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How to refresh compost in pots

• BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Monday, 29 March 2021 at 8:00 am

Container-grown trees and shrubs benefit from a fresh supply of compost every year or so – we show you how to do it.

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If you're growing a tree or shrub in a large container, you should replenish the compost every year or two. The ideal time to do this is between February and May.

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Doing so will improve the compost structure and provide a fresh supply of nutrients, which can be lost quickly in pots and containers.

If you want to grow more plants in pots and containers, but aren't sure what to grow, have a look at our top 10 plants for containers. For our pick of the best composts, take a look at 10 of the best peat free composts.

If you'd like to help with making your own compost, check out our tests of the best compost bins, or watch Monty's video guide.

Discover how to refresh compost in pots, below.

You Will Need

• Hand fork
• Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
• Gravel or pebbles

Step 1

Gently loosen the compost from among the surface roots with a hand fork, working right out to the edge of the pot. Then remove as much old compost as possible.

Step 2

Top it back up with a 50:50 mix of loam-based potting compost and organic-based multi-purpose compost. Firm down as you go and avoid air pockets among the roots.

• Buy compost from Homebase, Suttons, Wickes and B&Q

Step 3

Water in thoroughly, then add a thick layer of gravel or pebbles on top. This weighs down the fresh compost, deters weeds, and holds moisture around the roots.

• Buy potting grit from Homebase, B&Q, and Amazon

Trees and shrubs to grow in containers

• Japanese maples

• Olive

• Citrus

• Bay

• Box

• Blueberries

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• Figs
• Skimmia
• Hebe

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