Can Terracotta Pots Crack in the Winter?
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Clay pots are a classic garden feature.You can find our favorites in 10 Easy Pieces: Terra Cotta Planters.The pots that run a dime a dozen are not the best ones.We like big planters that are handmade and meant to last a lifetime.
But can they?The clay is cracking.As temperatures change, it expands and contracts.Here is everything you need to know about why planters fall apart and how to prevent them from cracking.
Water trapped inside during the winter can cause the pot to crack.The pot may fall apart if you don't move it come spring.
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We sought advice from a number of companies, and this is what we got.
The planters should be empty when the weather cools.If you want to compost the plants, move the planters inside.Some people said leave the pot of soil, others said remove half, some all.The planters should be stored upside down in a garage or shed.One freeze and it could cause a major crack, so it is important to keep rain or snow out of your planter.
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Lift the pot off the ground to allow the plants to stay outside.Water will freeze the planter to the ground during the winter.The pot will fall off if you try to move it later.
Don't block drainage holes, but elevate planters with decorative terra cotta planter feet or bricks.It is the easiest solution to keep planters elevated.
It's critical that we have drainage.The more water in the planter, the more likely it is that a freeze will cause a crack.Don't cover drainage holes with whatever you use to elevate your planter, and leave plenty of drainage material at the bottom of the pot.
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