Gardening in Pots You are here: HomeHow toGardening in Pots Growing plants in containers is among the easiest way to grow plants. Containers are generally all shapes and sizes, as well as made from different materials. Clay pots are the most popular style of container because they are able to breathe, however, with the correct potting soil any container will breed successful plants. Good, loose, well-draining potting soil is the key to successful container gardening. Look for potting soils that have perlite and vermiculite added to their mix for more success. During the summer months, it is best to keep pots away from the hot afternoon sun. These plants have a tendency to burn because pots can reach up to 180 degrees! In the cooler months, it will be necessary to protect the pots from frost. Covering the pots with a frost blanket will work well. Planting Guide To plant in a container, fill it with good, well-draining potting soil to within an inch or two from the top. You can mix in a little bone meal and gypsum to prepare the soil a little better. Gypsum helps control salt burn and bone meal helps the root system of your plant develop while also aiding in the plant’s production of more flowers. When you are finished planting, water thoroughly with a root stimulator. A root stimulator with Vitamin B-1 will help prevent transplant shock while aiding in the establishment of the new plant. Watering and Fertilizing Watering regularly will help the soil remain moist. In the summer months, it may be necessary to water once or twice a day. Cacti and succulents need to dry out completely between watering. Overwatered plants will suffer root rot. It is easy to recognize this as the plant begins to wilt and the roots become mushy. All container plants need fertilization on a regular basis. These plants can be fertilized as often as every 2-4 weeks, depending on the type of fertilizer that is used. Liquid fertilizers need to be used more often than granular fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers lessen the chance of root burning. Root burning typically occurs when the granular fertilizers are not watered thoroughly into the pot. Plant and Container Selection We carry a large selection of pots. Remember that clay breathes better than plastic, but the right fertilizer can be used to reduce any risk. The size of your pot should depend on the size of the plant you are planting. It is best to pick a pot that is not more than 1 inch larger than the plant’s current container, this will enhance the establishment of your plant. More Posts How to Plant September 1, 2016 How to Stake a Tree March 16, 2016 How to Plant a Tree March 16, 2016 How to Care for Roses March 16, 2016 Rabbit Resistant Plants March 16, 2016 How to Install an Ocotillo Fence Panel March 16, 2016 Search Catalog Our catalog features almost 600 different plants. Click to find the information you need to select those adapted to your environment. Recommendations Recent Facebook Posts Give the Gift of Gardening! Is there someone special in your life who loves to watch things grow? Give them a gift that grows: a Civano Nursery Gift Card. Enter any amount (min $20): Contact info Address: 5301 S. Houghton Road Tucson, AZ 85747 Phone numbers: 520-546-9200 Business hours: Monday - Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Find us on: Facebook page opens in new window YouTube page opens in new window Pinterest page opens in new window Instagram page opens in new window Give us a “Like” on Facebook! Subscribe to our newsletter NO SPAM ZONE: You can unsubscribe at any time. We won't spam you. We are a local company: your privacy and comfort matter to us. Copyright © 2021 Civano Nursery Web design by Vanguard Web Design Tucson Home Services Products Gardening Blog About Civano