Clay pots.

I wonder if any folk here still use clay pots. Nowadays practically if not all plants are sold in plastic pots. "Plastic" I do hope that's not a forbidden word now that, plastic pollution has become the hue & cry.

Plastic pots have their advantages. Lightweight, easy to clean and store and comparitifly cheap to purchase, albiet a visit to the local recycle depot and, how many do you want mate?

I use both plastic and clay. Sometimes I might plant out certain subjects that, when the season is over, these specials are returned to the GH or cold frames. In such cases I will use clay pots. Why? because it saves me time and effort to sink a clay pot with plant into the bed, close of season and lifting is simple, no root disturbance etc, simply brush the pot tidy the plant and all done.

A bit of practical advice. Plastic pots are more likely to have the compost go sour, to provide a root area where root rot can take over plus other matters. The clay pot allows the roots to breathe, for want of a better explanation. When planting pot as well in the garden, the clay pot can absorb moisture from the soil.

Potting up using clay pots. It's beneficial to soak your clays for some time before using. If this is a no-go then, once the pot has it's plant insitu, completely dunk the pot in water. This will allow the clay to become porous, when all air bubbles have stopped. Stand and drain the pots.

Just another bit of Mike's useless information.

 

@Mike Allen , don't do yourself down! You have lots of advice to share! I for one learn a lot from your posts

 

I like clay pots

Need to clean the limescale off of the ones that are going in the show, would battery acid damage them ?

 

@Zigs Clay pots will take battery acid.
Like Mike I use both plastic and clay pots; I find clay pots better for cacti and succulents. In hot weather they can remain cooler than plastic pots. A couple of things to note firstly clay pots are vulnerable to frost when wet, especially the older coarser ones. Secondly there is a big difference between the older hand made pots and the mass produced smooth shiny clay pots often seen today at relatively low prices. The older pots have larger pores in them and are more breathable: the modern shiny pots use a more uniform clay mix with small particles so they can be extruded and pressed, at high pressure, on modern equipment this has the effect of reducing the porosity substantially so they do not wet as well in fact many are pretty much waterproof and also more frost resistant.
A good place for older clay pots is the car boot sale where with a bit of luck a boxful can be obtained for a few pounds.
I like the variety of the older pots they have character.

 

Another clay pot fan here. I have a selection planted up and standing out year round forming a 'potscape' on my patio. All are different, all go together because the material is the same. Plastic doesn't look nearly so nice, in my eyes, though I do use them for cuttings etc. Glazed pots are more difficult to mix together in decorative terms, sometimes the glaze starts falling off after frost in any case!

Of course clay pots are not always frostproof, either - I have had casualties over the years, but I'm not precious about mine, most of which were picked up cheaply or even for free, from neighbours having a clearout. Car boot sales, charity shops etc are also good as @NigelJ says. And I agree that the handthrown ones are more breathable.

For anyone preparing to spend out there are some beautiful new handthrown clay pots around still. I don't have any from Whichford Pottery but someone gave me a very nice little Cretan pithoi from Stunning Terracotta Pots from Pots and Pithoi

Photo of last summer's potscape below (the toad who has snuck in on the right is stoneware, however, made by a Danish lady).

 

I use both clay and plastic, mostly plastic.
I find clay or plastic pots pretty expensive, and always end up breaking clay ones

I tend to like clay for plants that like good drainage, however in summer they do often dry out far too fast.
I've got a lot of plants in pots and summer watering is often a twice a day task.

 

I just love the these old clay pots.
They are rustic ,pleasing to the eye but are gradually dying out...........I shall miss them.

 

Something not mentioned yet, you can't tap a plastic plot to check whether the soil inside is dry.

 

Thank you. Glad to help.

 

Morrisons are selling clay pots at a good price.

G.

 

There was a big one in Tesco £5 yesterday

 

I have quite a number of clay pots.....more character than plastic ones but they are harder to clean thoroughly. They are heavier so more stable in the wind. They do cost more, although I dont think I have ever had to buy too many.
I also use plastic and pots of other materials too and some of these look excellent.
Succulents like aeoniums, echiverias, lewisias etc look better in clay pots.
Every year I swear I will grow less in pots yet I end up buying more!!!
Agree with everyone, good post Mike

 

Well thankfully the clays are still popular. Gardening brings out so many other aspects of our lives. One bing that we in our own way become entomologists garden designers even.
When possible, health permitting. I attend the RHS London shows. The Alpine garden society also have a fine display.
To see up close often tiny plants exhibited in clay/terracotta pots and bowls is so natural. The beauty of the plant/s is supported by the pot. Looking around the exhibits I see a very attractive plant but then I see the pot, sometimes a trough and, 'Hells bells, B.....hell, a plastic pot. Truly folks it's heart-breaking. Reminds me of seeing some wedding photo's of a young couple I know. She looked great. He, nice suit etc then. Bright green trainers....yuk!

So hopefully we all strive to grow great plants. A bit of tityvating here and there makes all the difference.

 

The only downside for me is the algae and white marks you can get on them when there's been a period of wet weather and having to wash it off.