FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
PRODUCT-RELATED QUESTIONS
Clay is a natural, eco-friendly, and durable material. Clay waste is not polluting. On the contrary, it can be reused, especially to enrich soils. The porosity of the soil allows plants to breathe thanks to the water and air exchange from the walls of the pot.
Terracotta pots also provide good thermal insulation, protecting the roots from heat in summer or cold in winter.
Of course, but we must not forget that these are garden vases. Therefore, they will develop a patina without being washed by the rain, the cold, the water jet... Indoors, moisture or lime stains are not always a good look, as the environment is cleaner. Moreover, fungi develop very well indoors, as the temperature is mild and the surface of the pot is moist. Sometimes it really disfigures the vase. Regular indoor maintenance is necessary with white vinegar, hydrochloric acid, or chlorine for moss.
A terracotta vase never remains in its original appearance.
It will blush, whiten, and develop a patina. What is acceptable in a garden is much less so indoors. We draw your attention to the fact that the natural patina of the vase is not always very pleasant indoors. Vases evolve less well indoors than outdoors. These are garden vases. The patina can be charming; it really depends on the type of soil and the exposure of the vase. Both indoors and outdoors, do not hesitate to clean your vases with white vinegar or hydrochloric acid for mostly white stains, and chlorine for blackish or green stains.
For a conical pot, choose a vase that is 1/3 the height of the pot, and 2/3 for the plant. For the diameter, take at least 2 cm more than the original container.
1. Thoroughly wet your pot with a jet of water or a watering can to saturate the porosity and achieve the most uniform color after planting.
2. Place stones at the bottom of your pot without blocking the drainage hole, covering one third of the pot to create the drainage layer.
3. Then place a geotextile felt
4. Finally, pour in the soil or potting mix.
5. Water evenly
Our unglazed terracotta pottery all have good frost resistance, provided that certain rules are followed:
• Ensure proper drainage from the start by following our planting advice
• Do not leave the saucer under the pot in winter
Bring glazed vases indoors. If you are in a region exposed to cold, we advise you to bring your pots indoors or cover them with wintering veils.
Glazed vases are susceptible to frost.
1. Place stones, gravel, broken pots, and clay pebbles at the bottom of the vase, up to 1/3 of its height.
2. Place a geotextile fabric.
3. Place the root ball and add soil.
This drainage will allow the roots to breathe and prevent water from stagnating at the bottom of the pot and freezing, which could damage the vase.
Our pots are not guaranteed. If your vases deteriorate abnormally within the first 2 years following your purchase, please let us know by sending photos of the issue with our stamp visible in the photo.
Your pot can accompany your life in the garden for many years, perhaps even outliving you.
What puts it at risk is the wind, which can knock it over if the plant acts as a sail, or the frost, or other household accidents.
Yes, of course. This is even preferable for the plant which will thrive more as it will breathe better due to the soil's porosity.
All our pots have holes. Plan to use a saucer for pots placed indoors.
For indoor vases, of course. There is a saucer for every size of vase. You will be suggested one after you choose a vase on our online store or by our sales team.
Our saucers are waterproofed. However, indoors, especially for your wooden floors, we recommend slipping felt pads underneath. Saucers rarely age well as they collect stagnant water. It is necessary to clean them often or replace them.
We advise against using saucers outdoors when possible. They can become mosquito breeding grounds, so they should be removed in winter.
To avoid round stains on your patios, we recommend using terracotta pot stands, or for a more invisible solution, pieces of tile or wood to elevate the vase.
A good alternative to outdoor saucers, they ensure proper drainage as the holes under the vase do not get clogged. They are not recommended if you are exposed to wind.
3 supports per pot except for pots with a diameter of 100cm, for which we recommend 4 supports.
In fine weather, yes. We recommend that you bring it inside for the frost, as well as its saucer. Enamelled pots are more susceptible to frost damage. By the sea, they will visibly be attacked by the salt.
The jars have a narrow neck shape. Formerly used as food containers, they are now placed in gardens.
It is preferable to plant trailing or climbing plants, small plants in the jars. You will have difficulty repotting the jars if your plants grow significantly. For shrubs, it is better to choose a vase with a conical shape.
How do I maintain my pot?
Before planting for the very first time, thoroughly wet your pot. This will help to even out the patina, which is a characteristic phenomenon of terracotta.
Afterwards, to clean your terracotta pottery, you can simply use a pressure washer all around it. There is no risk to your pottery, which is fired at 1000 degrees. If you don't have a pressure washer, just take a sponge with detergent or white vinegar mixed with water. Scrub well all around and simply rinse.
If you wish to repot your plant later, take the opportunity to clean your pottery. Remove the root ball and thoroughly clean both the inside and outside. Wet the pot well before planting again, always to harmonize the patina. Be careful: some highly concentrated soils can dirty the pottery and leave marks.
Prefer natural products.
1. Take a sponge with white vinegar, and you can clean the entire surface of your pot.
2. Wipe with a cloth to even it out.
The freezing phenomenon can have many consequences, including the crumbling of your pot. If this is your case, we always recommend that you contact us by phone or via our contact form and send us photos of your pot with our stamp visible.
We will then be able to provide you with the most appropriate response to your problem. Unfortunately, this is a phenomenon that can occur. It is advisable to elevate your vase with small blocks, pieces of wood, or tiles.
This phenomenon is generally the result of a pot that is not or no longer suitable for the plant because the roots are overgrowing. Make sure to check if your plant is fast-growing, in which case, consider getting a larger pot.
If not, and before the plant grows too much, we advise you to change pots.
Questions related to the order
You can come from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM to our store in Aubagne in Provence. Our store is located in the factory. This is where you will find the widest selection and advice from our team. There is also a section for vases with minor defects.
If you cannot come to Aubagne, we invite you to order your vases on our online store.
We also have some good garden centers to recommend depending on your department. You can call us at 04.42.82.42.00.
So, you need to visit our store in Aubagne. Tableware, pitchers, bouquet vases, large dishes, and lots of color... We only sell our crockery on-site and do not wish to ship it at this time.
Visit our online store and make your selection.
Remember to add accessories if necessary such as saucers or pot stands for your indoor plants.
Minimum order of 80 euros.
Shipping costs are calculated once the cart is filled and your delivery address is entered. Our shipping costs are not included; they are calculated based on the weight of the goods and the delivery department.
Please make sure to specify this when placing your order online by noting it as a special order. Redelivery fees may be charged if the driver was unable to access your home.
Our delivery times are 1 to 4 weeks. If your order cannot be delivered within 4 weeks, we will notify you and can issue a refund if necessary.
Delivery-related questions
We deliver throughout France. For deliveries outside Metropolitan France, please contact us for a quote.
In our online store, you will find a selection of products from our catalog that we can ship to you.
If you visit our store in Aubagne and don't have the space to take your vases with you, we can arrange a delivery for you. Expect to pay at least 120 euros.
Our vases are placed on wooden pallets with a shrinkable plastic cover.
Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight of the goods or the number of pallets as well as your department.
These costs include the risk of transport from our place to yours. If the pallet is damaged and the pottery is broken, you only have to refuse the pallet UPON RECEIPT and we will resend the order for free.
We are processing your order and starting to prepare it. Our vases are usually in stock. If we have a delay of more than 4 weeks due to a production issue, we will notify you and can of course refund your order if our timeframe does not suit you.
On average, your online orders are delivered within 15 days.
Deliveries only take place during the week.
The carrier will contact you to set a delivery date. They cannot be precise about the time (between 9 AM and 5 PM).
The carrier, who is independent of Poterie Ravel, will place the pallet at the entrance of the building or in front of the house. They will not set up your pots.
Please check your goods in the presence of the driver. This is the time when you can note on the receipt if a pot is broken or damaged.
Claims made after delivery unfortunately cannot be considered.
If you notice any damage, please note on the delivery slip "refused because broken". The goods will be taken back by the carrier and we will replace the part or parts.