Nothing lasts forever, but with a little TLC, your new house number pot will last for a long time - that is, if you can keep your husband from running over it with the lawn mower! I often have people tell me that they’ve enjoyed their DixieBelle pot for years.

Terra cotta clay pots are porous, and will weather naturally over time. There are some things you can do, however to help extend the life of your new house number pot:

Protect your pot from extreme weather.
A great spot for it is under a sheltered porch. It’s much better if it’s not being pelted by the rain or the sprinklers and baking in the hot sun all day. Pots should be gently cleaned (no scrubbing) and stored inside in a warm, dry place during the harsh winter months.

Do not allow the pot to sit in standing water, such as in a saucer.
It can damage the pot as well as the plant! Be sure to empty any excess water that drains into the saucer. If you’ve got it sitting in the garden, elevate it on a flat rock so it doesn’t sink into the dirt.

Tip: It is a good idea to fill the bottom with a layer of gravel or small rocks before planting to promote drainage. This will also help to prevent your pot from blowing over in the wind.

Just one more thing -
The inside of your house number pot has been sealed to help prevent water absorption. It’s also a good idea to line the inside of the pot with plastic before planting for added protection. (A plastic grocery sack is a perfect fit - just don’t forget to poke a hole in the bottom for drainage!)