Use and Care Manual

Completely empty the pot of all soil and residue, rinsing or scrubbing to do so if necessary.
It’s not recommended that you use harsh chemicals to kill any spores or fungus that might
be present, as these chemicals can linger and then get into your plants when you replant.
Once the dirt has been removed from the pots, there are three methods that are commonly
used to ensure a disinfected pot.
Another method is to use household bleach cut with water. Mix it at a (maximum) 1:10
ratio of bleach to water and dunk the pots completely into the water (or wash them
thoroughly if they’re too large). Let the pots dry in the open air for at least two days after
cleaning and most of the residual bleach will dissipate. Bleach is hard on clay and slowly
eats away at it, so avoid overusing bleach in your solution.
Before planting anything new in a terracotta pot, you should presoak the pot. The porous
nature of the clay tends to pull water from the soil, robbing your plant of it at this important,
delicate stage. Soaking the pots in clean water for 24 hours prevents this.
Concrete
Concrete planters are sturdy, strong and often look like decorative stone. If you’ve used a
concrete planter for a plant that has died (or that has been potted elsewhere), and now
wish to re-use the planter, clean it first. Cleaning and sanitizing planters prevents diseases
from spreading plant to plant. A concrete planter’s rough surface doesn’t always lend itself
to easy cleaning, but with the proper equipment you should be able to prepare the planter
well enough to safely house a new plant.
Place a plastic bag near the planter. This is to hold the dirt you remove from the planter. If
the previous plant suffered from a disease, or the dirt appears moldy, you should dispose
of this with your yard waste--otherwise, you can just put it in your compost pile or another
area of your garden.
Put on your garden gloves. Use a spade or small shovel to remove dirt from the pot. If the
pot is small and light enough, you can turn it on its side, on the plastic bag, to let gravity
help you with this part. Otherwise, use the spade or shovel to remove all you can, first.
Turn on your garden hose and fill a clean bucket with water. Add 2 to 3 tbsp. of a mild,
biodegradable dish detergent.
Wet a scrubbing brush in the detergent solution and scrub the inside of the pot, where it is
likely the most dirty. Rinse the concrete planter out with your garden hose. Scrub the
inside again if any dirt remains (and rinse once more).
Scrub the exterior of the planter with the scrubbing brush dipped in the detergent solution.
Rinse as you did the interior of the planter.
Iron and Metal
Cast iron planters are plant holders or plant stands. Rather than putting a plant directly into
the planter, the plant is in another pot that is then set into the planter. Many cast iron
planters are used outdoors, and exposure to the elements such as rain and polluted air
can present some challenges when it comes to taking care of the planter. Fear of the
elements shouldn't stop you from enjoying the look of cast iron planters. By following a few
tips, you can take care of the planter and make it last for years.
Coat the planter with liquid car wax at least two times per year. This will help protect the
planter from water and the elements, much like wax protects your car's finish. Pour some
car wax on the planter, spread it out and rub it in with a clean rag.
Sand down any chipped areas with steel wool, wipe them clean and touch up with an anti-
rust primer, followed by matching all-weather enamel paint. Allow it to dry completely and
apply a clear sealant. Check the paint labels for drying times.
Do not allow the iron planter to sit in puddles of standing water, because this will promote
rust.
Never plant flowers or plants directly into an iron planter. The soil will take up iron, and the
moisture from watering the plant may cause the planter to rust.
Wood
Most wood used for planters naturally repels bacteria and fungi, but it can get dirty.
Wash wooden planters with warm, soapy water, let dry and oil or wipe with
a wood preservative.
Mix one part chlorine bleach to nine parts water in the spray bottle, and soak all surfaces
of the planter. Scrub the planter clean with the plastic dish scrubber and air-dry. Brush all
surfaces of the planter with nontoxic, plant-safe waterproofing liquid.