Water and feed container plants

When to do it

Check regularly during active growth, especially in hot or windy conditions.

What you need

• Watering can
• Potting-mix label
• Suitable fertiliser if required

How to do it

1. Feel below the surface and compare pot weight where safe. A dry surface does not prove the root ball is dry.
2. When needed, water slowly across the mix until the root ball is moistened. Check that water is not simply running down the gap around a shrunken root ball.
3. Allow surplus to drain. Empty saucers for plants needing free drainage; follow reservoir instructions for a purpose-built self-watering pot.
4. Read whether the mix already includes fertiliser and how long it is expected to last. Add a suitable feed only at the labelled rate and interval.
5. Record feeding and inspect growth. Reassess watering after rain, season changes or repotting; pale leaves may need diagnosis rather than extra feed.

What success looks like

• The root ball is moist as appropriate and drains after watering.
• Growth continues without a build-up of fertiliser crust.

Watch out for

• Using a fixed daily volume for every pot.
• Doubling up liquid and controlled-release fertiliser.

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