Container garden maintenance

Water well and less frequently

• Plants need water but plant roots also need oxygen. When plants are watered thoroughly the water draws in air which aerates the soil. It is therefore better to water well and less frequently than little and often.
• Water the plants in the morning or evening when evaporation is low. Watering the plants during a hot summer day can cause sunburn on foliage and shock the plant roots with cold water.
• Use rainwater when possible.

Break up the soil

• Use a hand fork to break up the soil surface regularly. This will help to keep the soil well-aerated. Take care so as not to damage shallow roots (e.g. Bay trees).
• A topping of bark mulch, clay pebbles (hydroleca) or stone pebbles will also help keep the soil structure open, retain moisture and insulate against cold or heat.

Feeding

• When you buy ready planted from Terrace Gardener there is no need to feed the plants during the first months since the compost mixture is full of nutrients.
• Only feed the plants during the growing season (April-September) and follow the guidelines for each plant. When possible use organic fertilisers. If adding artificial fertilisers keep the concentration low and feed regularly. To much fertiliser can harm the plant.

Repotting

• Most plants need repotting after a few years or when the root system has become too big for the pot (there are some plants that actually like being slightly pot pound).
• Choose a pot that is next size up. A too big pot can harm the plant.
• If the plant is stuck in the pot give it a good watering and it will be easier to loosen.
• Untangle the roots. Up to one third of the roots can be cut off. Trim the plant foliage in relative proportion to the cutting of the roots.
• Make sure there are drainage holes at the base of the pot. Without drainage holes the soil gets waterlogged.
• Add drainage material such as crocks, hydroleca or gravel and then some new compost.
• Place the plant in the pot and fill up with new compost.
• Add a topping of bark mulch, clay pebbles (hydroleca) or stone pebbles.
• Water thoroughly and let the plant re-establish itself sheltered from drying winds and hot sunshine.

Protect your patio plants from hard frost

• Move less frost hardy plants to an unheated frost free storage, a shed, conservatory or indoors (but never into a warm room) during cold weather conditions. Alternatively, wrap them up with horticultural fleece, bubble wrap or sacking to protect from hard frost.
• Plants will tolerate less frost if it's windy. Move them to a sheltered position close to a house or along a wall.
• Cold damp soil together with frost is a very bad combination for some plants such as Palm trees. Protect the pot or plant from excess rain or snow.
• Read the care tips for each plant.