The One Important Step You Should Never Skip When Potting Plants

Keeping plants healthy and vibrant in the extreme summertime heat can be a daunting task, especially when breezy spring turns to stifling summer in the sunny South. But most who garden or enjoy plants want to ensure that their plants, whether indoor or outdoor, stay hydrated and healthy. No one wants to lose a beloved plant or vegetable, especially if there are simple steps you can take to set the plant up for having a successful growing life. Granted, there are some drought-tolerant plants that fare better than others in the heat of summer, but there are also some easy steps to take that can help most potted plants stay healthy. In fact, there is one specific step that inspires health in a plant, and it’s one step you don’t want to skip when potting your plants. 

Use Fresh Soil

When transplanting a plant into a container, it’s an opportune time to upgrade the potting soil. Yes, it seems simple, and the older soil might look fine, but It’s even more important to do so if it’s been a while since the potting soil was refreshed. “Fresh potting soil allows a potted plant to thrive for several reasons,” says Jason Powell, co-owner of Petals from the Past Nursery located in Jemison, Alabama. Here’s why it’s an important yet easy step to take when potting plants. 

New Soil Retains Moisture

Using fresh soil when transplanting allows for the roots of the plant to intake more water and nutrients. “The newer soil has a better water holding capacity, a better ability to retain nutrients, and in some cases a starter fertilizer to kick everything into gear,” says Powell. If the soil is older and more depleted of nutrients, then these benefits are reduced with the natural aging process of the soil, he explains. So, just by replacing the soil, you are automatically ensuring a better start for the plant. Although it might take a little extra time in the beginning, a healthy plant from the beginning is worth the effort. 

When To Replace The Soil

It might be an easy step to miss when planting time begins, but let this sign be your reminder. Take notice of the level of the soil in each of your pots. “Because the soils are composed of organic matter that naturally breaks down (shrinks) anytime the soil level drops by a couple of inches, it is a good time to change out,” he explains. If the soil level is considerably lower, this is your clue that it’s time to invest in fresh soil. 

Mix The Old With The New

Replacing potting soil can sometimes be costly and time-consuming, but a simple, economical potting soil from your local landscaper supply store will do just fine for replacing the soil or replenishing some of the lost soil. If you’re not replacing all the soil in a pot, a simple way to stretch the fresh potting soil you do have is to mix new soil in with the old. “Make sure the new soil is over half of the volume needed for best results,” Powell suggests. 

Reuse Old Soil

Don’t just throw the old soil into the trash. There is a simple way to reuse that used soil. Powell offers a savvy tip for the potting soil you are taking out of the pot that you no longer need. “If you are changing out the soil completely and have leftover old soil, put it in your flower beds to add compost to those beds,” he explains. 

More Steps For Healthier Plants

There are other best practices you can implement to ensure healthier plants. Loosening the roots on a root-bound plant is beneficial to the plant when transplanting. Mixing a slow-release fertilizer into the soil mix definitely helps to encourage the healthy growth of the plant. Last, watering is of utmost importance, too, when it comes to newly potted plants. “Maintain consistent moisture in the pots so they are not too wet or bone dry, and once per week, water with a water-soluble fertilizer,” explains Powell. Although watering may seem like an obvious task when it comes to potted plants, consistency is key. Avoid allowing the plant to become too dry or stay too wet.