How to plant outdoor containers

Your easy five-step guide to planting outdoor containers. Follow these steps if you are planting seedlings or ready-grown seedlings or young plants.

How to plant outdoor containers

Step 1
Choose containers that are between 20-45cm in diameter and have drainage holes in the base. There are sure to be lots to choose from at your local garden centre or even supermarket. Plastic containers may be cheaper than most, while frost-proof terracotta looks great, but the soil in these pots tends to dry out quicker. This can be remedied by lining the container with plastic (pierced at the base). You can also recycle wooden crates or metal buckets to use as pots.
Step 2
For growing, either use soil-based John Innes 2 compost or a multi-purpose compost, and arrange in a sunny spot.
Step 3
Some containers have a single drainage hole – cover with a piece of broken terracotta pot to prevent the compost falling out, and pack in gently with your fingertips. Level the top, leaving a 2cm gap at the top.
Step 4
Scoop out the compost to leave a hole slightly bigger than the rootball of your plant and place in the hole. Re-fill with compost and press down firmly.
Step 5
Water well.

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