A classic example of contrarieties can be seen in pottery. It is both durable and fragile. Durable, in that it is capable of lasting for centuries-even millennia-as proven by the pottery that archeologists have found. Fragile, in that with a single hammer blow a piece of pottery may be shattered into a thousand pieces, impossible to repair.
Container gardens have enjoyed a resurgence as of late; they make near-instant gardens for those who have limited space in which to garden, for apartment dwellers, and for those who love filling their outdoor living spaces with the variety offered by container gardens. And the containers that we choose to showcase our plantings are every bit as important to the look and feel as are the plants. Whether we’re using Talavera, ceramic, terra cotta, or clay pottery, or cast stone, fiberglass or plastic formed pots, we must care for our pots-as we care for our plants-during the cold months of winter.
During the warm season, try not to set your planters directly on dirt or mulched beds. And place 2-4″ of porous stones or shards of clay pots in the bottom of the pot prior to filling with soil so as to prevent the soil from leaking out of the drainage holes, or clogging them. This will aid in extending the life of the pot.
When first purchasing your pottery, examine the benefits and detriments of the particular pot you’re considering. For instance glazed pottery is stronger against frost than terra cotta, due to the type of clay used, and the extremely high firing temperature. However, the outdoor saucers are not recommended for indoor use as condensation can build up on their outer surface when placed in a warm room. Some pottery is highly susceptible to cracks caused by moisture in the pot freezing; therefore, wintering them must be an automatic part of your fall readiness for the winter to come. Clay pots are porous, made of natural materials, environmentally friendly, and with the innovative colors, designs, and shapes now available, an easy-to-care-for plus to brighten up any garden room.
Fiberglass and plastic pots are lightweight and durable, and many are cast in textures and patterns that simulate natural stone and terra cotta or ceramic pots, so very large or ornate containers are popular and less expensive options. They need regular cleaning and care, but can be extremely durable if properly stored.
If you are not bringing your planted containers indoors to weather the winter months so that with the arrival of warm weather they can go back outside, then depending on the type of container, there are several methods of winter protection. If you’ve planted annuals, the best way to guarantee that your clay, plastic, ceramic or fiberglass pots will be usable come spring is to empty them of soil, and thoroughly clean them with warm water and a sponge; a mild dishwashing detergent and a soft brush is useful if the stains and salt residue is significant. Let the pots dry thoroughly, and place them upside down, preferably on a raised surface such as a plank. If you have space in your garage to store them, all the better; if they must be outdoor inhabitants during the winter, after doing the above, cover them with a tarp or its equivalent. It’s not the moisture itself that can destroy your pots, but the freezing of the moisture; thus, keeping them off of the ground is essential.
Being responsibly pro-active with the pots that have enhanced your outdoors all season long will ensure that you will be able to enjoy them for years to come. Come see the wide variety of containers that we offer, and our specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have.