How to Store Garden Pots Over Winter, According to Experts

Help your containers survive the winter so they’re ready for planting next spring.

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Although they can be an investment, garden containers are a beautiful way to show off your plants, and they can last for years with proper care. One way to ensure the longevity of your pots is to keep them protected during winter, as the cold temperatures can cause them to crack. From terracotta pots to grow bags, our gardening experts show you how to winterize your garden containers so they remain in top shape for seasons to come.

While winter-proofing garden pots is often an overlooked task, failing to do so can result in cracked containers. Terracotta, thin-walled ceramic, plastic, and unsealed wood pots can weaken, crack, and break when exposed to the freeze and thaw cycles that winter months bring. “Terracotta specifically should not be left outside because it is porous and will absorb moisture and can crack when frozen,” says Ben Wheaton, operations manager at Plants Unlimited.

While pots made from porous materials such as ceramic and terracotta are most at risk for cracking, if your goal is to extend the life of your garden pots, it’s best to take the necessary steps to ensure their protection and longevity.

Clean your garden pots before storing them to set yourself up for success next season and prevent pests and diseases from harboring inside the containers over winter.

Store your terracotta and concrete pots in a dry, protected area such as a basement, garage, enclosed porch, or shed. Ideally, where the temperature remains above freezing so the pots don't crack. "Properly glazed ceramics should be ok if left outside uncovered, however, inside storage or protective covering will extend years of the product's life," says Wheaton.

Avoid stacking heavy pots inside one another as they will settle into each other and break or become stuck. "Place the lighter pots inside heavier ones, and use dividers such as cardboard or foam to prevent scratches or cracking," says Cameron DePaola, owner of Riverside Landscaping Inc. Wrap terracotta and ceramic pots in newspaper before stacking them to protect against breakage.

No matter the material, pots with chips or cracks invite moisture under the glaze and must be stored inside or under cover, says Wheaton.

Plastic pots are an affordable and lightweight alternative to other materials like ceramic or concrete, says DePaola. When moving them in for the winter, assess them for any cracks or damage. Rather than storing damaged plastic pots, recycle them and then replace them in the spring, says DePaola. Store your plastic planters upside down in a basement, garage, greenhouse, or shed over winter. If storing outdoors, cover them with a tarp to avoid rain, frost, snow, and direct sunlight.

The microfibers in grow bags will degrade faster when exposed to moisture and the sun. To properly store them over winter, empty the bags and allow them to dry completely. Once they are dry, store them in a dark, dry place, like a basement.

Grow bags can be inviting to mice. To keep the pests out, use the handles of the grow bag to hang them from a hook in your storage area.

For larger pots that are difficult to move inside, consider insulating them outdoors. This applies to potted plants as well. “You can wrap your containers with burlap, bubble wrap, or old blankets to protect the pot and the plant’s roots from freezing temperatures,” says DePaola.

Alternatively, you can empty the soil from the pots and fill them with mulch or straw, which can help insulate the soil and roots. If the soil cannot be removed, Wheaton recommends cutting a piece of plywood to make a cover and wrapping the whole pot with the cover in a weather-proof tarp secured with either a bungee or rope.

For smaller pots, you can build a wooden box around them to protect them from snow and ice damage. “Regardless, be sure the pots have plenty of drainage and won't sit in water that will freeze and crack the base.”