How to Repair Your Cracked Terra Cotta Pots

Sean Conway

How to Repair Your Cracked Terra Cotta Pots

In our disposable society, we sometimes forget that old, worn items can have a beauty all their own. With a little attention and some minor repairs, slightly scruffy but cherished items can continue to be useful.

I have been gardening for a long time, and my collection of clay pots has grown over the years. Some of these beautiful pots were old when I acquired them, and many were hand thrown or have intricate designs. Others I prize for the quality of the clay. I do everything I can to keep them in good shape, but over time they often show the wear and tear from constant use.

Small cracks in terra cotta can lead to big problems and, if left uncorrected, will lead to the demise of an otherwise good pot. Repairing a crack while the pot is still intact can keep the problem from getting worse.

Repairing a cracked clay pot is not as hard as you might think, and with a few simple tools and a little time, your pot will be back in use for years to come.

Most cracks in clay begin as hairline fissures that enlarge as the pressure from expanding roots and the constant swelling of watered soil press against the sides of the pot.

Exposure to freezing temperatures is also problematic for terra cotta pots. Moisture expanding within the clay can cause cracks, and pots allowed to freeze with soil in them can split.

To repair a cracked pot, follow the simple steps below. For a more detailed description go to www.ciltivatinglife.com and watch my video. Just enter "terra cotta repair" in the search field.

Cracked Terra Cotta Pots Materials

Broken terra cotta pot, preferably with only one or two clean breaks, copper wire, Dremel drill, 1/8-inch masonry drill bit , wire cutters, pencil.

Terra Cotta Pot Repair Directions

1. Fit broken piece of terra cotta pot into place. Make sure pieces are clean and free of dirt and debris so they fit together snugly. Using a pencil, make pencil marks along both sides of the crack at about the same distance that lace holes would be on a pair of sneakers. Keep the marks 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch back from the edge of the broken piece to prevent further cracking. If repairing a crack instead of an actual break follow same procedure.

2. Using the Dremel tool with the 1/8-inch masonry bit, drill the marked holes on either side of the crack.

Set the speed of the tool almost to the highest setting but not all the way. This will help keep the drill from moving around while you are drilling on the pencil mark.

3. Cut the copper wire into 3-inch lengths. Working from the outside of the pot, put the wire length halfway through the lowest drill hole on the pot and put the other end through the lowest hole of the broken piece.

If you are repairing a crack, follow the same procedure by starting at the lowest hole.

Next, working from the inside of the pot, twist the wires together until they are tight and trim the excess copper wire. Repeat the same steps on the remaining pairs of holes.

4. Push the twisted copper wire on the inside of the pot against the pot until it is flush.

In time the copper wire will oxidize giving your old cracked pot a wonderful patina.

Sean Conway's book, "Sean Conway's Cultivating Life: 125 Projects for Backyard Living" (Artisan Books, 2009), describes 125 projects for backyard living and is available at Amazon.com (Click Here for Sean Conway's Cultivating Life: 125 Projects for Backyard Living).

Gardening - How to Repair Your Cracked Terra Cotta Pots