A friend new to gardening asked me for information about how to pot plants in containers. I thought that I would answer her here, so that you and others, could get some basic step-by-step info.
Summary: To get started, the main activity is – rounding up, or purchasing a container of your choosing; setting out the plants to plant, (single or multiple plants); having potting soil ready to go; having screen/pottery chard ready to go; having slow release fertilizer ready to go; having a mulch, like fine bark or pebbles, ready to go.
Step-by-Step: Potting Plants in Containers
Step 1. Locate where your outdoor container will live. This is most important for big pots that you don’t want to deal with the drudgery of moving them around. Options such as placing your container on a plant caddy with wheels, is useful if you need to move the pot around.
Step 2. Place a piece of screen or pottery chard(s) over the drainage hole(s). This will keep the potting soil from exiting the pot. If your container doesn’t have 1 or several drainage holes, you will want to drill one in. This can be done by using a 3/4 inch drill bit or larger. Screen can be bought at the hardware store. I recently purchased a foot of aluminum screen. Cut pieces to cover over drainage holes. If using chards of pottery, turn the chard so that it looks like a bridge when covering the hole. If you plan to put drip irrigation to the pot, you may want to put the tubing in the bottom through the drainage hole, leaving plenty of tubing stretched to the top of the pot for setting up water after planting is complete. You can put screen around as well. A hole at the bottom of the container is critical. It allows water in the soil to drain freely so adequate air is available for the roots.
Step 3. Fill the container with potting soil, till it’s about 3/4 of the way full. This is just a general thought, however. I do this if I am planting a large container with a 5 gallon plant or a 15 gallon plant. You will have to adjust the soil level and fill in around the plant(s) as needed, based upon different sized plants and pots.
Step 4. Remove your plant(s) from their pots. Open up the roots and position them as you wish in the pot. Make sure that you pat and firm the potting soil and adjust the level of your plants such that there is space at the top of the container. You want to leave at least an inch of space from the top of the pot, so that you have a reservoir to hold water. If you are planting a tree or shrub, you will want to water deeply. Having that reservoir is important – as is being able to give your plants a big drink in the heat of the summer.
Step 5. Backfill with potting soil all around your new plant(s). Firming the soil around the plants. You should have a level planting with at least 1″ space from the top. If you are going to add drip irrigation to the pot, you can now add your inline tubing or emitters, as you see fit.
Step 6. Use a slow release fertilizer, like Osmocote; especially if it is spring or summer when this product is most effective. It is temperature sensitive. Though most plants you buy from the nursery or mail order tend to have plenty of fertilizer in them to get your plants off to a start, I like to use a slow release fertilizer as a ‘peace of mind back up.’ A product like Osmocote, releases nutrients when you water. You won’t burn plants or risk over-fertilizing. Just follow the directions provided on the container.
Step 7. (optional) Add a top layer of bark mulch, pebbles or another. This can help reduce evaporation. Good in hot summer climates.
Step 8. Water your container thoroughly until you see water draining out the bottom of the pot.
Step 9. Add pot feet to elevate your pot. This will help protect your deck. It also provides aeration to the root zone and if you do put irrigation tubing through the drainage hole (why do so? it gives a cleaner look, less tubing to look at) this is essential to keep the tubing from crimping.
Osmocote – slow release fertilizer granules provide all three major nutrients (NPK) to your plants for up to four months. Just sprinkle some into your containers as directed and water in. Every time you water, more fertilizer will be released. Place a Plant Caddy under your planters to make them easy to move around. Made of durable nylon with steel wheels, the plant caddy holds up to 500 pounds. One wheel locks to keep your pots in place. If you don’t need to move your containers, Pot Feet or Pot Risers are recommended to protect your deck; also, to provide better drainage and air circulation.