Vaso A Barile Festonato Italian Terracotta Planter

Each week of the year terracotta pots arrive at their new homes. Down to the nature of what I do, I've spent the past few years nailing the various methods to ensure your pots arrive safe and sound.

If you're after multiples down to a single piece - I have a number of ways to make sure that you receive the most convenient service, taking budget, flexibility and access into account.

I offer a 'local' delivery service covering the surrounding counties (this is very popular!), alongside my standard nationwide pallet service. Local delivery is quoted for each job off the mileage & work involved (access / time) and pallet delivery is from just £45 (free on orders over £300).

For large jobs further afield, I also offer a personal courier service through a thoroughly tried-and-tested third party firm.

Delivery via my standard kerbside pallet service is automatically calculated at checkout. For further information on the various services click here or get in touch to chat through your order.

Clay

The clay used to make these pots is unique to Tuscany. My finest quality Italian Pots are made from what's called a Galestro clay. This is a clay rich in iron oxides and hard minerals through the addition of a soft rock. Once formed together and fired, the finish and quality is divine.

Detail

All of our Tuscan pots are made with routinely replaced moulds. This means that details remain consistent, crisp and pronounced with great effect.

Firing

All of our Tuscan pots go through the same tied-and-tested firing process, perfected by our pottery.

Once the pots have been produced, they are left to dry (cure) for over 20 days. Over this period the clay pots are allowed to rest as they release extra moisture before heading to the kiln.

After bring cured, the pots are fired at very high temperatures for three whole days (72 hrs). Although it may seem like a lengthy process, it ensures that your pots are correctly prepared and thoroughly heated. That is the secret to making what we call, a proper pot.

The total time individually making these pots can vary. They can often take over a month from the point of being released from the kiln.

At Tom's Yard we choose to import clay pots made from the best materials that are put through extensive firing processes, tried and tested for many years.

All of our clay pots are made to be left outside and enjoyed 365 days of the year.

With that being said, there are simple steps you should take to ensure the longevity of your pots and also the health of your plants.

Winter

If prolonged or sudden, harsh freezing conditions are forecasted, we recommend wrapping your pots in bubble plastic or fleece; this should prevent the earth from freezing solid (avoiding the risk of splitting the pot) whilst offering insulation to protect your plants. This is because plants grown in pots can be more vulnerable to changing weather conditions.

Following the steps below will go a long way to mitigating harmful effects to your plants and will ensure that your pots last for years to come.

Drainage

Drainage holes are vital if a pot is going outside. Every so often you should check that the holes have not become clogged up, otherwise water could be retained within the pot, leading to root-rot, or the risk of damage to the pot during freezing conditions. All pots will arrive with standard drainage holes.

Although not always necessary, you can raise your pot off the ground to assist with drainage. Flat stones, tiles, wooden batons, plastic matting or our terracotta feet are ideal.

Planting

If you are using the pot for planting, put a good layer of gravel and broken crocks at the bottom. This prevents the holes from getting clogged up with soil and aids drainage. Top up with a suitable compost/soil blend depending on the plants.

If the pot is enclosed with a narrow neck we advise that you avoid permanent planting or have a removable plastic pot within the terracotta pot. Otherwise the roots will grow into the ‘belly’ of the pot making the plant extremely difficult to remove.

Even in straight pots, do be aware of garden favourites such as Agapanthus and Phormium. These plants produce very strong roots than can split a pot. It's far better to grab a hori-hori and to split the plant.

Sitting

Never stand your pot on bare earth. Being porous, the bottom few inches will soak up the moisture, frost playing on permanently wet terracotta may not be in the best long-term interests of the pot. Instead sit it on feet raised on a paving slab or dig a circle lined with metal edging and fill it with gravel.

I see terracotta to be the same as other natural materials like wood or stone. Due to the richness of the natural minerals found in Galestro clay, when fired, the exact tone from one pot to the next will vary.

Please use the images above as a guide. If you are ever unsure, just reach out and I'll be happy to send you further images.

When ordering multiples, I'll always do my very best to select pairs or groups that match.