How to Plant Large Pots

Large potted plants add a measure of elegance and warmth to the inside of a home and a dramatic focal point to your porch and patio. Potting a large pot requires some thought to the proper place for the plant as well as the overall weight of the pot. Consider whether you plan to move the large pot or whether it will remain stationary. Let's look at the best way to plant a large pot to make sure your plants stay healthy and the pot drains properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large plant pot
• Potting soil
• Peat moss
• Trowel
• Empty soda cans or gravel
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Hammer
• Drill with bits
• Varying height plants
• Rolling plant base

How to Plant Large Pots

1. Check the bottom of your plant pot for drainage holes. If it has none, you need to drill a few holes into the bottom of the pot to allow water to drain from the pot. This step is very important to address for watering, especially for outdoor planters.

2. Layer empty soda cans onto the bottom third of the planter. These will take up space and also act as a drainage mechanism for the planter. The layer of soda cans will also lighten the overall weight of the planter to make moving it easier. If you don't plan to move the planter, use gravel on the bottom as a drainage aid. Lift the planter onto the rolling plant base while it is light and easy to move.

3. Create a mixture of equal parts peat moss and potting soil. Many potting soils are sold with perlite, which are little foam-like balls, inside the mix to aid with drainage. Potting soil alone really isn't adequate over time for a large plant pot. Peat moss is quite porous and should be dispersed throughout the potting soil to benefit the drainage of the soil.

4. Choose the placement of your plants. A single plant should be centered in the pot. Varying height plants or outdoor annuals can be planted in an order that complements the location of the planter. Try placing tall plants in the back of the planter with successive shorter plants in the front if the pot is placed against a wall. If your planter can be viewed from every side, put your tallest plants in the center as a focal point, and plant smaller plants out toward the edge of the plant pot.

5. Water the planter thoroughly, making sure that excess water drains through the holes in the bottom of the planter. Remember that your plant pot needs regular watering since it's not part of a larger garden that absorbs moisture from the ground around it.

References

• The Garden Helper