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Planters Paradise: Tips and Advice for Planting Up Metal Garden Planters and Indoor Planters and Caring for Container Plants.
Preparation
One of the joys of using metal planters is that they don't require any preparation prior to planting up and you're ready to get started right away. If you've used the planter previously just give it a good brushing around the inside to remove old soil and dirt.
Refreshment time!
Before you begin, it's a good idea to make sure that your chosen plants are well watered in their original pot. They need to be left to drain so they're not too messy when it comes to handling them.
Location, location, location
Don't fill your planter and then try to move it because you're likely to do some damage (either to the planter or, more importantly, to yourself!) If your container doesn't have feet, at this stage you'll need to find some extra blocks for raising it off the floor. Some of our planters from Planters Paradise are designed with small feet, so it's not necessary to add any extra height, but many will need a little lift, and you can usually find suitable 'feet' at your local garden centre.
Forward-planning
Decide how you want to use your metal planter. You can put the compost and plant directly into the planter (this is a good option if you're putting in a long term plant such as a tree, and you're unlikely to move the plant), or you can place a previously planted container inside your metal planter (the advantage of this being that you can ring the changes and swap plants whenever you like). If I'm putting the compost and plant straight into the metal planter, and I'm planting something thirsty like a fast-growing tree, I line the bottom of the planter with a plastic bag to help the compost retain moisture (don't forget to thoroughly perforate the plastic first to allow free drainage).
Break some pottery
Drainage holes are essential in all planters to prevent the soil becoming waterlogged, but the downside is that they can allow soil to escape onto the ground beneath during watering. To prevent this, line the bottom of your planter with a thin layer of crocks (old pieces of pottery or broken tiles), and/or small stones and gravel. If you're planting a large, thirsty tree or shrub, you might like to add a peat layer to the planter at this stage, but it's not essential.
Compost
Choose an appropriate compost for your plant. I usually use a store-bought type, but you can mix your own soil if you feel so inclined (just be sure to use the right mix of ingredients in the correct proportions). If you want to grow lime-hating plants, such as azaleas and heathers, it's crucial to use a lime-free (ericaceous) compost. I'm a fan of water-holding granules, which I incorporate into the compost before filling the planter. Do follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and don't be tempted to go overboard with quantities, or your planter will end up like jelly (I'm speaking from experience). Add the compost to the planter in layers, pressing down gently as you go along to compress the soil. I usually add some slow-release plant fertilizer to the soil in the top half of the planter to feed the plant as it takes root. Fill the planter until the soil is about 1" below the rim.
Get planting
Make holes in the compost to house the plant(s) you've chosen. Firm each plant into place by pressing down around the stem with your fingers, taking care not to damage the plants. Once planting is complete, level off the top surface and give the planter a thorough soaking using a fine spray or rose attachment. After a break, water again thoroughly, until a little water drains from the bottom (the water granules need a good soak to allow them to absorb water and swell). You might like to finish off by applying top dressing or moisture barrier, such as bark.
Maintenance
Check the planter regularly to see whether the plant needs water. For the majority of plants, the soil should be moist during the growing and flowering seasons. If the soil is dry or crumbling away from the edge of the planter, you definitely need to do some watering.
Enjoy your efforts, good luck and happy planting!
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