Home gardeners who love the look of concrete planters will quickly learn that they require extra care to keep them in good condition. These hefty pots are durable, but as a porous material, they can still deteriorate from freeze-thaw cycles, stains, scratches, and other damage.
The good news is that concrete planters can enhance your outdoor space for many years with proper maintenance.
Follow these tips for keeping them protected and preventing common issues:
Choose a Sun-Safe Planter Location
Location plays a crucial role in concrete planter longevity. Placing pots in direct sunlight can damage the concrete over time as moisture expands and contracts. The harsh UV rays can also fade decorative finishes. Positioning your planters in an area with partial sun or dappled shade is ideal. Watch for cracks around drain holes, which can indicate sun exposure problems. You can also stain or seal with a UV-protectant to minimise fading.
Use Gravel Underneath For Drainage
Excess moisture leads to many problems. Elevating concrete planters is essential to creating better drainage. Place pots up on feet or plant stands, if available. Or add a base layer of pea gravel in plant saucers to lift the planters from water. Do not let them sit directly in saucers full of water, as the saturated concrete base can deteriorate over the freeze-thaw cycles or promote bacterial growth.
Lift Your Planters with Concrete Pot Feet
Using concrete pot feet to elevate your planters is a simple yet highly effective way to protect them from moisture and prolong their lifespan. By lifting planters just an inch off the ground, pot feet improve drainage and reduce the risk of standing water soaking into the concrete. This can be especially beneficial in areas with heavy rainfall or cold climates, as water exposure and freeze-thaw cycles can weaken concrete and cause cracks over time.
Also, lifting the pots allows for better air circulation around the base, reducing mould and mildew growth potential. When selecting pot feet, choose ones that are sturdy enough to hold the weight of your planter and weather-resistant to ensure they can withstand outdoor elements. By incorporating this small detail, you’ll help keep your concrete planters in top shape season after season.
Apply an Acrylic Sealer Periodically
Maintaining a protective coating is especially important for textured concrete planters with more surface area where moisture and debris can collect. Sealing all types of concrete pots yearly or two with an acrylic sealer helps water bead off the surface rather than getting soaked into the material. This extends longevity and resists staining over time. Check for sealer wear if planters look extra dirty with well-defined water lines. To recoat, clean the pot and follow sealer application directions.
Wash Regularly with Mild Soap and Water
Prevent stubborn grime buildup by thoroughly cleaning your concrete planters at least a few times per season. Cleaning also makes inspecting for any sealer damage or cracks easier. Use a soft sponge or brush with mild soap and hose off well. Routine cleaning and resealing go hand-in-hand to maintain that like-new shine. Stay on top of it!
Cover or Seal for Winter Months in Cold Climates
In regions with sub-freezing winters, concrete pots must be protected. Water seeping into the concrete and freezing/expanding causes irreparable internal cracking called spalling. Store concrete planters somewhere sheltered, like a shed or garage, or seal drainage holes with a foam plug to keep moisture out.
Adding extra waterproof sealant before storage also helps. Winter protection is unnecessary if you don’t live in an area with sustained below-freezing temperatures.
Conclusion Caring For Concrete Planters
By proactively caring for your concrete planters using these essential methods, you can minimise damage and deterioration over many growing seasons. Know that a little bit of maintenance goes a long way. Set yourself a seasonal reminder and inspect/clean your planters regularly. With just a bit of extra concrete TLC, they’ll continue enhancing your space beautifully for years!
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