Free Website Content » Home » Gardening Articles

Terracotta Pots All The Rage

By: Derek Both

Although terracotta has been used architecturally for many centuries, it wasn't until a couple of decades ago that people started to use it for household purposes. It's hardly surprising that the benefits of terracotta pots were soon realised as the thickness of them guarantees resistance to weather and ageing and they are plant friendly due to the colour and texture of the material.

Terracotta pots (baked earth) are baked clay that has not been glazed and is also applied to the reddish-brown colour considered most typical of the material. The popularity of terracotta pots has grown over the years due to the fact that the range of pots available continues to improve whilst still maintaining reasonable prices. As well as this, almost any plant looks good in a terracotta pot regardless of whether you are growing it inside, in the greenhouse or out in the garden. You can buy them in a wide range of shapes and sizes and either plain or decorated so you are very likely to find a design that matches your existing decor. If you keep your plants in the garden you can even be rest assured that your terracotta pots are safe in winter because as they are fired at such high temperatures they are frost resistant.

Terracotta pots originate from their use throughout history for sculpture and pottery and bricks and roof shingles. In ancient times, the first clay sculptures were dried (baked) in the sun after being found and were then placed in the ashes of open hearths to harden. Kilns were then used, similar to those that are more traditionally used for pottery today.

Most people think of terracotta pots as something you find in your garden. However, terracotta has been used for many centuries around the world. The most famous terra cotta statues are those of the terra cotta warriors in China and another significant user of terracotta has been Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Army of China. American architect Louis Sullivan is well - known for his elaborate glazed terracotta ornamentation which is only possible with terracotta. Terracotta has also been used extensively in the town buildings of Victorian Birmingham, England and pre-colonial West African sculpture also made extensive use of terracotta.

Other reasons why terracotta pots have become so popular include the fact that they are much lighter than other materials and it can be further glazed to produce objects with colour. In fact, they make perfect plant pots because not only are they hard-wearing but they look good as well.

About Derek Both
Global Gardens offer a selection of garden pots to suit everyone's taste. terracotta pots has all the information you need to purchase pots for your garden.

Total Views: 50
Word Count: 420

See All articles From Derek Both

See RSS Feed for the articles written by Derek Both

Related articles from the Gardening category

Lessons Children Can Learn Out of Gardening
Children can learn a lot out of gardening. Find out how gardening can help children understand important lessons of life and how you can get your children to enjoy gardening better
Growing Roses--5 Secrets to Growing Show-Quality Blooms
I have won many ribbons at various rose shows over the years and the five pointers outlined here have been the backbone of my efforts. You don't have to take your roses to the local rose show but if you follow the five tips, you will be delighted with the
Pest Control by Chemical Pesticides
Chemical pesticides are highly toxic and are very lethal not only to pests but anyone handling them, if not used with enough care. Currently, five major categories of pesticides exist; they are the inorganic compounds, organophosphates, chlorinated hydroc
Pest Control by Chemical Means
Pests can pose untold miseries to human kind if not checked timely. Some pests like locusts are known to have wiped out the entire food supply of some African countries in the past. Rats are no less destructive. Birds like parrots and their likes are dest
Organic Pest Control
Effective killing of pests are possible through chemical pesticides. But often farmers have to pay a heavy price for it. The chemicals which are present in pesticides can harm human beings also. Here comes the role of natural pesticides. They are eco-frie
Indoor Pest Control Methods
Indoor pests can bring untold miseries and frustration for many homeowners. The common indoor pests are ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, bed bugs and termites. They can disturb the peace of home by biting human beings as well as pets. Also they spread g
Guide to the Ultimate Flower Garden: Part 1
Learn about several flowers that can be added to your flower garden to improve it's overall appearance. Also, find out how to take care of certain plants, and when you can expect to see them bloom.
Controlling Pests Through Chemical Methods
Pests pose serious health risks to humans, animals and plants alike. While some feed on plants and stunt their growth or destroy them outright, others feast on animal and human blood and also destroy household and other articles. Some even act as disease

Worm Castings - Natures Time Release Fertilizer
One of natures natural fertilizers as well as insect and disease repellents is called a worm casting. These small nodules are created by red worms as they participate in the composting process, something that they naturally do and have done for millions
Vermicomposting Systems - Fast Composting On A Shoestring Budget
One of natures most underrated workers are the eisenia fetida or red wiggler worms. They can take vegetation that is currently rotting and process it in a way that creates compost as the natural end product of what they do with this organic matter. Here
Discover the Satisfaction of Having Your Own Vegetable Garden
Have you ever wanted to grow your own vegetable garden? One of the most satisfying feelings is that of eating food that you have grown yourself. If you want a garden but don't quite know where to start, here are some basics to get you started.
The Best Places To Buy Terracotta Pots Article
The popularity of garden accessories has increased significantly over recent years as more people have become aware of the benefits that they offer.
Water Ponds - Diatribe of Redundancy
Water ponds? The Who, What, Where and When. Read on to learn more.
The Truth Behind Why Many Gardens Fail
You work hard and have dreams of a beautiful and bountiful garden, than disappointment sets in. Following are a few simple steps will help to eliminate your frustrations and produce a greater harvest.
Things To Do With Terracotta Pots
Everyone has some stuff that although they don't want to throw it away, they really don't know what to do with it.
Designing Your Ideal Garden
Many people find gardening and very relaxing and enjoyable hobby.

Related articles from the Home category

Bathroom Renovation- Projects that You Shouldn't Handle on Your Own
Even though the bathroom is typically one of the smallest rooms in the house, it can present some of the biggest challenges when starting a remodel. While most homeowner's can handle basic home improvement projects, there are certain aspects of a bathroo
3 Person Patio Swings Are The Coolest Outdoor Furniture That Are Dying To Be Tried Out.
Quality Time with family is what you desire? Its time to look at the new furniture on the block.
Replacement Cushion Patio Swing
This article speaks about the use of replacement cushions for patio swings and why one should buy them.
Make An Entryway, Porch, Or Mudroom A Functional Work Of Art
The first thing you and your visitors will notice when they open the door is your entryway, porch, or mudroom making it necessary to have decorative and functional custom closets. Las Vegas apartments or country farmhouse, you need a space that looks good
How Personal Touches can Affect the Value of Your Home
Any major renovation project is as much of an emotional investment as it is a financial investment. While it is only natural to want to put your own personal taste and design style into a project, many home owners don't consider what too much personal s
Avoid Spending Too Much on Your Kitchen Renovation
It is a well known fact that renovating your kitchen is the best investment of any room in your house. The problem is when you are doing any renovation project, especially a kitchen remodel, it is very easy to get carried away and blow your budget. The
The Best Season for Garden Design
Garden Designs can take a long time to do. It is best to time your garden design well in advance of spring. This provides you with enough time to finalize the design and to accomplish any hard landscaping. Having a prepared garden plan has many great adva
Starting a Bathroom Renovation
In today's world of cookie cutter homes, and mass produced materials, it is rare that you are impressed by the looks of a bathroom. What you will find in most houses are stock vanities that were bought at Home Depot or Lowes, usually a builders grade oa