No.3: Clean clay pots

Now that the terracotta flowerpot has returned to favour, it’s time to recall the best way to clean off the slime, gunge and lime deposits that work their way onto the outer surface over the course of a year.

Some scrub away, others use detergents, still others recommend Steradent, but happy experience has taught me to favour an overnight soak in water with a squirt of lemon juice.

In the morning, take the pot out, wipe it lightly with a scourer, rinse and leave to dry. Clean but with patina intact, and the place smells of something much nicer than the alternative, vinegar.