Pots Maintenance Plan
Keep your outdoor pots in good shape all year
A little care goes a long way in keeping your pots and plants in great condition. With a clear maintenance plan, you can prevent damage, support better drainage and help your outdoor area stay in good condition throughout the year.
Practical tips on how to clean garden pots
All pots supplied should have a regular maintenance plan carried out to protect your investment and extend the life of the pot and plants.
Please perform the following scheduled maintenance items every 3 months:
- Routinely inspect and unblock any drainage holes that have been filled with debris. Water should drain freely to avoid damage to plants and pots. This simple task forms an important part of how to clean garden pots effectively.
- Paint should be inspected for premature wear or damage due to external forces. If paint damage is detected on a custom painted pot, simply use a roller with the correct Dulux paint and apply a touch up to the affected area after thoroughly cleaning the area and allowing to dry.
- Inspect the pots aren’t receiving too much water. Overwatering pots can result in damage to the pots and plants. Pots are not designed to be pools for permanent water retention.
- Ensure that pots are adequately elevated for sufficient drainage to occur. All pots require feet or adequate drainage under the pot. If the pot sits flush with the ground, chances are its drainage holes are blocked, resulting in damage to pots and plants.
- Inspect the inside of the pot where possible to ensure correct planting methods have occurred. Ensure no geofabric, sand, foam, cement mixes or other heavy debris have been used when planting up the pot. These practices go against our planting guide and can result in damage to the plants and pots. If you find that the landscaper has done this, you can potentially reverse this process to protect your investment. In following these simple maintenance steps, you will extend the life of your pots and plants, protecting your investment.
Recognising early signs of pot damage
A quick check can help you spot these small issues before they become bigger problems.
- Small cracks or chips on the surface
- Damp patches that do not dry
- Water pooling around the base
- Slow or blocked drainage holes
- Mineral marks or residue inside the pot
- White film, especially on terracotta pots
- Sour-smelling soil
- Loose or uneven pot feet
If you see any of these signs, follow the simple steps on how to clean garden pots stated above to keep your pots performing well outdoors.
Explore more planters at Wentworth Falls Pots.
Caring for your current pots is a great way to protect your outdoor space, but you might also be planning to add something new to your collection. If you are ready to refresh your garden or expand your setup, explore the range of pots and planters we have at Wentworth Falls Pots.
You will find options suited to small courtyards, larger gardens and everything in between.
Don’t forget to check out some of our customer favourites such as Thai limestone, Stonelite, terracotta and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fibreglass planters have a smooth finish that is easy to keep clean. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes, as these may dull the surface.
A wash with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge is usually enough to remove dirt. Rinse the planter well and allow it to dry before replanting to maintain a tidy and fresh outdoor space.
This works well for anyone learning how to clean garden pots without damaging the material.
Most outdoor pots can stay outside during winter if they have proper drainage and sit on pot feet or an elevated base. This prevents water from pooling at the base, which can lead to cracking during colder weather.
Terracotta and other natural materials may need extra attention in extreme cold, so check them after heavy rain.
A maintenance check every three months is a good routine for most outdoor planters. This includes inspecting drainage holes, checking for overwatering, elevating pots for proper airflow and assessing surface wear to ensure the pot continues to function well outdoors.
Seasonal shifts, heavy rain or intense heat may require a quick extra inspection to help prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
Regular care supports long-lasting pots and healthy plants, especially if you are growing plants like low maintenance tall plants for outdoor pots in Australia, which thrive when the pot is kept clean and well-drained and supported by steady upkeep.