Glazed and Terra Cotta Pottery
As the colder months approach, it's important to prepare your pots and planters for the winter season. Depending on the material they're made of, some pots may need to be stored indoors to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
Terracotta pots, for example, are among the most fragile and permeable, making them susceptible to cracking when water freezes and expands. Similarly, ceramic pots with glazing on the outside, but not on the inside, can absorb water and crack when exposed to freezing temperatures.
To prevent expensive replacement costs, it's important to know which pots are tough enough to withstand the winter outdoors and which ones need to be stored indoors. By giving your pots the maintenance they require, you can ensure they survive the winter and continue to be used for years to come.
How to Winterize Terracotta Pots
Winter can be a challenging time for gardeners, especially those with outdoor pots and planters. Freezing temperatures can cause water to be absorbed and freeze, leading to cracking and damage to the pot. However, there are steps that can be taken to prevent this from happening.
- It's important to move your terracotta planters to a sheltered area, such as a covered porch or garage. This will protect them from extreme temperature changes and prevent them from being exposed to harsh weather conditions.
- You can use a sealant to protect the terra-cotta pot from water absorption. A penetrating sealer can be applied to the inside and outside of the pot to create a barrier that prevents water from being absorbed. This will also help to prevent the pot from becoming saturated and cracking when the water freezes and expands.
- You can add pot feet to the bottom of the pot to improve air circulation and prevent water from being absorbed. This will also help to prevent the pot from sitting in standing water, which can lead to cracks.
- Wrap your terra-cotta planters with insulating material, such as bubble wrap or burlap. This will provide an extra layer of protection against freezing temperatures and prevent the pot from expanding and contracting.
- The most fool-proof solution is to move the pot indoors. This will eliminate any possibility of the pot being damaged by freezing temperatures.
In conclusion, preventing cracks in terracotta planters during the winter requires a combination of proper placement, sealing, pot feet, and insulation. By following these steps, you can ensure that your terra-cotta planters remain in good condition and can be used for years to come.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Planters
Maintaining your outdoor planters during the winter is essential to ensure they remain in good condition and can be used for years to come. By following simple steps such as moving them to a sheltered area, sealing them, and using pot feet, you can prevent cracks and damage caused by freezing temperatures. Regularly checking for any damage or issues and addressing them promptly can also help prevent further damage. Don't let the winter weather damage your outdoor planters - take action today to properly maintain them and ensure they remain in top condition.
Terra cotta and earthenware are naturally slightly porous to allow plants inside of them to breathe. So, even though our glazed and terra cotta pottery is subjected to stringent testing in freeze and thaw conditions, damage can still occur in freezing temperatures. If there is any water left in the pots, it can expand and cause the pot to crack. The glazed and terra cotta pots are frost-resistant but there is still the concern that the freeze and thaw cycle will occur. It is important to either bring them indoors during the winter or to follow the winter care instructions for the fountains and planters above. For other guides on how to care for your outdoor art check out our blogs on WINTER CARE- CAST STONE FOUNTAINS AND BIRDBATHS and WINTER CARE- CAST STONE PLANTERS AND STATUARY