How to Plant in Pots
Planting and caring for potted plants is a little different from caring for plants in the garden. The care starts with choosing the right containers and filling them with an appropriate planting medium. Potted plants are beautiful. Flowers, foliage plants and herbs can all decorate a patio or porch. Even tomato plants add a touch of color throughout the season. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose the right pot. In areas that freeze, avoid clay or terracotta. Clay and cement pots absorb water from the soil; if you use them, adjust your watering schedule to water more often. Plastic pots may not have the finished look you prefer, but they are inexpensive and lightweight. Look for a fancy fiberglass pot if you want something that doesn't drink your plant's water. Pressure-treated wooden planters are an option, too. Deep pots are better than shallow ones; you want the plants' roots to have as much room as possible. After choosing the perfect pots, confirm that each pot has a drainage hole. If not, drill one.
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Select the potting soil or make your own. Soil dug from your yard is not suitable for container gardening. In many cases, it doesn't drain well and may harbor diseases. Make your own potting medium from equal parts perlite, peat moss and vermiculite. Add a fertilizer. Sterilized organic compost is ideal as an additive to potting mix. Before adding the planting medium to the pots, place a layer of rocks, crockery or packing peanuts in the bottom to optimize drainage and keep the soil and roots from exiting the drainage hole. Fill the container about three-quarters full with potting medium.
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Remove the plants from the containers they were in at the garden center. Position plants in their new homes, spaced to allow for growth. Combine tall and short plants or plants of varying foliage colors for interest. When you are happy with the arrangements, fill in around the plants with the remaining potting medium to within an inch of each pot's rim. Firm the soil and water the containers.
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Plants in pots require care. Empty out the drip pans and feed the plants occasionally; it won't be hard because you want the plants to flourish. Add a time-released fertilizer to the potted plants about three weeks after planting. Water regularly but don't let the plants sit in accumulated water. Watch them for pests; if you see any, treat the plants immediately.
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Tips & Warnings
Potted Plants can be moved as often as you like to optimize sun and shade conditions.
References
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