Can Terracotta Pots Stay Outside in Winter?
Yes. Our terracotta pots are frost-resistant and can remain outdoors during winter when a few important precautions are taken.
The key is drainage. Water must be able to escape freely from the pot, as trapped water can freeze and expand when temperatures fall below 0°C, increasing the risk of damage to the pot.
Raise the pot from the ground, keep the drainage hole clear and remove the saucer before freezing temperatures arrive. During periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall, we also recommend placing the pot in a more sheltered position to prevent the soil and pot from becoming excessively saturated.
With these precautions, our terracotta pots can remain outdoors throughout the winter.
Why Good Drainage Matters in Winter
Good drainage is important throughout the year, but particularly during winter.
Make sure the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot remains clear so excess water can escape. If the drainage hole becomes blocked, water can accumulate inside the pot. When this water freezes, it expands and may damage the terracotta.
Keeping the soil from becoming waterlogged is also important for the health of the plant and its roots.
Why Use Pot Feet Outdoors?
Pot feet raise the base of the pot slightly above the ground, helping keep the drainage hole clear and allowing excess water to escape freely.
This is particularly important during winter, when water trapped beneath or inside a pot can freeze and increase the risk of frost damage.
We recommend raising outdoor pots at least 2 cm above the ground using pot feet or another stable support.
Should You Remove Saucers in Winter?
Yes. We recommend removing saucers from outdoor pots before freezing temperatures arrive.
A saucer can collect water and prevent excess moisture from draining freely away from the pot. If standing water freezes, it can damage the pot – and the saucer itself is also likely to crack or break as the water expands.
Store the saucer away during the colder months and place the pot on pot feet instead.
For more information about our saucers, visit Saucers & Water Protection.
How to Protect Terracotta Pots from Heavy Rain & Frost
If your pot is exposed to frequent or prolonged rainfall, very low temperatures or sudden changes in temperature, a little extra protection can help.
Where possible, move the pot to a more sheltered position, such as against a wall, beneath an overhang or in another location where it is less exposed to heavy rain and snow.
In particularly cold conditions, larger pots can also be wrapped with an insulating material such as fleece or hessian for additional protection.
Avoid moving pots unnecessarily during freezing conditions, when both the pot and its contents may be more vulnerable.
How to Prepare Your Terracotta Pots for Winter
Before temperatures begin to fall:
- Check the drainage hole
Make sure it is clear and that water can escape freely. - Remove the saucer
Do not allow water to collect beneath the pot during freezing conditions. - Raise the pot
Place it on pot feet or another stable support, ideally at least 2 cm above the ground. - Reduce exposure to excessive rain and snow
Move the pot to a more sheltered position where possible. - Add protection in severe conditions
In very cold or changeable weather, consider wrapping larger pots with fleece or hessian.
