We're a big fan of clay pots but they often look too new to us. We love how they look when they've gotten some age on them but although we scour flea markets and beg them from friends, it can be a challenge to find the size we're looking for. Is there a way to speed up the aging process? Luckily our impatience has found a solution and it's as close as your refrigerator...
Aging Clay Plant Pots
Both yoghurt and buttermilk can quickly age clay pots, giving them the weathered patina of those that have sat outside in the garden. The process, in both cases, is simple:
- Yoghurt: Gives pots a aged, slightly greenish patina. Using a sponge brush, liberally paint on yoghurt. Set in a cool, shady place in your garden for a few days. Warning: it's best to leave your curing pots outside as they may attract ants.
- Buttermilk: For an aged look with moss. Using a blender, whir together buttermilk and moss. Using the same technique as above, coat your pots with the mixture and set aside for a week or so.
[image: englishnow]
Comments (7)
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you must be seriously impatient. I too hate new terra cotta and love aged pots (and am neurotically impatient); nonetheless, I find they start to get those white deposit marks within a few months. I worry about putting one of these "applications" on the pot that may induce mold growth or something else nasty that won't be good for whatever you end up growing in them.
view amt230's profile
Martha Stewart had an article about pots some time back.
I try to keep the white crud *off* my clay pots. Moss is nice though.
view JoanneM's profile
ew are you serious? the potential odour/mould-enducing formula this sounds like doesn't seem worth it!!
view baryl5555's profile
sand them so the rough surface makes it easier for the pot to breathe.... also, it helps algae to grow on it..... if you keep it (as well as your plants, and i'm not talking succulents, here), with really high humidity, a lot of light and good ventilation, your pots will develop a nice sort of dark green algae, and some white and dark (dirt) patina... if you keep them in the shade all the time they will develop mold (which will die right away when you expose it to the sun and dry conditions).
dont worry about that mouldy smell neurosis some people seem to have.... the back part of most pots in gardens smell like that and nobody notices....
light, humidity and ventilation will do the trick... let nature do the rest... choose plants that can take a lot of water in the soil.
view manu_pty's profile
Beer works, too - an excellent use for the stale dregs left over after a party. Use the same method as described for yogurt.
Lightly sanding the pot before applying is a excellent idea, too.
view Dulcibella's profile
Another tip: if you don't put a plant in them right away, put an old wet towel in to feed the moss. Actually, if you just leave them in a damp, shady area, they'll green up by themselves.
view whytephoenix's profile
where the eff are the "after" photos...
view saraesc's profile