Tub & Basket Compost

Hanging baskets:

Line the basket well with moss or another liner, making sure that there are 4-5 holes for drainage. Starting with trailing plants inserted through holes in the liner, arrange the plants from the bottom upwards, filling the basket with compost as you go. Make holes big enough to hold the rootball and firm the compost around the roots of each plant. Upright plants should be planted in the middle of the basket, the tallest in the centre. Water the basket thoroughly to start with and then make sure it does not dry out.

Pots and containers:

Choose a pot or planter large enough to comfortably accommodate the plant roots. Check that there are sufficient drainage holes to prevent the plants becoming water logged. Partly fill the pot, place the plant in the pot ensuring that it sits no lower than it did in its previous container. Fill with compost, making sure there are no air pockets. Firm the surface lightly and water well. Ideally keep the plant in a shady position for a few days to establish itself. Water thoroughly and often, and never allow the compost to dry out.

Potting on:

As plants continue to grow, the pot they are in can become too small. Roots will grow horizontally around the inside of the pot as well as out through the drainage holes at the bottom. Once they have become established, most plants need to be re-potted every spring. Put an inch or two of compost in a fresh pot that is around 25% bigger than the old one.

Remove the plant from its old pot by turning it upside down and gently tapping the bottom. Put the plant in the new pot and add compost around the side of the root ball. Firm the compost with your fingertips, leaving room at the top of the pot for watering. Water the plant and allow it to drain.