{"id":35084,"date":"2021-09-27T12:08:23","date_gmt":"2021-09-27T17:08:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/b48db82f22.nxcli.net\/?p=35084"},"modified":"2022-09-13T17:23:40","modified_gmt":"2022-09-13T22:23:40","slug":"ceramic-pots-cleaning-prepping-for-fall-plantings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/ceramic-pots-cleaning-prepping-for-fall-plantings\/","title":{"rendered":"Ceramic Pots: Cleaning &#038; Prepping for Fall Plantings"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anything you leave outside is bound to get weathered, whether it\u2019s a ceramic pot, a pair of shears, or even the leaves on a tree. While a tree can shed old leaves and grow new ones, your garden pots won\u2019t magically renew themselves. They need to be cleaned and maintained. Here\u2019s how to give them a bath and prep them for new plants this <a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/fall-planting-for-winter-interest-in-chicago\/\">fall<\/a> or next spring!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>How to Understand Stains<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crusted on soil and dirt stains\u2014that\u2019s the fate of most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/container-inspiration-small-medium-large-planters\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">garden pots<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But what about the white mineral build-up? Ceramic pots are well-known for absorbing water. As the water evaporates, salts get left behind and caked onto the walls. And then there\u2019s the problem of mold and mildew. All of these stubborn stains call for more than a simple hose-down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-35089 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-scrubbing-calcium-buidup-off-terra-cotta.png\" alt=\"Platt Hill Nursery - scrubbing calcium buidup off terra cotta\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-scrubbing-calcium-buidup-off-terra-cotta.png 1200w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-scrubbing-calcium-buidup-off-terra-cotta-980x490.png 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-scrubbing-calcium-buidup-off-terra-cotta-480x240.png 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/600;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>How Do You Clean Unglazed Ceramic Pots? <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b><b>Water and Vinegar: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A simple water and vinegar solution remains the best way to clean a dirty garden pot. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much vinegar you use for cleaning is flexible, but aim for about 4 cups of water to 1 cup of vinegar.<\/span><\/b><\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b><b>Scrub and Soak:<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Once you\u2019ve brushed away excess <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/best-tips-to-prepare-garden-soil\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, place the pots in the solution. Scrub away the stains with a stiff brush. Not coming off? Soak them for 30 minutes and try again. The vinegar will dissolve the salt and kill off any bacteria and mold.<\/span><\/b><\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rinse and Dry:<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> After you\u2019re done, rinse them well in plain water to remove any lingering vinegar. Let them air dry completely before storing so you don\u2019t attract more mold.\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><br \/>\n<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-35090 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-blue-glazed-outdoor-gardening-planters.png\" alt=\"Platt Hill Nursery - blue glazed outdoor gardening planters\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-blue-glazed-outdoor-gardening-planters.png 1200w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-blue-glazed-outdoor-gardening-planters-980x490.png 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-blue-glazed-outdoor-gardening-planters-480x240.png 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/600;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>How Do You Clean Glazed Ceramic Pots?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glazed pots are even easier to clean than unglazed ones, because the glaze prevents stains and mineral caking. If a simple hose-off is not sufficient, rinse and scrub them in a vinegar solution as described above, and dry accordingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><br \/>\n<\/b>How to Clean Ceramic Pots with Baking Soda<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vinegar is not the only cleaner you can use. Baking soda works just as well to neutralize and dissolve salt stains. Instead of making a solution for dunking the pots, just add enough water to make a baking soda paste. Rub the paste on the ceramic and then scrub it away with a sponge. As you rinse them off, your pots will look brand new.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-35091 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-Terra-Cotta-Outdoor-Pots.png\" alt=\"Platt Hill Nursery - Terra Cotta Outdoor Pots\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-Terra-Cotta-Outdoor-Pots.png 1200w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-Terra-Cotta-Outdoor-Pots-980x490.png 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-Terra-Cotta-Outdoor-Pots-480x240.png 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/600;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Other Tasks To Do When Cleaning Pots<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When your pots are clean, it\u2019s a good time to make any improvements to them. Are your kids looking for a new craft project? Bring out the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/turn-your-clay-pots-into-works-of-art\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">paint and decorations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Do your pots need drainage holes? A pot with no holes is a quick recipe for root rot. Take the time to drill new holes while the pots are clean and empty\u2014here\u2019s how!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-35092 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-terra-cotta-pottery-and-monstera-leaf.png\" alt=\"Platt Hill Nursery - terra cotta pottery and monstera leaf\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-terra-cotta-pottery-and-monstera-leaf.png 1200w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-terra-cotta-pottery-and-monstera-leaf-980x490.png 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Platt-Hill-Nursery-terra-cotta-pottery-and-monstera-leaf-480x240.png 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1200px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1200\/600;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>How to Drill a Hole in a Ceramic Pot?<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use a Masonry Bit and Power Drill: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We all know ceramic pots can crack easily, but how do you avoid any accidents? Make sure to use a masonry bit, designed especially for drilling through ceramics. A \u00bd inch bit is an appropriate size, or smaller for small pots.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Drill At Medium Speed: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pencil in a target at the center of the base. Hold the pot firmly against a table and start drilling at a medium speed. If the bit is slipping, put a piece of masking tape over the ceramic for more traction. You\u2019ll have a fresh new hole in no time, and your plants will be grateful for the better drainage.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/platthillnursery.com\/r0wxmrag49\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-35093 size-full lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/platt-hill-container-design-tips-herbs-flowers-terra-cotta-subscribe-button.png\" alt=\"platt hill container design tips herbs flowers terra cotta subscribe button\" width=\"1210\" height=\"400\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/platt-hill-container-design-tips-herbs-flowers-terra-cotta-subscribe-button.png 1210w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/platt-hill-container-design-tips-herbs-flowers-terra-cotta-subscribe-button-980x324.png 980w, https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/platt-hill-container-design-tips-herbs-flowers-terra-cotta-subscribe-button-480x159.png 480w\" data-sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1210px, 100vw\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1210px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1210\/400;\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As your pots get dirty, it\u2019s easy to forget the original beauty of terracotta.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You might think those stains have become a permanent part of the materials, due to the daily weathering of outdoor life in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicago<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">once you clean them, you\u2019ll see the beautiful clay colors once again.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> And your plants can have a clean place to start this fall or next spring!<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"tj7AXJjC6j\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/fall-containers\/\">Fall Planters<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Fall Planters&#8221; &#8212; Platt Hill Nursery\" src=\"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/fall-containers\/embed\/#?secret=nqLCaYrYch#?secret=tj7AXJjC6j\" data-secret=\"tj7AXJjC6j\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Platt Hill Nursery is Chicago\u2019s premier garden center and nursery in the Chicagoland area.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Keep your terracotta in top shape and give your new plants some fresh digs. Here\u2019s how to clean ceramic pots!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":348,"featured_media":35094,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[971,40],"tags":[108,1184,1182,729,1187,1186,153,1185,1183],"class_list":["post-35084","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to","category-gardening","tag-bloomingdale-garden-center","tag-calcium-buildup-on-pottery","tag-cleaning-outdoor-ceramic-pots","tag-evergreens-illinois","tag-how-to-clean-outdoor-planters","tag-outdoor-planters-need-cleaning","tag-platt-hill-nursery-is-chicagos-premier-garden-center-and-nursery","tag-scrub-and-soak-ceramic-pottery","tag-terra-cotta-pot-cleaning"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/348"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35084"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35084\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35094"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35084"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35084"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}