The vast majority of the planters in the Nurseries’ collection are frost proof and can remain outside all year – the few pots not suitable for outdoor winter use are noted in their descriptions.

The key to healthy plants and undamaged pots is simple – drainage. Clay is the perfect material for planters. Being porous, it allows excess moisture to pass back out of the pot and air to flow around the plant roots. However, to prevent excess moisture building up within the rootball which will then expand during freezing conditions and thus cause the pot to crack, it is vital that the drainage holes at the base of pots remain unblocked.

All of our planters are made with such holes (although these can be sealed upon request if you wish to use planters indoors or turn them into water features, etc – please contact us for a quotation).

Keeping drainage holes clear is a simple, two step process. Firstly, always raise your pots slightly off the ground using pot feet. Many of our planters are supplied with pot feet, those that are not make this clear in the product description and we strongly advise you purchase pot feet separately. Using pot feet or spacers means the planter can’t easily ‘seal’ itself to the floor and block the drainage hole.

Before undertaking the second step is the time to make certain you are happy with the location of your pot, as when planted they can become very heavy and almost unmovable without specialist equipment. Remember, too, to check the position of your pot is suitable for its intended plant, i.e. full sun or shady…

To ensure good drainage inside the pot before planting. Place a layer of broken ‘crocks’ over the base of the pot, making sure any over the drainage holes don’t lie flat over the hole and thus block it. Over this layer we advise you fill the pot approximately a quarter full with either pea gravel (this gives extra weight and stability to the pot) or with hydraleca – a lightweight alternative for when pots are to be used on roof terraces or other applications where there maybe weight constraints.

The next step is to begin adding the compost or soil most suited to your chosen plant. Keep in mind you want the top of any rootball to be below the top edge of your pot (a couple of inches / 5cms is normal). This ‘gap’ allows room for you to add a decorative top dressing such as cobbles but more importantly ensures that when you water your plant the water stays in the pot! Finally, position your plant and then fill with compost to the top of the rootball. Gently shake the pot to agitate the compost and eradicate any large air pockets and add more compost if the level has dropped. Now give your new treasure a really good initial water making sure to get the fresh compost nice and damp and enjoy!