by Monya
Corns
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Master Gardener
Larimer County
Cleaning Terra Pots
Fertilizing plants in terra cotta pots can cause unsightly stains. Because the pots are porous, mineral deposits are drawn from the soil and absorbed into the clay. In addition to the ugly stains, diseases can also be harbored in the clay pots. Before you pot up your new plants, spring is the perfect time to clean your containers.
1. Soak your pots for at least 24 hours in large plastic
buckets, using a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. (The longer you
soak the pots, the easier they’ll be to clean.)
2. Scrub the inside of the pot with a wire brush; you may need a knife to remove
stubborn, gummy deposits.
3. Once the pot is thoroughly cleaned, soak for 15 minutes in a bucket of clear
water to remove all traces of the bleach that could harm the plant. Allow the
pots to dry (in the sun, if possible).
4. Before planting, soak the pots again so that the pot will not draw moisture
out of the newly potted plants.
Easy-to-make stake ties
Nylon stockings are great for tying plants to stakes. They are flexible and will not damage plants. Cut the nylon about ½ wide and then cut into strips. Use these strips to tie your plants to stakes, trellises, or other things that are used to support your growing plant.
Cover plants before mulching
Before you start mulching your garden, cover the emerging plants with nursery pots. Use small pots for small plants, large pots for large plants. Then proceed to mulch the flower beds. By doing this, you will keep you plants free of mulch. (Cleaning the mulch out of emerging plants can be time consuming). Also, do not apply mulch close to the crown of the plant, (it would be a cozy place for insects to call home). A ring of 3-6 inches from the base of the plant will provide sufficient protection to the soil and plant.
The authors have received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.
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