Featured product: terra cotta containers

Before plastic was invented, all gardeners used terra cotta pots, often called clay pots. Today, you can find all sorts of plant containers -- everything from colorful plastic to resin to concrete.

But most gardeners still prefer terra-cotta because it “breathes,” allowing air to reach the plants’ roots. Evaporating moisture from the pot surface cools the roots, much as if they were planted in the ground.

Because the clay is porous, it’s practically impossible to overwater plants in such a container.

Terra cotta is Latin for “baked earth.” The term is also used to refer to items made out of this material and to its natural, brownish orange color. The material has long been used for containers, sculpture, water and waste water pipes, bricks, roof shingles and surface embellishment in building construction.

Terra cotta pots range in size from smaller than a teacup to more than 3 feet in diameter. They vary from the common rimmed utility pot to ornately decorated ones. They are available as shallow bulb pots, deeper lemon pots, tall, thin rose pots, and a variety of fanciful shapes. Lavalette Nursery and Garden Center has a multitude of sizes and shapes to suit any need, but shop early for the best selection.

Tips on caring for terra cotta pots may be found here and here.