The modern trend of container gardening is on the rise among homeowners, renters, landscapers and corporate designers. If you want to get in on the craze and put together your own planter display, there are a few things you’ll need to do before planting. Check out our step-by-step guide to prepare your plants and containers for planting.
Step 1: Clean the Interior
It’s always a good idea to clean the inside of your plant container before planting in order to ensure it is free of chemicals, dust, etc. This step is especially important if you are reusing a pot or if it has been in storage. All you have to do is wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and a bit of soapy water.
Step 2: Drill Drainage Holes (If Necessary)
Proper drainage is crucial if you want healthy outdoor plants. While some planting containers and pots are already equipped with drainage holes, some aren’t. If your plant pots don’t have drainage holes, you may want to look at drilling a few yourself. Depending on the material that the pot it made out of, it should be rather easy to drill or puncture holes in the bottom of it.
Step 3: Apply a Liner
If you use one of our extra tough fiberglass planters for your planting needs, you don’t necessarily need to insert a liner before inserting your plants. Although, if you will be using them as outdoor planters in conditions that can reach freezing temperatures, you may want to consider lining the pots with a protective fabric liner, plastic liner or coco liner.
Step 4: Fill Your Pot
In order to improve drainage, you should fill the bottom of your pot with something that provides a little elevation. Foam beads, foam blocks, lava rock and weed cloth are commonly used as plant container fillers.
Step 5: Pour In Soil
Next, pour in your soil. Make sure you choose the right kind of soil for the type of plant, shrub, tree or herb you will be planting. Sandy soil is typically only used to plant drought-resistant plants since it can dry quickly, mulch delivers nutrients and potting soil is an all around great choice for general gardening. Top soil is not recommended.
Step 6: Blend in Fertilizer
Some soils are already fertilized but some aren’t. If your soil is not fertilized, it’s recommended you blend a bit of it by hand before planting. Contrary to popular belief, there are many organic fertilizers that pose no harm to you, your pets or children who play in the yard.
Step 7: Plant Seeds, Seedlings, or Foliage
Now that your garden containers are ready, you can plant your seeds, seedlings or cuttings. If you’ll be transplanting, keep in mind that you’ll need to introduce the roots at the appropriate depth for the type of plant.
Whether you are wanting to make your own portable herb garden, flower garden or veggie garden, container gardening is definitely the way to go. We have just the products you need to get started. Follow the steps above to get your pots ready for planting!
