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POTTING PLANT TIPS

Find tips for potting new plants and repotting existing ones. Also what kind of soil to use and tips on watering and feeding

Prepare Pots

Garden pots usually come with drainage holes in the base but if you choose to use another type of container then you will have to drill holes in the base about ½ inch in diameter. The holes should be covered with a layer of broken terra cotta, gravel or a piece of gauze to prevent the soil from dropping out. Pots must be thoroughly clean. If they are not new then use a stiff brush with a weak bleach solution.

Bench for Potting Plants

Repotting Plants

To keep everything you need for starting seeds and repotting plants right at your fingertips this Classic Potting Bench is a great idea. Whether you are repotting an existing plant or potting one you have just bought from a nursery you can follow the same procedure. You will know when it is time to repot if you can see the roots emerging from the drainage holes. Choose a pot one size larger and put some potting mix in it. If pots are large remember put them in place before you fill them or they may be too heavy to move afterwards.

Water thoroughly and trim roots that are sticking out of the plant in the old pot. Place your hand over the top of the pot and spread fingers around the stem. Turn upside down and gently tap the base of the pot to release the plant. Tease the roots out gently especially if they are tightly matted (root bound). Place the plant in the new pot so that it sits about 1inch below the top of the rim. Fill in the sides with potting mix, gently pressing down the water well.

Potting Mix

Never use garden soil in pots as it is too dense and may harbor pests and diseases. Instead buy potting mixes from garden stores and nurseries which are free of these problems; there are even special mixes for different types of plants. You can also make your own using compost, peat moss, perlite or vermiculite and coarse river sand.


Container GardensWatering and Feeding

Container grown plants have a restricted root system and can’t search for moisture as they would do in open ground. On hot summer days daily watering may be needed – even twice a day if the pots are in full sunlight. Test the soil by putting your finger in and if it is dry 1 inch below the surface then water is needed. Fill the space between the soil level and rim of the container slowly with water till it runs out of the drainage holes. This ensures the soil is fully saturated.

Regular amounts of fertilizer are needed for strong healthy plants and should be applied to moist soil to avoid burning the roots.  Water soluble fertilizers can be used for liquid feeds every couple of weeks or slow release fertilizers, often in granular form, can provide nutrients over a long period. Place the garden pots on bricks or ‘pot feet’ to allow drainage and encourage air flow.

The Right Plant

When choosing plants take into consideration the conditions, are the pots in sun or shade, and buy plants to suit. A plant that requires full sun to flower or fruit will not thrive in shade. If using more than one plant in a pot try to vary the heights for added interest.

Click here to visit Gurney’s, Seed and Nursery Company for guaranteed seeds, plants and trees.