Winterproof. Frost-proof. Frost-resistant.
What does it all mean?
When it comes to planters there’s one thing you should know: when freezing water expands, it can even cause steel (i.e. heating and water pipes in house walls) asphalt and iron to burst. Materials and processing play a crucial role in the durability of planters, but the right handing and care are also essential.
Winter Care
The best plan is to store both the plant and the pot in a dry, sheltered place. If the plant is hardy and is to be left outside, please note the following: Containers that remian outdoors during the winter months need a drainage hole. Please ensure the container is drained properly. As an alternative, cover the drainage hole with a layer of expanding clay and fiber fleece. Otherwise snow and rainwater will remain in the container and turn into ice and expand when temperatures drop below zero. This may cuse the container to shatter. We recommend placing containers uner a covered location where you can determine the amount of water. If the containers are not equipped with integrated bases, support the containers with separate bases. Otherwise the container may become fastened to the level surface on which it is placed through the capillary force of the roots which may cause frost damage to parts touching the ground. During winter months, trays have to be removed or turned over to prevent any ice from forming, which in turn may cause the container to shatter. Take care to prevent water from gathering in empty receptacles. It is best to sore all empty containers indoors, turn them upside-down or cover them.
Product Care
Always make sure your planters are well drained. The planters may be cleaned with water and a soft cloth, if required. Avoid using aggressive chemicals or mechanical cleaning agents, such as bleach, high-pressure cleaners or hard brushes, which might affect or damage the finish. All our products have an automotive finish applied to them which needs to be cleaned regularly. Applying an automotive wax to the surface will prolong the finish, however like a car the color may gradually become less vibrant over time when exposed to sunlight. Ensure that your plant containers are very clean before applying an automotive wax to its surface. Unless requested at the time of placing your order, planters do NOT have drainage holes pre-drilled. Standard felt pads will protect delicate surfaces against scratching. It is very important to only use potting soil formulated for planters and container gardening. This is usually, but not always, a mixture of soil and peat but can vary according to mixture. To ensure you are using the correct type of potting soil for your plant(s), check with a professional to determine the correct regional and plant specific soil to be used. Heavier soil, sand, and “earth” absorb and retain more water which can apply strong pressure to the walls of the planter and cause structural damage in large sized planters. Improper installations and other forms of misuse may void the product warranty. Do not push or pull full-planted pots by the top lip.
