Protecting pots interior?

MidlandsGlory

Hi,

I have bought several very large ceramic pots I intend to plant some things that will be low maintenance and can stay out year round. (low maintenance)

The pots have a gloss glaze on the outside (labels describe it as frost proof glaze) but the inside is bare clay and I am concerned it will absorb water and may cause cracking with frosts. think I should coat the insides with a waterproof varnish or such like to waterproof the interior too?
Any advice please.. or do people think I am worrying unnecessarily?

greyteam1959

You are worrying unnecessarily.

theoretica

If some of the pot is described as frost proof I would assume the whole pot is frost proof.

twopenny

Any chance of a photo showing the inside and some of the outside?

There can be thin ones made of a white slip like clay, some of a sturdy clay in a mould and terracotta as slab, hand built or again in a mould.

Some the glaze will crackle with the changes in temperature and some tough as.

But I wouldn't paint anything on the inside as then temperature/movement will be causing the outside to expand/contract and the inside can't so most likely to cause damage.

Use a waterproof liner that you can drop in. Don't forget drainage holes though.

MidlandsGlory

Thanks for replies, labels says frost proof glazes so ok the outside may be safe from damage but my concern is the pots as a whole as the interior appears porous.

Just noticed there is a website on the label, I will ask the manufacturer but I appreciate the advice of the forum too!!

MidlandsGlory

Well had a response already and as suggested I am worrying about nothing, they sound confident! Thanks all.

"Good Morning,

Thank you for your email.  I can confirm that this planter is designed for out door use.

Our pots have been tested in temperature down to -10°C, re-heated and tested again. We offer a 5 year guarantee to the garden centres that our pots will withstand UK temperatures. This is subject to adequate drainage being provided, for example using pot feet improves drainage."

twopenny

Good answer! Sounds like a good company. Enjoy.

Would love to know what you will put in them.

MidlandsGlory

twopenny said:

Good answer! Sounds like a good company. Enjoy.

Would love to know what you will put in them.

Haha! so would I, not a scooby doo!!, a wander around the huge garden centre just left us mind boggled. I did like the look of some miniature Olive trees, as we want some things with some height to distract from the fence behind.

Its probably just going to be a wild assortment of whatever is rated as low maintenance and hardy.

silverwhistle

How about a bay tree? I have one in a large terracotta pot, and I take advantage of being able to move it around a bit.

Emmia

Or an Acer - slow growing, low maintenance and lovely leaves. I've had one (firecracker) in a pot successfully for about 6 years.