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.
- When planting herbaceous plants such as annuals, herbs, and vegetables, it's best to use a potting mix (not cheap grade potting soil) to fill container to a level that will allow your plant to sit with the top edge of its root ball 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 potting mix when planting ornamental shrubs or trees in containers. Of course, depending on specific needs of some plants, you can always mix in a handful or two of your favorite organic compost or fertilizers to enrich the soil and feed plants.
- 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.
