What is it about terracotta that exudes that timeless aesthetic we all know and love? It’s a favorite year round, but especially during the summer months. It’s one of those materials that is classic, rather than trendy… even if it has gained popularity in recent years. Why? Because it has been around forever! It’s something I find myself reaching for again and again in both indoor and outdoor spaces. In this post, I’m sharing why I love terracotta, a few of my current favorite planters, and how to age terracotta naturally.
I popped over to the local greenhouse during my lunch break the other day and grabbed a few matching terracotta planters for our side yard garden. I’m constantly adding to our collection. I love styling them in multiples!
Why I Love Terracotta
Terracotta comes in so many different shades and textures, and I honestly love them all. For our little garden, I went with weathered planters in a more muted tone. A few have beautiful ridged details, and I plan to mix in some more saturated pieces or vintage finds with a nice patina as I find them.
If you’re looking for a rich terracotta patina, I’d definitely suggest scouring eBay, Chairish, or Facebook Marketplace for some vintage options. I’ve even had good luck at local yard sales! I have two GIANT terracotta planters that flank our garage doors (pictured below), and I pulled them out of someone’s garage when picking up a vintage rug. They’re beautifully aged, which is really a look that only time can add.
How to Age Terracotta Naturally
If you’re aiming for a lived-in look, the easiest trick is to leave your terracotta planters outside year round. I store a lot of my other planters in the shed through the winter, but terracotta stays out. It develops a nice surface texture, ages beautifully, and requires no extra care. I’m all for simple solutions like that. We’ve had no issues or cracking.
Terracotta Indoors
Even though terracotta is usually associated with gardens, I use it indoors all the time. I’ve got a few sitting in our kitchen window above the sink. They add such a nice texture and organic element to any vignette. The little planters I used in our herb garden project, tend to float indoors and out, depending on how my plants are doing. Sometimes I style them on the window sill, and other times- on the garden shelf outside.
A Few Favorites
I’ve rounded up some planters I’ve been eyeing lately. Some are vintage, some are new, some handmade, and they come in a wide range of sizes and prices.
Click directly on each item below to be redirected.
If you’re shopping online, just keep in mind that product images don’t always show true color. The scalloped rim planter I picked up, for example, looks more orange in person, but I still love it.
Budget Friendly & Long Lasting
Basic terracotta planters are surprisingly affordable and one of my favorite buys for spring and summer. They get better with age and if you’re patient, they’ll develop into something really special. I’ve had some of mine for 10-12+ years now, and the patina they’ve developed is exactly what I was hoping for.
Gifting with Terracotta
When I’m putting together plant gifts, I always go with terracotta. It’s classic, simple, and beautiful. Even if the plant doesn’t last, the pot can be reused again and again. I’ve found that people really appreciate that small extra detail. It’s also one less thing for them to worry about sourcing on their own, and it easily blends with any aesthetic… not to mention, it’s affordable.
FAQ
Personally, I don’t seal mine. I like when the pots breathe and age naturally, especially if I’m planting herbs or something I’ll be harvesting. If you’re using them indoors or with water-sensitive surfaces, sealing the interior might help prevent staining.
They can if they’re holding moisture and go through a freeze-thaw cycle. I usually empty and stack mine if I’m not using them in winter. But I do leave a few out to weather on purpose… and I keep plants in a few year round and have had zero issues. If they’re empty and elevated off the ground, I find they usually survive just fine.
I usually scrub mine with a stiff brush and rinse them well. If I’m replanting something delicate or edible, I’ll give them a quick soak in a vinegar and water mix. Nothing complicated, just enough to get them ready for a new season.
Related Planter Posts
Looking for more posts that take the guesswork out of selecting and styling planters? I’ve shared quite a few planter and outdoor styling tips over the years, and I’ll link some of my favorites for summer below to help with your next project!
- Classic Planters for Every Aesthetic and Budget
- Where to Install Outdoor DIY Solar Landscape Lighting
- Outdoor Kitchen Reveal
- Side Yard Garden DIY
- How to Set a Summer Table for Outdoor Entertaining
- How to Create Beautiful Porch Planters for Fall
- Tips for Growing and Caring for Boxwoods
- Gardening with the Phases of the Moon: Lunar Planting Guide
- DIY Herb Garden
- The Best Fence Post Solar Lights for a Classic Look
Do you use terracotta in your garden or around your home? I’d love to know how you’re incorporating it this season. Whether you’re just getting started or have a collection that’s been with you for years, it’s always fun to see how others use classic materials in their own way. Thanks for reading!
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