Do I remove the dirt from the pots after pulling out the plants in preparation for winter?
They are plastic, ceramic and metal pots with dirt in them. I am removing the annuals this weekend. Do I remove the dirt?
Lyle w
Expert
Sturdy plastic and metal pots can normally stay outside with the dirt in them for the winter. Lighter plastics can sometimes crack if moist soil inside them expands when it freezes. Ceramics are prone to cracking when left outside with dirt in them for the winter. I recommend that you empty the ceramic pots and light plastic pots and safely store them for the winter. You may want to empty and store any lighter metal pots as well. The heavier plastic and metal pots can stay outside with the dirt inside them. As a decorating idea, you may consider sticking some artificial (sturdy silk) fall flowers in the pots that you leave outside. You can also use them for artificial poinsettias for the Christmas season if appropriate.
Member
I agree with Lyle W. I have had ceramic pots crack if I leave them out with dirt in them. I like his idea about filling the pots with silk flowers. I put fall flowers in the pots and they look beautiful.
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