Container Gardening Tips for Growing Healthy Plants

These container gardening tips will teach you how to plant a container. Don’t overlook these essential items when planting a container. I always plant my containers this way. It makes my plants grow healthy and strong, and brings their true beauty out.

Apply the design goals and principles for temporary or permanent plantings. Prepare properly before you design the permanent planting of a container. Decide what plants you are going to plant. Then find out what their soil and other requirements are.

One of my most important container gardening tips is to only use clean containers that are in perfect condition. Cracks are a breeding ground for disease. The container must also have drainage holes at the bottom. Place a layer of crocks or broken pots over the drainage holes.

Spread a layer of small stones approximately 2 to 4cm thick over the crocks. This ensures good drainage and prevents root rot.

Now place peat or leaf mould over the gravel (approximately 3 cm thick). This also assists in drainage and holds the compost in place.

Next, add your compost or potting soil. Fill the container to approximately 5 cm from the rim. Water the compost or soil, and let it drain for a couple of hours.

Water the plants that will be planted as well, and let them drain.

Transfer the plants into the container. Arrange them as per your design. Dig the holes and set the plants one at a time. After planting, firm the compost around the plant roots. This ensures that the roots are in proper contact with the new soil.

Mulch the whole surface of the soil. This is essential to lock the moisture in. After all this is done, water the container thoroughly with a fine rose sprayer. Don’t ever let your container dry out.

A few last essential container gardening tips

Make sure you use compost or potting soil specifically suited to the type of plants to be planted.

Plant the plants at the same height as in their previous pot. If you plant them too shallow, they may fall over and some hair roots may be exposed. If you set them too deep, they may suffocate.

Do your mulching with, gravel, bark pieces or stones. Here is an opportunity to add your personal taste. Decorate the soil with semiprecious stones, your favorite color marbles, etc. Use things that bring out the beauty of your container and the plants!

Check if your plants have become root bound. If roots start coming out of the drainage holes, replant them in a larger container. Imagine how your feet hurt when your shoes are too small!

You will now have happy plants! Take good care of them!

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