Refreshing Your Terracotta Pots for the Changing Season
As summer winds down and it looks as though the heat waves are coming to an end, we can allow ourselves to get excited about our gardenrobe (Does that work ha?!).
The transition from summer to autumn is a beautiful opportunity to breathe new life into your terracotta pots, with their earthy charm and classic appeal, as we know already they’re the perfect vessels for the season’s next garden chapter.
Whether you’re nurturing perennials, replacing annuals or simply looking to update your container displays for autumn, Tom’s Yard has whipped up this little article to help you make the most of the seasonal transition.
First Let’s Assess Your Summer State
What’s Still Thriving, What Needs Replacing?
Start by evaluating your current setup. Many summer plants will begin to show signs of fatigue as summer draws to a close - faded flowers, leggy growth or root congestion. If you’ve thought ahead and have planted perennials for late summer colour, these might be thriving, but others may be ready for a tidy-up or even a rest.
Don’t forget that healthy soil is just as important as a beautiful plant so check the the soil as summer watering can leach out nutrients and compacted soil can hinder drainage.
If You Have Perennials in Pots
Helping Perennials Settle for the Cooler Months
Perennials can continue to perform beautifully through autumn if given the right care:
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Prune and tidy: Remove spent blooms and trim back any dead or damaged foliage.
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Refresh the soil: Gently remove the top inch or two of soil and replace with fresh compost or a light mulch.
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Check root health: If roots are circling the inside of the pot, consider root pruning or repotting into a slightly larger container.
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Add insulation: A layer of bark, leaf mold or straw can help protect roots from the first frosts.
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Shelter when needed: If your location is prone to early frost or heavy rains, consider moving pots to a sheltered area, such as under a porch or against a wall of the house.
If you're perennials are dying back however and leaving your pot feeling a little bare then add some annuals to your pot and lift that look instantly.
If You Have Annuals
Replacing Summer Colour with Autumn Charm
Annuals like petunias, geraniums and lobelia often fade as the temperatures drop. Don’t hesitate to remove tired plants and replace them with cool-season stars. Autumn is rich with texture, colour, and structure:
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Best bets for autumn planting:
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Chrysanthemums: A seasonal staple in a range of jewel tones.
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Ornamental kale and cabbage: Bold rosettes of purple and green.
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Asters and sedums: Late bloomers that add colour and attract pollinators.
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Heuchera: With its variety of foliage shades, it’s ideal for contrast and structure.
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Violas and pansies: Cold-tolerant, cheerful, and long-blooming.
Mix and match for dynamic displays that last well into the season. Layering plants of different heights and textures gives depth and visual interest.
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Plant spring bulbs! Don’t forget about Spring when planting up Autumn containers. Tuck tulips, daffodils, or crocus bulbs beneath your autumn arrangements for an early burst of spring colour.
Terracotta-Specific Considerations
Caring for Your Pots Through the Seasonal Shift
Terracotta is breathable and ideal for summer growing, but it does need special care as autumn sets in:
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Ensure proper drainage: Raise pots slightly off the ground with pot feet or bricks to prevent waterlogging.
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Avoid overwatering: Cooler temperatures mean less evaporation, water only when the soil is dry a few inches down.
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Plan ahead for winter: If frost is inevitable, be ready to move terracotta pots to a greenhouse, garage, or sheltered nook or wrap them in fleece or hessian as a protective layer.
Design Trends & Colour Combos for Autumn 2025
What’s Trending This Season?
Now admittedly we’re not vogue but we like to keep our finger on the pulse and this year’s trends favour a rustic, naturalistic approach to pot displays. Earth tones are big, think burnt orange, mustard yellow, wine red and soft sage greens. The goal is to reflect the richness of the season.
Top Design Trends:
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Layered groupings of terracotta pots in different sizes, arranged with a mix of trailing and upright plants.
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Textural contrasts, like feathery ornamental grasses paired with broad-leafed kale or glossy heuchera.
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Edible ornamentals, including chard, beetroot, and dwarf herbs like thyme and sage - If you haven’t yet you need to read our Friends of the Yard chatter with Lucy at She Grows Veg
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Natural finishes, using moss or bark to top off containers, keeping moisture in and adding an organic look.
These trends not only add seasonal beauty but also offer resilience as weather conditions fluctuate.
Finishing Touches
Small Additions for Big Autumn Impact
To elevate your displays even further, consider these charming seasonal details, some may say extra - we say perfection!
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Mini pumpkins or gourds placed around the base of pots.
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Pinecones, seed heads, or autumn leaves used as decorative mulch.
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Lanterns or fairy lights to add warmth and extend your enjoyment into the evenings.
So let’s embrace the shift. The transition from summer to autumn is a golden opportunity for renewal in the garden. With thoughtful choices and a little care, your terracotta pots can continue to thrive, and even take centre stage, as the seasons change. Whether you're nurturing hardy perennials or embracing fresh autumn plantings, this is a time to lean into rich colours, cosy textures, and the quiet beauty of the approaching season.
Grab your gloves, take a moment to admire the fading summer and welcome in the next chapter with a fresh set of pots and a gardener’s heart full of anticipation.
