Garden pots or containers that aren't in use, especially during winter, deserve to be taken care of so that they're in great condition when needed the next growing season. If they are neglected and left out in the elements, they are likely to crack and weather poorly.
Preparing for storage[edit | edit source]
Wash the pots after removing plant matter and soil from them. This will not only clean them but also discourages the growth of bacteria or fungi (e.g., mould) and will reduce the chances of passing on any diseases to new plants when reused.
Allow to dry completely before storing. Storing them wet may encourage bacterial or fungal growth.
Storing the garden pots[edit | edit source]
Store in a dry area out of the way. This might be in a gardening shed or greenhouse, inside an outdoor storage container or under the house. Ensure that the storage area is easy for you to access, making it less of a chore to carry and stack the pots for storage, as well as making it easier to retrieve them when needed again.
Pots of the same size can be stacked upside down, one on top of the other. Keep like with like, such as terracotta with terracotta, plastic with plastic, etc.
Biodegradable pots that are destined to break down in soil and/or light should be kept away from light in case they disintegrate before they can be used.
