How To Store Ceramic Pots For The Winter

We read some debate about whether or not to empty the pot of soil.

How to store ceramic pots for the winter.

Bringing them indoors or into a heated garage for the winter takes quite an effort. Terracotta pots are loved for their simple look and neutral colors. Once the empty pots are completely dry they are ready for winter storage. Compost the plants and move the planters inside.

Some gardeners say their pots last longer if they leave the soil in or if they leave their pots at least half full before putting them away. The best way to keep terra cotta containers safe is to store them before winter arrives. It s also a good idea to wrap these pots to help prevent chips and breaking while they are being stored. When the weather cools empty any planters whose residents won t survive the winter.

While the coating on ceramic pots keeps the moisture out for the most part small chips or cracks will still allow some in. The exterior surface may start flaking first giving you a hint that. Ceramic pots with a thick glaze around the lip of the pot are usually suitable for overwintering. Or to be safe put the flowerpot away for winter.

To store remove plants and soil clean the interior of pots with 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and let dry completely before storing. Store the planters upside down and away from the elements in a garage or shed is fine. Start by removing any remaining plant material and tossing the old soil into your compost pile. Pots with unglazed interiors can absorb moisture and crack during the winter when water freezes between the clay pores.

The problem is that concrete pots are heavy and difficult to move. Some said leave it some said remove half some all. As with the terracotta and clay containers the moisture in these cracks can freeze and expend which will make larger cracks. Pots you can leave outdoors without problem.

Clean the insides thoroughly by scrubing them with a solution of 1 part bleach preferrable non chlorine to 10 parts water. First remove the plants growing in them and dump out the soil. Ceramic pots that are glazed can have a longer life outdoors and a better chance of surviving through the winter. Unlike unglazed ceramic and clay pots glazed pottery isn t porous so these containers must have bottom drainage holes so excess moisture can drain from the soil.

The most logical option is to leave them outdoors but to empty them of at least half their soil for the winter. Check the product information for instructions on outdoor use.