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Overview
Repotting gives the plant a proportion of fresh compost to root into and this will provide water and nutrients to promote new growth. As a rule, choose a pot that is just a little larger than the one it was growing in before. Choose a container with holes in the base that is larger than the one in which the plant is growing, or one that is large enough to accommodate the roots.
Do it:
February - June
Takes just:
20 minutes
How to do it
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Thoroughly soak the roots of the plant to be repotted by placing it in a bucket of water. Cover the drainage holes at the base of the new container with pieces of broken clay pot to maintain good drainage. -
Add a 2cm - 3cm layer of pebbles or gravel to the base of the pot to allow for good drainage. This is particularly important for permanently-planted containers in the garden. This also helps to stabilise lightweight containers. -
Add compost to the bottom of the container, using the plant in its existing pot as a guide to the depth to add, ensuring that the top of the root ball ends up just slightly below the rim of the new pot. -
Knock the plant from its pot and gently tease the roots apart to encourage them to root into the fresh compost. Use your fingers to lightly firm the compost in the base of the new pot and set the plant in position. -
Fill the gap between the rootball and the sides of the new pot with more compost, adding it in layers and pushing it down with your fingers. Continue until level with the top of the rootball. Water thoroughly using a watering can or hosepipe.
"For permanent outdoor planting, choose a loam-based, John Innes compost that will maintain a good structure for more than a single season if necessary."
"If the plant has become pot bound, you may need to cut through the roots with a knife or secateurs to promote fibrous growth."
"Keep newly potted plants well watered, particularly during hot weather."
