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From: dkatz@zaphod.UUCP (Dave Katz)
Newsgroups: net.garden
Subject: Re: Deposits on pots
Message-ID: <333@zaphod.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 21-Aug-85 12:42:39 EDT
Article-I.D.: zaphod.333
Posted: Wed Aug 21 12:42:39 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 25-Aug-85 03:51:06 EDT
References: <278@ihu1n.UUCP> <13500013@inmet.UUCP> <543@calmasd.UUCP>
Reply-To: dkatz@zaphod.UUCP (Dave Katz)
Organization: Develcon Electronics, Saskatoon, SK
Lines: 47
Summary: 

In the past week or so, there have been a few articles recommending the
use of acids (vinegar, muriatic -aka sulphuric) for cleaning clay pots.

Since the clay is porous, there is a very good chance that residuals
from these acids will be left in the clay.  Thereafter it will be
difficult to maintain the pH level of the soil and your plants will
likely suffer (read 'die').  Rather than risk the plants which are more
expensive that your run-of-the-mill clay pot, I would recommend
replacing the pots.  If the pot is special (e.g. unusual design, one
that your great-grandmother left in her will, ...) then I would suggest
using a fine wire brush, kurly kate, steel wool,... before trying acids.
Try these on the bottom of the pot first to see what kind of damage is
done.

If you must use acids:
-  don't use sulphuric as the residual sulphur, even if the acid is
   neutralized, can harm your plant.  Most plants want only a very small
   trace amount of sulphur for good growth (this applies to lawns too,
   where you should be careful to buy fertilizers without sulphur most of
   the time unless your soil has a high pH.)

-  vinegar is probably best since it is a mild organic acid.  After
   cleaning the pot give it a thorough wash in a mild solution of baking
   soda and water and rinse well or soak for at least a day

-  check the pH of the soil as soon as any plant put in an acid-cleaned
   pot shows discolorations.


Uses for old clay pots that have been scrapped due to surface deposits:
-  break them up and use the pieces for drainage in the bottom of the
   new pots.
-  plant cuttings from propagated plants, or fill with soil and put
   beside ground spreading plants you wish to propagate
-  use as nursery pots for plants which are not on show
-  use as legs under board/plywood surfaces in your nursery area
-  see if any garden shops will take them back for their own use -trade in
-  plant garden plants which are likely to cause problems by speading in
   the old pots and then put them back in the ground

Other SERIOUS suggestions on uses for old clay pots welcome!
      -------

Just think how nice your potted plants will all look when you follow my
advice and buy them all new shoes.

D.Katz