I think I'm doing it wrong!

Dear All,

Hello, I am new to this forum, and indeed to gardening.

I have bought a number of small plants and have bought them on a bit indoors and am now ready to plant into my big terracotta pots, and other assorted containers.

I apologise now if this sounds daft but they never look right when I do this! I prepare my multi purpose compost by turning it over in a big bucket to remove lumps, putting into the pots, tapping the pot to let it sink down into place and then watering. I then leave it for a bit and then make a hole for my plants and drop them in.

Some have been reasonably successful but the surface of the compost always looks a bit muddy, flat and hard and I'm not sure this gives the plants the best chance. Some died last year.

Am I doing something wrong??

Many Thanks

Rich

 

It's not a daft question Rich and you seem to be doing just about everything right. The one thing I'd suggest is that by watering well BEFORE you plant you are compacting the compost too much and when you make holes and plant, the roots are not getting the chance to spread and get surrounded by compost. I try to ensure that my potting compost is damp but not wet, gently compact it in the containers, then make holes and after planting give a good watering to ensure the compost settles around the roots.

The fact that the surface is looking 'muddy' suggests to me that you are possibly over watering.

 

I also find that a very fine 'rose' on the watering can helps when watering potting compost.

 

I like to add about one part of sharp sand to two parts of compost for all my potting needs. The sharp sand helps drainage, as pure compost can get pretty soggy.

 

Thanks folks, I've tried both of the above and they're looking much much better.