Cretan Pot FAQ's

Do your Cretan terracotta pots come with drainage holes?

Yes. Each piece will have two small holes drilled in the base. Smaller planters and decorative pots may only have a single hole. As the surface of this terracotta is so porous the size of these holes are sufficient for assisting with the drainage of excess water.

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Are they frost-resistant?

Yes. Very. Cretan terracotta goes through an extensive firing process, more intense than most clay pots available on the market. Each piece is fired in a kiln for 3 days at temperatures reaching nearly 1200 Celsius... this process results in their renowned hardy qualities.

I often meet gardeners who have owned Cretan Pots for over 20 years. There's no wonder why they keep on buying more!

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How are your prices so low compared to other retailers?​

The difference isn't in the quality of the product, it's in how I run the business. I import large quantities of terracotta from Crete and the savings I make operating to this scale are passed on to you.

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What will they look like after a few years?​

After a few months you may notice your pots turning slightly lighter in appearance. After around a year they will start to develop a dusky, milky white finish and they lose that off-the-shelf look. This occurs as nutrients from the soil wash through the porous, mineral rich clay walls. After many years they will begin to develop darker patches and 'age' as the terracotta weathers from the elements. The mixture of the darker patches on the milky white terracotta looks sensational.​ If your terracotta is sat under a tree or in a position surrounded by greenery it may develop a green, algae-like colour. This can look unsightly but don't worry, it is easily washed off with water and a cloth. 

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Can you deliver?​

Yes. For local Clients I will aim to personally deliver but for deliveries further afield I will either use a nationwide pallet service or a courier. Whichever is a) most cost effective or b) suits the Clients individual needs taking the size of the order, access and time into consideration.

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Do you offer a Design Service?​

I am certainly no Garden Designer, and I do not claim to be. However, I am more than confident in advising the dressing of a pre-prepared area such as a terrace/patio, key focal points, or making helpful suggestions. This is my favourite part of the job.

 

If you would like me to visit your property or business I can bring a small selection of pots for you to see the colour of the terracotta and the forms in-situ. Even if you have a single plant that you intend to purchase or an established specimen at home that requires potting-on, I'm more than happy to advise the ideal planter.

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I'm worried about my pot tipping over. What can I do?​

With pots and planters with a more tapered foot, a great tip is to fill the base with rocks. This added weight will lower the centre of gravity and, if you are planning on planting, this will assist the drainage. a win-win! Just make sure to be careful when lowering into the terracotta. We don't want any breakages!

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Do you deal with trade?​

Yes. For Designers and businesses, I offer a flat-rate discount to encourage working relationships. I am very open about this as it's general practice in many industries for parties making regular or one-off large orders.

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Do you offer wholesale?​

Wholesale is something I'm not yet offering. Whilst I'm growing the business from my own premises, I'm focusing on selling directly to the end consumer. If you are a Garden Center or boutique interested in selling my pots then do get in touch to show your interest.

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If you have any questions that are not answered above, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.