Simple Method to Prevent Terracotta Pots from Cracking During Winter: Winterize Your Pots Immediately

In the world of gardening, terracotta pots have long been a popular choice for their warm, earthen colour palette and rustic charm. But these pots, made from baked earth as the name suggests, are porous and absorb water from the soil, which can lead to issues during winter.

To prevent cracking, Leigh Clapp, a gardening expert and writer, suggests placing a plastic pot inside the terracotta pot. The plastic pot should fit comfortably, with only a small gap around the edge. This allows for easier movement or replacement of the lighter pot, and reduces the risk of cracking due to the absorption of water by the terracotta pot.

If you're particularly fond of your fine terracotta pots, you can move them to a dry, frost-free spot over winter. Alternatively, covering the outside of the pot with bubble wrap or burlap can provide protection from frosts. Other insulating options include wrapping them with horticultural fleece, placing pots inside larger containers with insulating material like straw or dry leaves in between, and applying foam insulation sheets or old blankets.

For those concerned about protecting their terracotta pots, using older, vintage ones can increase their likelihood of surviving multiple winters. The absorption of water by terracotta pots can cause them to crack due to the expansion of frozen moisture, but this risk is lower in older pots.

Terracotta pots develop a mellow patina over time that adds character to the garden. This process can be sped up by exposing the pots to the elements, allowing them to weather naturally.

Buying 'frost-proof' pots offers better protection due to their less porous nature. Crescent Garden's crack-proof pots come with a 10-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind for those who want the look of terracotta without the potential winter worries.

Terracotta pots are versatile and can be used to display perennial plants or bulbs in different seasons by swapping out the plastic plant pot each time. This makes them a great choice for gardeners who like to change up their displays throughout the year.

Melanie Griffiths, an experienced gardener who has worked in homes and gardens media for over 20 years, tends to an extensive houseplant collection and is particularly fond of orchids. She has spent the last few years transforming her own garden and is also a passionate organic home grower.

The word "terracotta" means 'baked earth' in Italian, reflecting the ancient origins of these pots. With their warm, earthy tones and rustic charm, terracotta pots continue to be a beloved choice for gardeners today.

Simple Method to Prevent Terracotta Pots from Cracking During Winter: Winterize Your Pots Immediately