Repotting container plants

The most encouraging way to grow container plants is to start off in small containers and repot as the plants become root bound.

If you make your own compost, choose an area nearby to do the repotting.

Repotting indoors always makes more mess than you intend.

First choose a suitable container that's bigger than the existing one and isolate enough mature compost to nearly fill it. Then gently squeeze the sides of the existing plant, loosening the soil in the existing plant. Usually the plant will come out easily.

Careful not to disturb the roots too much, gently squeeze and release some of the old soil, making the root base more loose.

Place some mature compost in the bottom of the new container with a couple of small stones and place the plant on top of this. Gently support the plant so that the stem is not damaged. Then whilst supporting the plant fill up the container on all sides with mature compost. Finally add some loose mature compost to the base of the stems for a fresh covering.

Its best to water a plant before repotting to avoid stress and to avoid planting during the heat of the day. In the evening, is best and gives the plant the whole night to recover and settle in.

At the time of repotting you can also do necessary maintenance such as pinching back, taking cuttings, dividing the plant if necessary and removing old leaves and flowers.

Taking care to repot to a size just bigger than the last allows the plant to thrive without much disturbance and not feel dwarfed in a huge container before its ready for it.

Another reason for repotting occasionally is to provide fresh natural nutrients from mature compost instead of adding artificial fertilizers.

Yesterday I repotted a cherry-tomato plant as it was stuggling to grow with the constant strong wind outside. I put it in a bigger pot and brought it indoors, to the kitchen window. I also popped in a growing clove of garlic for a companion.