How to Put Potted Plants in the Ground to Prevent Overgrowth

Plant potted plants in the soil to prevent spread.

Because some plants spread too energetically, you must control the growth. Some herbs, such as mint, have a tendency to take over a growing space. If this occurs, the plant may choke out other plants growing nearby, killing them. Prevent this by putting potted plants in the ground to prevent overgrowth. The pots in the ground will prevent the plant from spreading its roots throughout the soil.

Things You'll Need

• Container (with drainage holes)
• Potting soil
• Plant
• Shovel

Instructions

1. Plant the plant into the container in the same fashion as you would if you were going to grow the container above the soil. Fill the container about half full with potting soil and place the plant into the container on top of the potting soil. Add additional potting soil around the roots of the plant, filling the container to the top. Firm the soil down gently with your hands.

2. Choose the location for the plant in the garden, selecting a sunny or shady location according to the plant's growing requirements. Because the plant will not spread, you will not need to worry about allowing room for spreading and growing.

3. Dig a hole for the container with the shovel, making the hole wide enough and deep enough so the top rim of the container will be level with the soil.

4. Fit the container into the hole, pressing it down firmly to make the rim level with the surrounding soil. Firm the soil around the container gently with your hands.

5. Water the plant in the container generously immediately after planting.

6. Watch the moisture level of the soil in the container throughout the growing season. Because the plant roots will not intermingle with surrounding soil, the plant may dry out more quickly than plants growing normally in the soil. Provide water if the top inch of soil in the container feels dry.

Tips & Warnings

• If the plant is an annual plant that will die over the winter, consider removing it from the ground and taking it indoors in the autumn. Return the container to the ground again the following spring.

References

• West Virginia University: Growing Herbs in the Home Garden