Choosing The Right Pottery.

If you’re at the beginning of creating your backyard living space, here are some things to consider when choosing which pottery options to invest in.

Plastic

Plastic pottery comes in a myriad of colors, shapes, and sizes. Plastic pottery has some benefits along with its share of drawbacks.

• Plastic pottery is very light, adding a lot of versatility to placement. You will generally be able to move it with minimal effort during the season if needed. The same goes for using them indoors. As the seasons change, you’ll be able to keep your houseplant kids in their ideal lighting situation.
• Price is a factor to consider, and plastic pottery will generally be priced much lower than pots of equal size made from heavier materials.
• Water retention is another factor to consider for many plants. While the planting media you use plays a role here, you will lose little to no water through the pot when using plastic.
• Longevity can be a concern when choosing to use plastic pottery. Plastic pollution is a topic many people are becoming more aware of, and how we can reduce our contribution. Plastic pottery left in direct sunlight will break down very quickly. Many of them may only last a single season. The price may be lower, however, the long-term effects may be far greater.

Terra Cota

Chances are you’ve seen and collected some basic terra cotta pottery. While their design and function may seem plain., they do still hold an important place on our patios and in-home gardens.

• Terra cotta is a very porous material. Which means, the media used for planting will dry out faster than with other materials. This can be both good and bad, depending on the plants you’re growing and where you are keeping them.
• Unlike plastics, terra cotta will not break down. So, they can be used in the direct sun or in the shade.
• Their weight may be a factor. Terra cotta isn’t the heaviest material, but it is a lot heavier than plastic. So, moving while planted should be kept to a minimum.
• Being made of clay also makes them more prone to breaking and cracking. Especially if left outside all year. If used outdoors they should be emptied and stored to prevent weather damage.
• Because of their basic designs and natural color, terra cotta is mass produced making the prices easy on the wallet.

Glazed Clay

For many glazed clay pottery is the gold standard of indoor and outdoor design aesthetic. Made in a myriad of designs and colors, the sky is the limit. You can let your imagination run wild.

• Glazed pottery comes in a limitless range of shapes, sizes, and angles. No matter the space, you can find a glazed pot that will fit it perfectly. Not only will you be able to find accent pieces that will compliment them, really tying the entire space together.
• Along with limitless shapes, you’ll also find a multitude of colors and glazed patterns. So, no matter what you want to plant or where you will find the exact color you want to go with them.
• Clay pottery will be much sturdier than other pots. They are often made thicker than tera cotta. So, they are less prone to breakage. However they are often quite heavy, making movement during the season very limited. Take your time and find the right pot. Once it is in place, it may need to stay there awhile.
• They will hold water better than terra cotta but not as well as plastic.
• Sun or shade will be no issue for them. Being a fired clay means they will last for multiple generations even in direct sun.
• They should still be emptied during the winter to prevent expansion from freezing soil and absorbed water. In some areas, they may need to be stored in a garage.
• While their price tag may be a little higher, considering their longevity they are worth the long-term investment.

No matter what you need to get your outdoor living space, houseplant corner, or patio garden started, you will find everything you need at a Zamzows near you.