How to pot up plants

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Wednesday, 24 April 2019 at 3:00 pm

Find out how to pot up plants, in our step-by-step guide.

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Repotting gives the plant a proportion of fresh compost to root into and this will provide water and nutrients to promote new growth. As a rule, choose a pot that is just a little larger than the one it was growing in before. Choose a container with holes in the base that is larger than the one in which the plant is growing, or one that is large enough to accommodate the roots.

You Will Need

Flowerpot
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
Watering can
Plants

Step 1

Step 2

Add compost to the bottom of the container, using the plant in its existing pot as a guide to the depth to add, ensuring that the top of the root ball ends up just slightly below the rim of the new pot.

Step 3

How to pot up plants - removing the plant from its existing pot

Knock the plant from its pot and gently tease the roots apart to encourage them to root into the fresh compost. Use your fingers to lightly firm the compost in the base of the new pot and set the plant in position.

Step 4

How to pot up plants - filling in around the rootball

Fill the gap between the rootball and the sides of the new pot with more compost, adding it in layers and pushing it down with your fingers. Continue until level with the top of the rootball. Water thoroughly using a watering can or hosepipe.

Keep newly potted plants well watered, particularly during hot weather.