Question
Hi,
I have several large pottery pots filled with potting soil outdoors in my garden. I live in Massachusetts and am not sure what to do with these large pots for the winter. I believe that if they are left full of dirt they will freeze and crack. I heard an idea of emptying them and turning them upside down or maybe covering them in plastic. They are large and very heavy. I also wanted to ask what I should do with the clematis vines I have in pots because i also have poor soil conditions.
Thanks for any advice, Donna

Answer
It is moisture, as much as freezing that damages clay pots. If you  empty, and dry your pots then turn them over, and cover them with plastic, with a board on top to keep the plastic in place, and store them on a dry surface, not wet ground, then they should be all right.
What usually happens is, the moisture causes the pottery to break down with the changing temperature causing chipping and flaking. It also expands, and contracts causing cracking. The dryer it is the less this is a problem.

Put you clematis inside. Don't leave it out to freeze. The cold won't effect the plant above the soil because it will be dormant. But the roots are still active in the winter, and they will not have the protection they need to survive.
With the unprotected soil frozen, the roots won't be able to take in water, or nutrients. If you have a garage or basement, that doesn't freeze, put the clematis in there. Only water it if it is very dry, and remember to check it for problems from time to time. When the danger of frost has past, you can take it outside again.