How to Replant a Container Garden

Does your container garden need a little TLC?  Here is how to replant a container garden.

There are two ways to freshen up your pots.

The first is a total refresh.  In this case, all of the plants have died or need to be removed.

1.  Remove mulch and set aside. Dump all of the soil into a bucket (or the top half of the soil if the pot is large.)
2.  Estimate the diameter of the pot. Mix in 1 TBSP of worm casters per 6″ diameter (a 12″ diameter pot will require 2 TBSP.)
3.  If the soil has become hard and compact, add a handful of vermiculite and pumice.  Vermiculite holds water.  Pumice improves drainage.  Be careful not to breathe the dust from these products as it can be irritating.
4. We the soil thoroughly until it can’t hold any more moisture.
5. Return the soil to the pot.
6. Create a planting hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the transplant root ball (or smooth the surface of the soil if you are planting seeds.)
7. Place the transplant in the hole, making sure that the root ball makes good contact with the soil.  Fill in empty spaces with soil. Press gently to ensure that there are no air pockets at that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
8. Cover the surface of the soil with 1 inch of mulch and water in.

The second method is a partial refresh.  In this case, some plants are still alive in the pot and you want to plant around them.

1. Remove mulch. Cut off dead plant matter or pull it out gently.  Be careful not to uproot the plants that will stay in the pot.
2. Trim back the tops of the living plants.  This compensates for minor root damage that will occur as you replant.
3. Add worm castings to the top of the soil and gently rough them in with your fingertips.
4. Plant seeds or carefully make planting holes for transplants.
5. Place the transplant in the hole, making sure that the root ball makes good contact with the soil.  Fill in empty spaces with soil. Press gently to ensure that there are no air pockets at that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
6. Cover the surface of the soil with 1 inch of mulch and water in.

Now that you know how to replant a container garden, refresh your pots once annually or whenever they need it!

Learn more about container gardening here.

Grow Great!

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