Home > Projects >

How to Maintain a container plant

You will need: Compost, Hand fork, Gravel

Unlike plants growing in the borders, which can send out new roots in search of food or water, those in containers are completely dependent on you for all their needs. Along with checking regularly through the season for watering and attack by pests or disease, annual maintenance is important if they are to grow well and remain healthy.

Best time to do it:

Step 1

Weeds in the pot compete with the plant for water and nutrients. It may be necessary to remove the top 2cm of compost to make sure you get rid of both weeds and seeds.

Step 2

Replacing the lost layer with fresh, sterile compost helps reduce the weed problem and, if the compost contains fertiliser, feeds the plant too.

Step 3

If there is no food in the compost, you can add controlled-release fertiliser to last through the season. This only works properly if it is dark and moist, so fork it gently into the upper level of compost.

Step 4

For a long-term planting, mulching the surface with gravel, slate chips or bark will suppress weeds and conserve moisture. This will need washing or replacing when you repot the plant.

Related FAQs

Ask a gardening question:

Latest Gardening News

Future of Original Bramley Apple Tree in Jeopardy

A winter garden of delights at Blenheim Palace

How everyday people are creating their own woodlands from scratch

Is it too cold to grow citrus in North Yorkshire?

Gardening Projects for February

---

How to: Maintenance Pruning

How to Force Lily-of-the-Valley

How to Chit Potatoes

How to Prune

Latest Gardening Videos

---

Weed Control Using Mulch

How can I get rid of a red ant nest in my lawn?

How to Grow Orchids

Potting Cacti

When and how should I prune a jostaberry?

Moving House and Taking the Garden with You | Garden Ideas | Val Bradley

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

RHS Harlow Carr
Harrogate, United Kingdom

Vallarta Botanical Garden
Vallarta, Mexico

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Pamplemousses, Mauritius

Gardens of Versailles
Versailles, France

Humble Administrator's Garden
Suzhou, China

Nongnooch Tropical Garden
Pattaya, Thailand