Container Maintenance Installation Steps in planting containers are relatively easy. Make sure the container is clean before planting, and soak clay pots in water for a few minutes before planting. Place a small stone, shard of pottery, or coffee filter paper over the pot' s drainage hole to keep the potting mix in. Prepare your potting mix by adding amendments as desired, hydrogels, and slow-release fertilizers. Fill the container with this mix.
Planting is then easy.
Install plants just as you would plant in the ground. Water the container thoroughly after planting. Planting and watering should cause the media level to drop to one-half inch below the rim. Maintenance Once planted, watering will be your most frequent maintenance chore, especially if you are growing plants in clay containers. On hot, sunny days small containers may need watering twice.