Terracotta pots never go out of style. With their rustic beauty and warm, earthy tones, they’re the perfect complement to spring’s burst of color and life. As the days grow longer and the soil begins to wake up, it’s time to give your garden, and your pots, the attention they deserve.
Here at Tom’s Yard, our terracotta pots are built to last and will work hard to help your plants thrive but even the sturdiest containers need a little helping hand. So, we’ve teamed up with Andy from Haws Watering Cans to bring you our top tips for spring watering and plant care. Let’s get those pots thriving!
Terracotta in Spring - Why It’s Still a Garden Favourite
Terracotta is a porous, breathable material, which means it allows air and moisture to pass through the walls of the pot. This is brilliant for root health, especially in spring, when plants are stretching out and growing fast.
But with those benefits come responsibilities! That same porosity means water can evaporate quickly, so keeping an eye on moisture levels is key as temperatures rise.
What to Water This Spring
As your garden awakens, it’s important to know which plants are reaching for a drink. Here’s where to focus
Emerging Perennials
These plants are coming back to life after winter dormancy and need steady watering to support new shoots.
Spring Bloomers
Think tulips, daffodils, pansies, these seasonal stars rely on regular hydration to fuel their colorful displays.
Container Shrubs & Trees
Roots are revving up again, help them reestablish with regular, deep watering.
Herbs & Veggie Starters
If you’ve planted early spring herbs or started your veg garden in pots, make sure they’re well hydrated as they settle in.
Don’t Forget: Container plants dry out faster than those in the ground, so check them more frequently as the weather warms.
How to Water Wisely This Spring (With Tips from Andy at Haws)
Spring watering is all about balance. Plants are more active than in Winter, but you still don’t want to overdo it.
Water Deeply, Not Constantly
Give roots a good soak, then let the soil dry out a bit before watering again. This encourages deeper root growth and helps prevent overwatering.
Aim for the Base
Focus your watering at the root zone, not the leaves. A classic watering can (like the beautiful ones from Haws) gives you control and finesse, simply remove the rose for more direct flow.
Check Your Drainage
No one likes soggy roots. Make sure pots have clear drainage holes, and consider adding crocks or gravel at the bottom to keep water moving.
Adjust for the Weather
Some Spring days feel like Summer, others like Winter. Be flexible! On warm, windy days, water more often. On rainy weeks, you can ease up a little and stick your feet up.
Morning is Best
Watering in the morning gives plants a chance to absorb moisture before the heat of the day and helps prevent nighttime fungal growth.
Andy’s Top Tip: Use room-temperature water, cold water can shock tender Spring roots!
Tools of the Trade
Looking for a watering can that’ll last you for seasons (centuries!) to come? Haws Watering Cans are not just practical, they’re garden heirlooms. Find them on their website or through one of their excellent resellers - Like us!
And when it comes to pots that combine beauty and strength, our Tom’s Yard terracotta pots, imported from Italy and Crete and now British thrown pots, are ready to elevate your garden this Spring.
Spring is Here. Let’s Grow!
With a little attention and the right tools, your garden will burst into life. Whether you’re nurturing herbs on a sunny windowsill or planting up a patio full of spring blooms, your terracotta pots and watering cans are the perfect partner for the season.
Happy gardening from all of us at Tom’s Yard and Haws.
