Frost-Proof

What does “Certified Frost-Proof” mean?

All of the products included in our pallet assortments are certified freeze-proof, offering year-round color and decoration to any yard or patio environment. This pottery also provides an ideal home to evergreens, winter grasses, or other cold-weather plantings.

If used according to River Market Pottery’s recommendations (see below), most of our pots will not crack, chip, or discolor as a result of seasonal temperature variations, nor specifically from frost and freezing. The clay formula used in the creation of these pots is a proprietary blend of stoneware clays. This recipe produces a particularly tight, durable, and non-porous body when fired to the extremely high temperatures produced by our custom-built kilns (the specialized high temperature ovens for ceramics).

In contrast to many pottery manufacturers who purchase their glazes pre-mixed from a central manufacturer, our glazes are all developed in house and are specifically engineered for a permanent bond with our clays. As a result, our glazes match the pottery’s durability, and will not break down, change color with age or sun exposure, or chip as a result of the annual freeze / thaw cycle.

Instructions for freeze-proof performance:

freeze-proof cross section
  • Always use pots with drainage holes
  • Do not block, plug, or otherwise obstruct drainage holes
  • In larger pots, place a layer of gravel or Styrofoam peanuts an inch or two deep at the bottom of the pot (below the potting mix) to facilitate drainage. (Shown at right.)
  • Be sure that the potting mix used allows for drainage
  • Do not attempt to move pots that are frozen to the ground
  • Remove saucers during winter to ensure complete drainage
  • Do not allow standing water to freeze inside pots
  • Cover pots that are not in use — please note that pots which are planted with bulbs count as “in use”
  • Although they are not required, using pot feet will further enhance drainage
  • On pots equipped with knock-out drainage holes, the holes must be opened before the first freeze
  • Do not build fires in or around pots