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Containers: FAQHow should I care for my pots and planters during winter? All containers that we provide at the store are very high quality will last for many years if a few precautions are taken. Winter care is required for all containers in our climate. The freeze-thaw cycle can damage any container if not properly maintained. All hand-made or machine manufactured containers have minor flaws; some may not even be visible. Observe the following precautions: provide positive drainage for containers, keep pots and containers off bare soil, and try to reduce a pot’s exposure to freeze-thaw cycles. The safest approach is to empty containers of soil or let the soil dry out and place under a covered patio or in a garage to keep them dry. If that is not possible, try the following protection procedures.
Which pots are the most durable? The toughest planters that we offer are often metal planters - although even they can crack if trapped water freezes. Most of our planters from Vietnam are very highly fired for a long duration becoming vitrified and at that point are waterproof. Next, we recommend fiber reinforced cast stone and polyethylene planters, followed by glazed ceramic planters and cast stone planters with no fiber reinforcing. Terra cotta is the least durable, but all of ours come from Vietnam and are much tougher than what you normally see on the market. Of course, Haddenstone cast-stone products from England have a reputation of lasting for decades because of their superior construction methods. Birdsall & Co. is proud to be the local distributor. What is the white substance on my new pots? The white chalky substance on new pots is called efflorescence. It is a reaction between the salt (calcium carbonate) found in the natural materials used to make the pot and water. Efflorescence will occur on new terra cotta pots and cast stone products. Once all the salts are leached out of the pot, usually within the first season, it will not reoccur. How do I make a pot waterproof so that I can use it for a fountain? Once you have selected a pot, seal the drainage holes.Fill the holes with silicon and then pressing on a small piece of pond liner (quarters, poker chips, pieces of plastic will work as well) over the hole on the outside and inside so that the silicone in the hole is sandwiched in. Don't try to be too neat, the silicone should be put on thickly. Then apply another layer of the silicone over the piece of pond liner that is on the inside of the pot. After the silicone has setup for at least a day, coat the inside of the pot with melted paraffin or beeswax. Let it set for several hours and then fill the pot with water. If there are no water spots below the pot you are all set. If you find water, empty the pot, let it dry out, and re-wax or re-silicone as necessary. Another product to consider for coating the inside of the fountain is evaporative cooler undercoating and sealer. It comes in a spray can, seals very well, and its black color makes water in the pot very reflective. Add one of our bamboo fountain kits to your pot and you'll have a custom fountain for indoor or outdoor use. | ||||||||
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