Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned container gardener, there are several tips you can follow to get the most out of your containers. These tips include keeping pests away, watering frequently, and adding pot shards or gravel to the bottom of the container to keep the soil from clogging up.

Make sure there’s a drainage hole in the bottom of a container

Adding a drainage hole in the bottom of a container gardening pot is important for the health of your plants. The roots of sensitive plants can get rot if they don’t have a way to drain out the moisture. A drainage hole also allows air to flow through the soil, which is good for aerating the roots.

There are a few ways to add a drainage hole to a container. The easiest method is to drill a hole into the container. You can use a power drill to do this.

Before drilling, make sure you wear protective gloves and an eye mask. The dust from the drill can be harmful. The holes should be 1/4 inch or a little larger. If the holes are too small, the soil could get clogged. It might also fall out if you move the pot.

If you are using a ceramic pot, you will need to use a masonry drill bit. If you are using a plastic container, you can either drill a hole into the bottom or place a plastic lid over the hole.

Add pot shards or gravel to prevent soil from clogging the hole

Adding pot shards or gravel to the bottom of your plant pots will help improve the drainage. Alternatively, you can use a piece of landscape cloth. Or, you could even use an old plastic fly screen. Whatever you choose, it should be a water-resistive straining material.

One of the best ways to improve soil drainage in pots is to add activated charcoal. Using this substance will not only enhance the potting medium’s drainage, but it will also improve the potting medium’s moisture content.

Another option is to use a coffee filter. This will not only improve the drainage of your pots, it will also increase the longevity of the pots. And, you can even place a piece of cheesecloth over it. In addition, you can also use a broken terra cotta pot as a drainage cover.

While these techniques are certainly not the only way to improve the drainage of your plant pots, they can be a good start.

Water your container garden regularly

Whether you are just starting a container garden or you have already established it, the most important thing you can do is water it regularly. Keeping your plants well watered will ensure that they are healthy and happy. It is also important to check the moisture of the soil regularly to avoid overwatering.

Often times, the quality of the soil will determine how much water you need to give your container garden. Some plants like the soil to be moist and others prefer dry soil. You can use a moisture gauge to help measure the moisture level of the soil. You can insert the probe into the soil and wait for the reading.

If you do not have a moisture meter, you can simply use your finger to test the moisture of the soil. If the soil lifts easily, it is dry. You will need to water your container garden more frequently if the soil is dry.

Keep pests at bay

Keeping pests at bay when container gardening involves making sure your plants are healthy, clean, and properly watered. It also means checking your plants thoroughly for damaged parts. Use a magnifying lens if needed.

If your garden is plagued with aphids, look for an area that is becoming distorted. If you find one, cut off the stem to crush the aphids. It is important to note that some natural predators, such as ladybug larvae, can help keep the aphid population in check.

If you find that aphids are a problem in your garden, you can use an insecticidal soap to kill them. Make sure you buy an insecticide that is safe to use on plants. The label will detail the safe and proper application method.

You can also apply vegetable oil to the leaves of your plants to act as an insecticide. You can mix it with mild soap and water, or use a hose to spray it on the leaves. The vegetable oil will coat the insect’s body and hinder their movement. It is best to do this in the morning or in the evening.