Preparing Your Pots for Planting

All pots, large and small, need some preparation. Plants will live longer and look better if their pots are prepared well. Also consider the weight of your containers to avoid back-breaking lifting after planting.

Font
  • A
  • A
  • A

E-mail This Page to Your Friends

x

All fields are required.

Separate multiple e-mail addresses with a comma; Maximum 20 email addresses.

Refresh

Sending E-mail

Sending E-mail

Or Do Not E-mail

Success!

A link to %this page% was e-mailed

+ Enlarge Photo
Shrink Photo
Broken Terra Cotta at Base of Flower Pots
Featured Products in This Gallery

DK - Simple Steps to Success: Containers for Patios © 2007 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Stop the Rot

To help water drain freely, place broken terra-cotta pots (crocks), polystyrene chips, or large pebbles in the base of the pot. Alternatively, use a layer of fine mesh with gravel on top. This prevents drainage holes from becoming blocked and soil from being flushed out.

Advertisement
Loading...

Please forgive us, this gallery is really popular.

We sent a note to our support staff about the glitch you just experienced. Please click the button below to reload your content.

We Recommend...

Choosing Materials for Your Garden Containers

Choosing Materials for Your Garden Containers

Containers come in a wide range of materials, from metal to ceramic to wood, but the right choice depends on three key factors:...

Caring for Your Garden Containers

Caring for Your Garden Containers

All containers need thorough washing every so often to make sure they are clean and pest-free—but wood, metal and stone...

Choosing Containers for Your Garden

Choosing Containers for Your Garden

Before buying containers, work out what sizes you'll need, how they'll look, what plants you want to grow and how much time you...

Recently Added Designer Outdoor Spaces

Browse new outdoor spaces from top designers.

See More Designer Outdoor Spaces

HGTV Outdoors Newsletter

Find out how to make the most of patios, decks and all your outdoor areas, plus tips from master gardeners for beautiful flower beds and bountiful vegetable gardens.

    Shop Outdoor Products

    Shop outdoor products from fire pits to outdoor furniture, planters and more

    Shop Outdoor Products