another issue with terracotta is they don't like chicago winters. i think about half of our terracotta pots that were left out are now cracked. (we started them off in a greenhouse so it wasn't going to be an issue, that is until 85mph winds came off the lake and blew away the greenhouse in december. another note to anyone who is curious: greenhouses on rooftops=wind sails)
something to consider if you don't have indoor winter storage for them.