Planting in containers is a great option for those with limited space or time. Containers are also great design tools for outside on the patio, accents in the garden, and indoors as well. They are great for apartments, rental houses, balconies and patios.
NOTE: Before planting in a container, make sure the container has drainage holes in the bottom. If not, drill some holes.
Below are basic instructions for planting in containers
- Place a 1 to 2" layer of gravel in bottom of pot for improved drainage.
- Use a professional potting mix to fill container to a level that will allow your plant to sit with the top edge of its rootball approximately 1/2 to 1" below top rim of the container. Professional potting mixes will hold moisture evenly. Cheap grade potting or planting soil can be mixed with the professional potting mix when planting hardy, ornamental shrubs or trees in containers, but, when planting most annual bedding plants, herbs, vegetables, houseplants and such, it is best to use straight potting mix.
- Remove the plant you intend to grow in the container from its pot. Gently scratch root ball to loosen feeder roots.
- Set plant in container and make necessary adjustments to insure that the top edge of the root ball will sit 1/2 to 1" below the rim of the container. Backfill with potting mix around rootball, tamping as you go, until the the level of potting mix is even with the top edge of root ball.
- Water thoroughly and add more potting mix if settling occurs during watering.
- Apply a 1/2" layer of wood chips or spaghnum moss to soil surface - maybe stone chips or gravel if planting succulent-type plants.
- Fertilize container plants at time of planting with a slow-release, season-long plant food, or every two weeks or so with a water soluble fertilizer.
You can find specific feeding and pruning instructions for any plant or tree in its Plant File on this web site.
