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Container
Preparation -
A
checklist for preparing your container for planting
Here are some
simple steps to prepare your container so that your plant feels
comfortable in its new home.
- Drainage
Check: If you don't feel like there are adequate drain holes (at
least a 1/2 inch diameter hole for each gallon of soil), make
more.
- Cleaning:
Used pots and pots used for other purposes can harbor germs that
can harm your plants. Get a wire brush (or a hardy sponge), a
little bleach, and clean `em. Rinse well and rinse again.
- Pre-soaking
(clay pots): New clay pots need to be soaked for 20 minutes, or
else they'll suck all the water out of your soil when you plant
them.
- Cover the
drainage holes: Your objective is to let the water drain out but
keep the soil in. Traditionally, people used broken china, pot
pieces or gravel. These work okay, but they add weight and bugs
can live in them. The best way to cover the holes is a little
piece of screen, or a coffee filter.
- Pick your
location: See our care
pages for nurturing ideas which will keep your plant happy.
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