A GARDENING GUIDE FOR HOME AND TERRACE

<==                                                  REPOTTING                                                      ==>

WHEN TO REPOT:

It is common practice to repot new plants since they are not usually purchased in properly sized containers with adequate drainage.

For older plants, check if they have outgrown their pot, particularly if signs like leaves yellowing and wilting appear. If plant looks sickly, repot; if that doesn't do it, discard.

Repotting is best done in late spring unless there is an evident problem that requires a quick fix. Plants are likely to be pot-bound after about two years. It is time to repot if soil is drying out quickly or if roots are growing out of bottom drainage holes.

There are exceptions. Some plants like to be pot-bound and will bloom more. See instructions for plant.

HOW TO REPOT:

If you are repotting and want a larger plant, go up one size pot or two at most. If you want to re-use the same pot, see information on cleaning pots.

Prepare the new pot: Cover drainage holes with a loose layer of crocks (broken bits of old clay pots), cover with a thin layer of gravel, vermiculite, or perlite before adding new soil to the pot. This will sufficiently block the hole so soil won’t run out when watering, provide good drainage, and if watering from the saucer below (like for African violets), it will allow for wicking upwards.

To remove a plant from its pot, hold fingers over soil, turn pot on its side, tap around edge (or use a clean knife if stuck) and gently pull plant out with roots intact. Carefully Untangle the roots so they spread outward - not spiraling inward as they’d be if root-bound. Prune off any dead roots and if the plant was root bound, prune up to one third of the live roots. Place plant in the prepared pot to the depth where the roots start. Slide plant soil out into prepared new pot, then add soil around the empty edges up to just below the top of the pot. Tamp down soil to settle plant in new pot. Water and drain well.

Repotting gives you an opportunity, to progagate the plant

We will update this section as information is developed. If you would like to participate in a Gardening committee, or if you would like to pass along information, please contact us.