Re: crumbling terracotta

Title: Re: crumbling terracotta
Hello All:
 
I am wondering if anyone can tell me why one of the terracotta pots on my deck is beginning to deteriorate on the outside near the bottom.  I have two such large pots on the back deck from different origins. 

. . .
Oh well, anyone had this experience and care to comment?
 
Karrie Reid
Folsom Foothill Gardener

One of the characteristics affecting the quality of ceramics, in addition to the proportion of mineral constituents in the clay itself, is the temperature used in the firing at production. A short or a relatively low-temperature firing leaves the clay body less vitrified or bonded together and susceptible to deterioration like you describe. Mexican garden pottery is typically produced this way as it is less costly than high firing but the result is a short lived product. Probably, water collecting at the bottom of the pot is causing the worst deterioration. Winter freezing of water penetrating the clay may play a role also.

Xavier
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