually a few minutes), the seedling grows into a sapling, ready to be planted in a Farming patch.
Transferring to Farming Patches
Once your sapling is ready, take it to a tree patch, fruit tree patch, or herb patch (depending on the seed type) and plant it. The empty plant pot returns to your inventory after planting, allowing you to repeat the process. This cycle is the backbone of leveling up your Farming skill efficiently.
Empty Plant Pot in Farming Training
Farming can be a grind, but the empty plant pot makes it manageable and cost-effective. Let’s explore how it fits into your training strategy and why it’s a game-changer for players aiming to hit 99 Farming.
Low-Level Farming (Levels 1–30)
For beginners, empty plant pots are key to growing basic trees like oak or willow. Start with acorns (requiring level 15 Farming) and use the pots to create oak saplings. Plant these in tree patches, and you’ll steadily gain experience while keeping costs low—especially since you can reuse the pots.
Mid-to-High-Level Farming (Levels 30–99)
As you progress, the empty plant pot scales with your ambitions. At level 30, you can grow fruit trees like apple or banana, and by level 55, you’re ready for high-value trees like magic trees. Each sapling starts with an empty plant pot, making it a constant companion on your journey to 99.
Cost Efficiency and Reuse
One of the best perks of the empty plant pot is its reusability. Unlike other consumables in OSRS, it doesn’t vanish after one use. This keeps your Farming expenses down, especially when paired with affordable seeds or those obtained from birdhouse runs or slayer tasks.
- Oak Saplings: ~200–300 GP each, reusable pot.
- Willow Saplings: ~500–700 GP each, reusable pot.
- Magic Saplings: ~100k+ GP each, but the pot’s free after planting.
Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Empty Plant Pots
To get the most out of your empty plant pots, consider these pro tips that blend efficiency, profit, and convenience.
Stockpiling Pots Early
Buy a stack of empty plant pots early in your Farming journey—say, 100–200—and store them in your bank. This ensures you’re never caught short when inspiration (or a good seed haul) strikes. At 40 coins each, it’s a small investment with big returns.
Combining with Birdhouse Runs
Birdhouse runs are a fantastic way to gather seeds passively. Pair the seeds you collect (like apple or oak) with empty plant pots to create saplings during downtime. This synergy boosts both your Hunter and Farming XP without extra effort.
Profit Potential with High-Value Crops
Empty plant pots open the door to profitable Farming runs. For example, growing ranarr herbs or magic trees can net you serious gold. Here’s a quick table to illustrate potential profits:
Crop | Farming Level | Seed Cost (GP) | Harvest Value (GP) | Profit (GP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ranarr Herb | 32 | 30k–40k | 50k–70k | 20k–30k |
Magic Tree | 75 | 100k–150k | 200k–250k | 50k–100k |
Note: Prices fluctuate based on the Grand Exchange; check current rates before investing.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don’t waste pots by forgetting to water seedlings—set a timer if needed. Also, avoid selling empty plant pots back to shops for 16 coins each; their utility far outweighs their resale value. Keep them for your next Farming run instead.
The empty plant pot may not shine like a dragon scimitar, but its role in OSRS is undeniable. From humble oak saplings to lucrative magic trees, it’s the unsung hero of the Farming skill. Whether you’re training for XP, chasing profits, or just enjoying the grind, mastering this item will set you up for success. So, grab your trowel, stock up on pots, and start planting—Gielinor’s fields are waiting!