Organizing pots during the winter

 

Because our winters can get really cold we can't leave terracotta pots outside or they will crack when the water in the soil expands when freezing. I do keep some pots with perennials outdoors but in a covered sheltered area. These pots contained summer annuals though and got emptied last weekend.

To store them I stack one inside the other from the largest to the smallest and in between each one I add some newspaper to prevent them from sticking to each other.

 

Shards that have been covering the drainage holes are stored in a zink container.

 

This little odd storage area at the back of the house used to be where the trash bag was mounted on a frame. When we got a new wheelie trash container at the front of the house a few years ago I realised that this was a great space to store my large pots during the winter by simply dismounting the trash bag frame.

The pots, shards and some other gardening items fit in there nicely and out of the way.

 

The sledge and showel go in front and we're all set for snow!

Oh, the dirt marks that you see to the left on the door are Mini's paw prints. This is her stretching spot :)

Comments

[Rachel]

Very pretty. Terra cotta wrapped in newspaper always makes me smile.

[ivice]

You always surprise me Benita...I am always learning something new with you. :)
Thanks for sharing.
It might get pretty cold over there.
Here in Sydney we don't get to see snow but is a good idea to store pots away . I have many annual flowers that die in winter.
Greetings!!

[tajana]

Benita, thank you for your blog, it is so inspiring! I've found it a week ago and already became addicted to your uniqe,simple and refreshing style.
Greetings from Croatia!

[Michelle of Montreal]

It's so great to read a blog written somewhere that experiences a truly cold winter. I can't wait to read your entries as the weather gets cooler.

[Julie]

I think of organization as kind of a luxury you give yourself. It feels so good when I stay organized and makes life prettier and less frustrating. Once again, you've proven you have that luxury down to a science, Benita. You're so inspiring!

Loved reading your interview on Creative Construction this morning. It was nice to get to know more about your background. Very interesting.