Make beautiful small to medium garden gardens out of extra large clay pots, also called teacups. Choose a shady and cool area, protected from direct heat afternoon sun. Ensure that the pot maintains a minimum of 20 inches of water weight. If a built-in drainage hole is present, fill it with water before covering, with a suitable pond sealant. Water your plants well in the morning and evening, until the first frost, and then keep your plants cool by misting with water droplets, instead of using fans or air conditioners.
If you live in a warm, sunny part of the country, you might consider a combination of container gardening and clay pots. One way to do this is to use an old, weather-proof container, such as a plastic milk can, and cover it with a slightly damp towel or old shirt. Place the container on the porch or deck, where it will receive adequate ventilation. The temperature will be moderate, so you can expect the plants to thrive even in the hottest summer days.
Many young gardeners wonder whether they should use a saucer. If you plan to plant a large variety of plants, a saucer will be necessary. Clay pots without a saucer are not convenient for pruning, because the edges of the pot will quickly become raw and soft. Clay pots without saucers also tend to retain too much water, and this can cause rot and mildew.
Smaller pots of smaller clay type are perfect for growing succulents, such as hydrangeas, . These small plants will thrive on a mixture of moist clay and compost. Some gardeners, however, prefer to plant a wider variety of succulents in terracotta clay pots, as the porous clay can absorb large amounts of water, which makes it more comfortable for larger plants. It is also easier to harvest your small plants from a clay pot.
When choosing a pot, you should consider how long you plan to keep the pot in your garden. A terracotta pot that is too small to accommodate your plants will waste water and moisture. But a too-big clay pot that won’t fit in your yard may attract vermin or pests, causing damage to your flowers and vegetables. It’s not recommended to place a plant in a pot that is too large for the area it will cover.
If you’re planning to save money, you may want to save the money and use a cheap plastic saucer instead of buying a clay pot with a saucer. Plastic saucers can be reused after washing them in hot water and dry. If you’re using a ceramic pot with a saucer, you can heat the saucer first and then wash the pot using hot water and a gentle dish detergent, then put it in the dishwasher. After drying, you can reuse the plastic saucer.
Extra large clay pots can be personalized for your needs by printing a name, logo or saying on them. For example, some people might print “Pampered Chef” or “Candy Dish Superstar” onto their pots to make them even more unique. You can create a custom look by cutting out your own label, or print one from a picture you like online. Some people like to use funny sayings or pictures to add whimsy to their pots.
There are lots of fun ways to jazz up your extra large clay pots as centerpieces. The possibilities are endless! To get more ideas, visit your local florist or craft store. Or if you know someone who owns a pottery business, they might be able to give you some advice on what to do with their old pots.