The beauty and functionality of terracotta pot feet are often taken for granted. Yet the pots themselves are often the focal point of the container garden, acting as the ‘stage’ upon which the various gardening tools and plants are set upon. If you’ve ever tried to container plant a large tree or shrub in a large ceramic pot, you’ll know what I mean. You stand there, confused, unable to believe your beautiful creation until you take it down. The beautiful pots and their supporting stands often have an allure that stops you from contemplating changing that one tiny pot to hold a dozen or more of the same plant species.
So why do you put so much effort into terracotta pot feet? Well, firstly they’re just a pain less way of preparing the soil. They add an extra bit of support to the soil and reduce the chances of it washing away in heavy rain. A heavy clay mix can wash away quite easily over time, particularly if it’s not packed away properly. With terracotta pot feet this is never going to happen.
Another benefit is that they make your terracotta pots ideal for container gardening. They are less likely to break when being moved around, which means your pots will last much longer. There’s no risk of the base being damaged by weight, and they are extremely strong too. This means you’ll be able to fill and empty your containers with ease, without the danger of them falling over.
Furthermore, because your terracotta plant pots are solid, they won’t leak as easily. As you may know, some plants can soak up water and drown if they aren’t firmly rooted in the soil. In this case, it’s much more likely that the water will actually get through the soil and get into the pot, ruining your hard work. If you use a solid base, however, this isn’t a problem, and the water will stay in place.
If you have terracotta pot feet, you’ll find that this extra protection is very important. Your plants will also be much safer, because they won’t slip and slide on the floor. It can be a slippery substance when wet, and even if it is just slightly damp, it can be dangerous. However, the surface of the pots will provide this solid base that protects your plants and provides the stability that is so essential for container gardening.
If you use potting tools with steel bases, this means that you can be sure that the terracotta pot feet will be securely locked in place. This is so much easier than struggling with a wooden base that has loosened or one that is simply not secure. You can use handles or locks, or you can choose to have the entire pot rim locked in position. This extra measure will ensure the safety of your plants, as well as being more aesthetically pleasing than having to handle or a lock that’s not visible.
Many types of terracotta pots, including cast-iron pots, are available in sets of three to five pots, with the bottom two pots featuring separate feet. These separate feet make it easier to maneuver the pots around, even when wet, because there are no overlapping edges that can be tripped over and injured. Just be sure that the top of the terracotta pot is sturdy and secure, and that all the feet are locked firmly in place. This will provide a layer of extra security and ensure that your terracotta planters are safe.
No matter what type of terracotta planters you choose, you can be sure that they are attractive and durable, and that they will keep your plants healthy and safe. This type of gardening has long been popular, but until recently most terracotta was made from clay or fired earth. Clay pots can be beautiful and useful, but they don’t offer the same protection that terracotta does. Now you can find terracotta planter boxes and containers, as well as a host of other accessories to make your terracotta containers even more beautiful and useful. Your plants will thank you for choosing to grow their food in these beautiful containers, which are sure to become a cherished heirloom.