A protector for a plant growing receptacle wherein a large container receives a relatively small container so that a space is provided between the walls of the container and plant growing receptacle to form a combined water reservoir for collecting run-off rain and irrigation water, and a catch basin for collecting fertilizer leach run-off flowing from the plant growing receptacle. A portion of the container wall is provided with a heat reflecting surface, and another portion of the container wall is provided with a heat absorbing surface. A brace extends across the open end of the container for stabilizing the plant in the receptacle.