How to Plant in Terracotta Pots to Make Your Plants Thrive by Bergs Potter (2024)

FAQs

How to Plant in Terracotta Pots to Make Your Plants Thrive by Bergs Potter? ›

When selecting a pot, choose a large diameter to provide enough space for the plants to grow and develop their roots. Soak the terracotta pot for an hour or more before planting. Keeping the soil moist is crucial for the plant's success.

Start out by soaking the inside and outside of your pot prior to planting. Ideally for 24 hours if possible, but less will do too. Your terracotta pot should change colour, going from light to dark. If your clay pot changes colour when it gets wet, this means that your pot can breathe.

Yes! But of course, there are a few exceptions. Terra cotta is a porous material and helps your plants' roots to breathe through oxygen exchange. These pots also absorb some of the excess moisture after you water your plants, preventing your roots from staying in soggy soil too long.

As long as you're watering your plant no more than every seven to 10 days, when using a terra cotta pot, you shouldn't have to worry about using too much water.

Debco Terracotta & Tub Mix contains quality key additives to deliver optimal growth and has been specifically formulated for growing the broadest range of plants in tough conditions like porous terracotta pots, wooden tubs and hanging baskets.

Plants that prefer to dry out a little—or entirely—before rewatering are the best choices for growing in terracotta. Drought-tolerant plants are also a good option—they can withstand extended periods of drought without succumbing to the heat. Here are our favorite varieties to grow in Iowa: Succulents and cacti.

The drawbacks of terracotta garden pots

Being made of a more porous material, plants will require more watering – this can be a downside if we are suffering from drought or you forget to water regularly. Terracotta garden pots can be subject to cracking and breaking.

The difference between clay and terra-cotta is that clay is the raw material, while terra-cotta is clay that is already modeled and fired. Terra-cotta is an Italian term that means "baked earth." Terra-cotta refers to a glazed or unglazed piece of ceramic made using organic clay fired in a potter's kiln.

The porous nature of terracotta can make the soil dry out faster, so a good potting mix is essential. b. Create a Moisture Barrier: To prevent the soil from drying out too quickly, line the inside of the pot with a plastic or clay saucer. This barrier will help retain moisture.

Looking After Terracotta Pots

Add some crock to the bottom of your pot. The bigger the pot, the more crock you should add. Line the inside of the pot (not the bottom) with some bubble wrap or a split plastic bin bag. You want to create a simple barrier between the soil and the clay.

How do you bottom water plants in terracotta pots? ›

As long as you have a drainage hole in your planter (which you should have anyways) and a shallow dish you are good to go. Simply take a shallow dish or pot and fill it up halfway with water. Then place your plant in the dish. Let the plant sit for 30 minutes to an hour depending on how big the pot is.

Morning watering is actually preferable to evening watering as the plant has time to dry before the sun goes down. At night, water tends to rest in the soil, around the roots, and on the foliage, which encourages rot, fungal growth, and insects.

The porous nature of the terracotta clay means you cannot easily overwater and the roots can breathe in the pots, making them ideal for healthy plants.

While it may sound odd, plant experts advise soaking a non-glazed terracotta pot for a few hours, even overnight, before adding any soil. Some people also wash out the pot to remove debris or bacteria; you should do this if the planter isn't new. Plants can get sick, and reusing an old pot puts others at risk.

Terracotta garden pots particularly in summer can draw out water through the walls of the pot itself. This is why it is a great idea to seal your garden pots.

Clean the flower pot by wiping away any dust and dirt with a slightly damp sponge or rag. Next, seal the flower pot by applying two coats of sealer—inside and out—using either Clay Pot Sealer or FolkArt Outdoor Sealer. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat.

Step 1: Prepare pots for painting – You'll want to clean them before painting them. Use your scrub brush or pot brush to get all the dust and dirt off, then allow them to dry completely before moving on to the next step.