Pots Full of Dirt

I put plastic bags over mine so they dont get snow and water in them and then freeze and crack. So if there isnt snow/ice/water in them, just put some platic bags over them so nothing else gets in and freezes. Moving them to the garage is a good idea too.

If all they have in them is dirt, they might be fine if you just leave them. But if they fill with water and freeze, they might crack. If you do want to empty them, bring them in and let them get to room temperature first.

It's not the dirt, it's the water freezing and re-freezing that does it as the ice expands. Just cover the top of the pot so water doesn't get into it over the winter, and you can deal with it in the spring. If you have other garden areas, you can turn the pots upside down in those areas, and the dirt will just go into the garden. Not much water will enter through the little hole in the bottom and will just drain into the ground beneath it.

i gave up on clay pots for that exact reason. there are now a lot of pots on the market that give you the same look, are lighter, and that will not break. one less thing...you know?

i now use the my broken clay pots as airegate for the bottom of the new pots...so i feel good they are being recycled!

hahaha- phase them out!!!

Yes it is true as I have had that happen. The moisture in the pot expands and can crack it. The next time I missed emptying the pots, I slowly brought the pot into the house by putting in the garage first, then the back porch and finally the house where it is warmest. I also put the pots upside down in a box so any melted water/dirt would fall into it. I only lost 2 small ones. I try to bring in anything right after Halloween as a guideline date. Those pots can be expensive when you have to keep replacing them.

Hi L.,
It is true. I had a big clay pot full of dirt and I didn't empty it out and it cracked...I wish I would have emptied it. Didn't really know that that would happen, but now I do. I loved that big pot, but next time I will know better. I wish I could give you some advice on how to empty them now that is is frozen. Hope that someone can give you some good advice. Happy New Year to you,
Love Jo

can you flip it over and let the dirt just come out in a big clump? If not, try moving it to a garage or even better, a basement. if there is any snow/moisture in it now and you cover it, most likely it will melt, absorb and then when the temp drops, it will crack. Your best bet is to get it into the garage.

Good luck.

It happened to me. Maybe you can try leaving them in the garage. It should be a little warmer there. Mine is usually above freezing unless we leave the door open for a long time.