Terra-Cotta Pots for Container Gardening

Terra-Cotta Pots for container gardening are one of the most popular pots. It can hold a lot of water and if you are using container soil, it is easily drained once the plants are established. However, many people prefer to use soil grown in a garden bed as they believe that the benefits of Terra cotta pots for container gardening outweigh the disadvantages. It is also a popular choice because of its natural charm and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Manufacturing of Terra-Cotta Pots

Terra cotta is made from clay that is recovered from old lime kilns. It is an excellent choice for growing plants because it does not loose its shape unlike most clay used for potting soil. In addition to this, it retains a fine finish and you will not have any problems with pests and rodents eating your precious plants. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you will be happy to know that this type of potting soil has the ability to conserve heat. Terra cotta is also resistant to rot, insects, mildew and other fungal diseases.

Do not Place Terra-cotta Pots in Direct Sunlight

Ceramic or terracotta pots should never be placed in direct sunlight. They should be stored in areas where they can be shaded to protect them from the sun’s rays. It is also important that you never use acidic cleaners or soaps on them. These chemicals will gradually eat away at the material. If you must wash the pot, use mild soap and warm water. Do not use any abrasive materials when washing it as this will destroy the surface.

Terra-Cotta Plants are Preferred

Most plants prefer a warm climate. For this reason, Terra cotta tends to be the most popular of all containers. In fact, many gardeners prefer to plant their vegetables, herbs and flowers in Terra cotta pots because it allows the plants to get all of the sunlight that they need. It is also a good idea to place a small plastic window in your greenhouse so that your plants can get some sunlight as well. Your plants will love you for it.

Provide Light to Pots Each Day

Once your plants begin to bloom, it is important to keep them happy and healthy. After about seven weeks of planting your first crop, it is time to pull the plants out of the pots and put them in their original pots. Terra cotta should be given about four hours of light each day. This light will help to prevent diseases from attacking the plants. When you pull the plants from the pots, you may need to give them about four to six inches of water to help them go down safely.

Repotting the Plants

Another thing that you will need to remember is that you should let your plants stay in their pots for about a year before you repot them. This gives the soil time to develop and the roots of the plants time to strengthen. If you do repot your plants, you may want to choose some of your favorite plants to grow in your new pots. In fact, by growing a few of your favorite plants, you can save yourself some money by not purchasing Terra cotta pots for container gardening.

Taking Care of Terra-Cotta Pots

If you have purchased a terracotta or ceramic for your home or office, it is very important that you understand how to properly care for it. While it is a strong material, it can become damaged if not properly cared for. It is highly recommended that you read about proper care and use before you purchase any type of pot or vessel.

If you do accidentally spill something on the pot, rinse it immediately with warm water. To avoid leaving any unwanted residue, use a brush or cloth to gently scrub off any residue. Do not use extreme pressure when rinsing the pot as this will damage the material.

The lifespan of Terra-Cotta Pots

The lifespan of ceramic or terracotta pots is usually between fifty and seventy years. Some varieties can actually last up to a hundred years if properly cared for. The better quality pots will be less prone to breakage and will retain their shape.