Tips & Tricks

How to Plant in Terracotta Pots to Make Your Plants Thrive

Posted 2 years ago

Since Bergs Potter was founded, we have been researching how to take care of plants and give them a good life. We have compiled tips to help you provide the best possible growing conditions for your potted plants. Read our terracotta pot planting guide – and learn why you should soak a clay pot.

Since 1942, Bergs Potter has been making high-quality pots that your plants will love. Our raw terracotta pots are made of high-quality clay which we fire at extremely high temperatures, giving our pots a unique and natural durability.

If plants could talk, they would tell you that there is nothing better than a quality terracotta pot.

If plants could talk, they would tell you that there is nothing better than a quality terracotta pot. Proper drainage will give their roots room to breathe, while superior clay keeps in the moisture they need. It has been long since established that a well-functioning drainage system is crucial to the wellbeing of potted plants and necessary in allowing them to grow to their full potential. Our pots are durable pots designed for both indoor and outdoor use, and if you treat them right, then they can be passed down from generation to generation.

We’ll answer the most common questions on how to use our
terracotta pots and walk you through – step-by-step:

1. Why soak your terracotta pot?

The terracotta pot will need to be thoroughly soaked before use. The clay pot needs to be hydrated so it does not absorb the moisture intended for the plant.

How to soak your terracotta pot. Illustration by Bergs Potter

2. How to soak your terracotta pot

Start out by soaking the inside and outside of your pot prior to planting. Ideally for 24 hours if possible, but less will do too. Your terracotta pot should change colour, going from light to dark. If your clay pot changes colour when it gets wet, this means that your pot can breathe. It also means that your pot will be able to transport moisture and air down to the roots of your plant, giving it the best possible conditions to grow.

How to ensure drainage when potting plants. Illustration by Bergs Potter

3. How to ensure drainage for your potted plants?

Before putting soil in your pot, place a large pottery shard over the hole in the bottom of the pot to prevent clogging once the pot is filled with soil. If you are using a large planter, we recommend creating a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot. To do this, simply fill the first quarter with a layer of drainage stones (e.g. LECA, broken pottery pieces, crocks or small rocks). This will give the roots some space to breathe.

How to prevent the soil from sifting through the drain. Illustration by Bergs Potter

4. How to prevent the soil from sifting through the drain?

Place a piece of nonwoven fabric over the drainage stones to prevent the soil from sifting through when you water your plant. Now you’re ready to add some quality soil.

How to give your plants the best growing conditions. Illustration by Bergs Potter

5. How to give your plants the best growing conditions?

Soak the roots in water so that they are thoroughly wetted before potting your plant. This will help to ensure that your plants start off quenched, leaving them with plenty of energy to take root and settle into their new home.