Terracotta pots

I have noticed that in the recent frosts (which down here in Wales, only got to -3) my terracotta pots have been spalling ie sections flaking off. I try to buy the ones they say are 'frostproof' but they obviously aren't. The only ones that survive are the glazed pots that come as sets from Morrisons, which I think are fired to a higher temperature. Oh and one very old handthrown small terracotta that, by its colour, seems to have been higher temperature fired. It's annoying because I have lots of alpines, cyclamen in particular, in them. Anybody got any suggestions please? (And don't say 'switch to plastic')

 

I've never been able to afford the frost proof ones.

I just buy the cheaper Italian ones that look like they have just been dried out in the sun and likely to revert to mud in the next rain shower.

Wonder what would happen if they was treated with a dilute waterproof PVA solution before using.

 

That's what I was thinking....it's the combination of damp and frost that does the damage. The only solution would be to either keep them under cover, so dry, or treat them with a waterproofing product. Over here there are tubs of clear liquid that you paint on to slabs, render, anything where you want impermeability. It dries transparent. Just had a quick look for equivalent in UK, but perhaps pete has it right with PVA?

 

Thinking back, it must be 30 yrs ago I sealed some concrete slabs with a water based sealer, cant remember exactly what it was, but those slabs have been relegated to the allotment for the last 10yrs or so, and the sealant is still in tact.

 

I've used 3 different products here on a terrace. Enormous differences in price and quality. The best and most long-lasting cost nearly €100 for 5l., just as a guide. But then, you perhaps wouldn't need anything very heavy-duty for pots. They won't be getting walked on

 

So we're all agreed that the glazed pots don't suffer frost damage That's because the glaze makes them impermeable

 

You all confirm my suspicions! I think I'll have to use the glazed pots even though they are not always the right proportions for the alpines. Ah well...

 

The only reason I use clay pots is because I want a porous pot.

The glazed ones don't really give you that extra drainage you get with terracotta.

 

@CarolineL about 2005 I bought two large long tom "Yorkshire FlowerPots" they were expensive, special offer made it bearable though. They have stood outside ever since, summer and autumn at the front door and spent winter empty at the side of the greenhouse. They are still pristine, the main problem is when planted up they are rather heavy and not getting lighter as the years go by. Other terracotta pots have fared less well with some damage to rims
I have never been a fan of glazed pots, but that's my personal taste.

 

Has anyone ever managed to repair terracotta pots?

I have got a huge very old rhubarb forcer that was originally my grandparents. It has a chunk out of one side and I'd love to have it repaired.

 

We have 5 Yorkshire Flower Pots, bought when on special offer or closing down sale, and never had any problems with frost or ice. Used to have 6, but one of a pair of the tall trumpet shaped ones fell over and smashed whilst we were out, suspect and animal.

 

@pete - true, I do want the drainage and porosity particularly for alpines, but if I couldn't get good pots, I'd prefer understated glazed ones than random plastic. @NigelJ thanks for the heads up about those pots, but I suspect carriage is prohibitive... and we are in lockdown so the garden centres stocking them are closed!
@Scrungee I once had a lovely clay made in Italy - a bit fancy with lions' heads holding terracotta rings! It stood everything the frosts could do to it without a problem- but fell over in strong winds when I had something too unstable in it. And I haven't seen a terracotta like it since.