Growing potted plants is the ideal way to spend time in your garden, and it is especially useful for those who want to introduce a little greenery to their small garden or balcony. It can also be a fun project for children to take part in, because they easily and effectively learn about how to care for plants using potting soil.
You should invest in potting soil to help your pot plants thrive. This will create the right environment and ecosystem in the pot, allowing you to have a flourishing oasis of potted flowers, herbs, and even vegetables. If you are new to the joys of gardening, planting in pots is the perfect way to grow your green thumb. Below we provide some top tips for planting in pots.
Pick The Right Pot
Arguably the most important step for planting in pots is choosing the right pot for whatever you want to put in it. You should think about how the pot will look in your garden or on your patio, but this is not the most important consideration for a pot. If you will be planting more than one plant in your pot, you will need a larger pot that can fit the plants as well as any potting soil.
The depth of the pot is important, as some plants have roots that might grow longer and deeper than others. All pots will nee drainage holes so that plant roots do not become waterlogged, causing the plant to die. These holes should be lightly covered with small stones or screening to stop the potting soil from migrating but not enough so that water becomes clogged in the pot.
Add Awesome Potting Soil
Once you have chosen the right pots for your plants, you will need to purchase potting soil to help them thrive and grow. Using conventional garden soil will not be successful for pot plants, as it can compact easily, making drainage difficult for the pots plants. You should look for potting soil which has organic compost, bark, and sand in it for ideal drainage and plant growth.
When you are looking for potting soil, be sure to choose one which clearly states what it contains and uses organic components. This will ensure that your plants are getting only the best, and that their roots will remain strong. Adding potting soil will help to create the right base for any plants, but be sure to ask what type of soil is best for the different plants.
Place Your Plants
So, now that you have the right pots and some organic potting soil, you can move on to the fun part – choosing your plants! If you would like a colourful display of flowers year-round, you could choose some perennials such as the Agapanthus, the Blue Marguerite, or the Gazania. If you want a more water-wise option, grouping succulents in large pots can look stunning.
For those who want to grow their own vegetables but sadly do not have a back yard or any green space, beans, carrots, tomatoes, and spinach all grow well in a pot with the right potting soil mixture. You could also plant edible flowers and even herbs that can be used to spruce up a braai or a salad for those impromptu outdoor dinners.
Make Maintenance A Priority
While you might know a thing or two about caring for plants, not many people realise that maintaining pots and the environment of the pot plants is important. Watering your plants correctly is important., but you should also be sure to check if the pot is clogged, broken, or is attracting mould or moisture which could cause damage to the pot.
Be sure to place your pot plants in an area that receives ample sunlight, unless they are plants that prefer shaded areas. Your pot should be treated so that it does not become bleached by the sun. If you prefer a more rustic appearance, you can leave your pots to the elements, however, ensure that the plants are well looked after and always watered regularly.
Consider Compost
Keeping your plants fertile and healthy is vital, and this can be achieved by combining compost with your potting soil. Look for organic compost with ingredients that will release nutrients back into the soil. Adding compost to your potting soil will ensure your plants grow and thrive, and that their roots are stronger.
Planting in pots does not have to be difficult or confusing. Start by choosing the right pots and adding potting soil to the mix. Be sure to pick the right plants for your needs and always place them where there will be enough sun and shade at the right time of day. If you would like to improve the quality of your pot plants, speak to Stanler Farms today about our nutrient-dense potting soil.
