For our last post on the different types of terra-cotta clay – we must consider Mexican clay. 

The Mexican clay products that we import are made of heavy, dark clay.  They are very distinctive and well known for their color and feel.  Very rough, porous and many times lined with tar, these pots have a distinctive design to them. Because each one is usually handmade the designs are very unique.  Since the clay is so porous the manufacturer paints the inside of each pot with a tar mixture that helps to repel the water.  However, we have found that unless the outside is also sealed the pot will deteriorate rapidly, many times, in just one planting season.   We sell a terracotta sealer that helps to prolong the life of terracotta clay and we feel it is a must for anything make with Mexican clay.

Since the look of these items are so unique they are very popular with decorators and landscapers.  You can’t get the same patterns etc with Chinese or Italian pottery.  We also get all of our strawberry jars and hose pots from Mexico since none of our other manufacturers make them.   When considering a price point, the Mexican clay can’t be beat. 

On a scale from Best to Worse – when it comes to durability – the Mexican terracotta is considered the worse and least likely to hold up past one planting season.  So, use annuals  or perennials flowers that will only last one season.

We love the Mexican terracotta designs, we love their products but when it comes to durability these are not the pieces to plant in.  Use them sparingly in your garden and yard areas and plan on replacing them every few years.

The definition of the word terracotta is - fired clay, brownish-red in color when unglazed, that is used for architectural ornaments and facings, structural units, pottery, and as a material for sculpture.  A brownish-orange color like that of unglazed terra cotta.

Arizona Pottery imports terracotta pottery from Italy, China, Indonesia, and Mexico.  There are few if any American manufactures left.  Each country has its own way of harvesting clay that is used in the forming process. 

The Italian pottery we import is well known in the pottery industry for having a nice smooth feel to the touch.  The sun baked color is even toned and stunning.  Each pot is close to identical and the manufacturing process is unsurpassed.  These pots are hard packed which makes them less porous and therefore more durable.  Because of the compacting process they will absorb less water and will not breakdown as fasts as other processes.  They are a low-fired pot.

Terracotta clay is meant to breathe.  This is a definite advantage when it comes to a healthy plants root system.  Since it is porous any water you apply to the potted soil will be absorbed into the clay.  That is why you may end up with lines around the body of the pot.  These lines can be caused from the water applied to the soil, any chemicals naturally in the water - like salt or chemicals in the fertilizer that may be used when potting your plants.

Once a pot is being used it will break down naturally over time.  We sell a pottery sealer that helps to prolong the life of the clay but doesn’t stop the lines referred to above from occurring.  Terracotta pottery is meant to break down over time.  This is a good thing! 

If you want a pot that will look as good as the day you purchased it – then terracotta pottery is NOT for you.   We would suggest a pot that is made out of a material that does NOT absorb water like concrete, glazed, poly resin and more types of materials.

Interestingly, many manufacturers today are using a powder clay mix to make their pottery out of.  The Italian pots we sell are made out of clay that has been harvest from the ground.  Real, beautiful and old school!  Just the way we like it.  So keep this in mind when comparing prices with other terracotta products.

My next post will talk about the other countries manufacturing process when making their terracotta pots.

Have you noticed a difference between Italian clay and other countries?  Share your container gardening experiences with us!

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