How to Pot a Plant

01/14/25

7-8 Minutes Read

When to Sow: Autumn and Spring

Written By Johnsons Team

Broaden your gardening horizons and explore the stunning possibilities that can come with growing potted plants in your garden. Your garden’s vibrance doesn’t have to end when your beds are full - with potted plants; you can make sure that every last inch of your outside space is coated in dazzling colour. Here at Johnsons, we are proud to supply a premium range of pot and container plants. With strong and established root systems, our range of 9cm and 2lt potted perennial and shrub plants are ready to be planted straight out into the garden or larger pots. Not only is planting our potted plants more straightforward than sowing seeds or plug plants, but it also means that you can enjoy your beautiful flowers for longer. However, if you’re unfamiliar with how to pot a plant, we’ve got all the information you need here at Johnsons.

Choosing Your Pot

Now, design matters, of course, but even more important is the size of your pot. Potting your flower plant is all about offering it the chance to extend its roots and encourage new growth. For this reason, we’d recommend investing in a pot that is larger than the one your plant will arrive in. Your chosen pot should have drainage holes so that the plant doesn’t become waterlogged.

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Preparing Your Pot

Before you get to planting, start by partially covering any large drainage holes at the bottom of your pot. Placing a few crocks or stones at the bottom can prevent compost needlessly falling through. Next, add compost to your pot so that the root ball will sit just below the rim. We recommend mixing three parts multi-purpose compost with 1 part perlite or horticultural grit to improve drainage. You can also add slow-release fertiliser to ensure your plants are well-fed through the season.

3 x 9cm potted plant Cosmos atrosanguineus Chocamocha

How to Pot a Plant

Gently remove your plant from its old container and tease its rootball before planting it in your larger pot. Be sure to fill in any gaps around your plant and gently firm it down into its new home. Be sure to consider the position of your plant, ensuring that its best side will be on display wherever you place it in your garden.

After planting, it’s important to water your plants and soak the compost to create the best environment for growth until they’re fully established. If you’re planting during a hotter season, you’re going to want to water fairly often, checking that the compost is kept nice and moist.

For optimum flowering, apply a liquid feed occasionally throughout the season. Slugs and snails are a major threat to the young growth of many plants, so take the appropriate precautions to protect them. Encouraging natural predators into your garden, such as birds and hedgehogs, is the most eco-friendly method to tackling this gardening dilemma.

Shop Potted Plants at Johnsons

Now that you’re more familiar with how to pot a plant, it’s time to invite more colour and vibrance into your outside space. Take a look at our stunning selection of potted young plants today and start planning your potted displays. Whether you’re livening up the patio or your decking, there are endless growing possibilities to be explored with our premium potted plants.

Why not take a look at our garden essentials to help you out along the way and create the most breathtaking displays possible?