Likewise, as winter approaches, horticulturists or homeowners will likely ponder the fact that terracotta pots are able to hold their shape in the cold weather. The terra cotta type, considered the one with the honey hue and hard-to-replicate texture, is the most common option for planters because of its natural and breathable nature. On the other hand, frost susceptibility is among the potential problems because the temperatures are cold enough to cause the product to crack. Winter might be the cause of a cracked pot of the ceramic pots. Here’s a close look at why clay pots crack in the winter and how you can preserve them.
Why do terracotta pots crack in the winter?
Its due to the changes in temperature and also freezing rain and winter snow, which can cause the terra cotta pots to crack because the clay expands and contracts. You can see why the terra cotta pots crack during the winter season:
- Porous Material: The word “terracotta” refers to an impervious and permeable type of earthware. It means that the water as well as other liquid substances seep deep into it. The protective bags then become the next layer as we open them up and stuff them with ice and water. Supporting this outer layer are the protective bags, which we open and pack with ice and water in turn. As temperatures drop, the water stored in the protective bags also expands and freezes, exerting an extra force on the walls, which leads to cracks.
- Rapid Temperature Changes: Changes in the given temperature, especially when there are freezing periods a few minutes after warm weather, can lead to fracture of the surface due to the quicker changes in its volume.
- Quality of the Clay: Whether or not the terracotta is high grade and the craftsmanship applied also determines the right to rupture and break. Tiles fired at high temperatures with terracotta are usually more durable and less likely to absorb water than those made in an easily deformable state.
Storing terracotta pottery In Winter
Without proper storage, terracotta pottery may get damaged due to the cold and moist weather and using the plastic pots. Here are some key tips, in brief:
Clean Pots: Compost or green waste in front lawns contributes to heavy mold and pest growth, so it should be removed instead and dry completely.
Dry Thoroughly: Provide for the pots to drain completely so that no frost damage occurs.
Stack Carefully: Turn pots upside down and store them in a dry place that does not have frost. Such as a garage or a shed would be ideal.
Use Bubble Wrap: To heighten the security further, every plant pot has to be individually packaged in bubble wrap to ensure that they are not chipped.
Avoid Stacking Heavy Loads: No more than heavy things piling up on top of pots so as to avoid irreparable damage.
Lists of Terracotta pots
On the winter side, terracotta pots, in particular, are more reliable to use because of their design and features, which are very durable at cold temperatures of the frost proof . Here are some ideal types:
Glazed Terracotta Pots: Employing a glaze with low porosity can be a solution to overcoming such a problem, as coating the pot helps lower its absorptive capacity, thus the water it absorbs. From all this comes the prevention of frost damage that usually occurs.
High-Fired Terracotta Pots: These are generally baked at a higher temperature for that reason, resulting in being denser and less pervious, and thus they withstand cycles of freezing and thawing much better.
Thick-Walled Terracotta Pots: A pot whose walls are thicker has a higher thermal mass. This leads to better performance in cases of temperature fluctuation, and cracking is less likely.
Covered or Insulated Pots: Some The terracotta pots have a cover or insulation designed to help prevent frost.
Terracotta Pots with Drainage Improvements: A better way of draining water means that it doesn’t accumulate inside the pot and, in this way, could potentially freeze, which is one of the causes of cracks in pots.
5 Tips for Winterizing Your Terracotta Pottery
Here are five quick tips for winterizing your terracotta pottery to protect it from cold weather damage because of the water freezes:
- Empty and Clean: Put marigold seeds 1 inch deep in the full pot of soil that is not fully frozen.
- Dry Thoroughly: Make sure that all pots are 100% dry before they are stored; that would prevent ice accumulation.
- Store Indoors: Moving pots to a frost-free area, like an unheated garage or basement, can help to protect your houseplants.
- Wrap Pots: Apply insulation to pots that should be outside to avoid the heat. Use bubble wrap or burlap to insulate those pots.
- Elevate Off Ground: Make use of pot feet or crates/planks to have no contact with frozen platforms and thus avoid breakage due to such contact.
This should be the foundation for the extended life of your terracotta pots during their service.
Preventive Measures
- Choose High-Quality Terracotta: Try out glazed terracotta planters made to be resilient against the cold and freezing conditions. Thus, they remain dry and do not absorb moisture the same as ordinary containers.
- Proper Drainage: Be careful that your pots have proper drainage holes within them so that the water can drain at the bottom instead of standing there. Water that is not moving promotes freezing. Deep cracks go everywhere.
- Use Pot Feet or Risers: Lifting your containers further up to prevent water from piling between the container and the surface creates better moisture flow, which decreases the possibility of freezing damage.
- Cover or Move Pots: During the frosty periods, think about bringing in your clay pots in a garage or a shed to save them from the frost. By simply wrapping pots in burlap or installing the insulating cover, one may help protect plants from extreme temperatures.
- Apply a Sealant: Several terracotta pots can be made frostproof by applying a breathable sealant to them so that water absorption is minimized, leading to a less volatile risk. Choose a sealant that is suitable for terracotta and is breathable, which means that as well as air, moisture can pass through it and roots remain undamaged.
Conclusion
Winterizing your terracotta pots is more than a measure of protection; it is also a way to ensure the plants that are within them are healthy. Winterize my terracotta pots. Before the start of winter, analyze your containers and make the necessary fixes to prevent serious damage from occurring. Moreover, attention to the type of soil is necessary; for example, perlite can be added to the soil to improve the drainage of the media and mitigate water ponding.
With the help of precautionary measures and risk assessment, you can have an undisturbed hectic of terracotta pots through the seasons of the year.. After these methods, your terracotta pots will be abundant enough until next winter, and you will keep your outdoor spaces lively with plants that are healthy.