What to Fill a Large Pot with Before Planting

Whether you are looking to start a small herb garden or create an elaborate container garden, ensuring you have the right soil mix in your pots is essential. As such, choosing what to fill a large pot with before planting is a critical part of the process. This article will explore some of the best options for filling large pots and tips for ensuring the soil mix provides optimal growing conditions for your plants.

Option 1: Basic Potting Mix

A basic potting mix is an excellent choice for filling large pots before planting. Potting mixes generally contain a combination of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. The peat moss holds onto moisture, while the vermiculite and perlite help with drainage, making it the perfect soil mix for most plants.

However, it is essential to note that basic potting mix can be heavy, making it more difficult to lift and move your pots. Therefore, it may not be the best option if you plan on frequently moving your container gardens.

Option 2: Soil-Less Mixes

Soil-less mixes are another excellent choice for filling large pots before planting. These mixes are typically composed of peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, and various fertilizers. Soil-less mixes tend to be much lighter than traditional potting mix, making it easier to move your pots around.

When choosing a soil-less mix, consider getting one with added nutrients that will help support plant growth. However, keep in mind that the added fertilizers will only last for a predetermined amount of time. As such, you should plan to give your plants additional nutrients as needed throughout the growing season.

Option 3: Compost-Based Mixes

Compost-based mixes are another option to consider when filling large pots before planting. This kind of soil mix includes compost, peat moss, and vermiculite or perlite.

The compost in this mix provides valuable nutrients and helps encourage plant growth while the vermiculite or perlite helps with drainage. However, it is essential to note that the nutrient levels in a compost-based mix can vary. Therefore, it would be best to do a soil test before filling your pot to ensure that your plants receive the appropriate nutrients they need to thrive.

Tips for Filling Large Pots before Planting

Ensure that your pot has a drainage hole to avoid soil becoming waterlogged.

If you’re using a larger pot, consider adding a layer of gravel or broken pottery shards to the bottom. This will help with drainage and prevent water from sitting in the soil and causing root rot.

Consider mixing different soil mixes to create a more well-rounded potting soil mix. Mix soil-less mix with compost-based mix, for example.

Add organic fertilizers to your potting mix as necessary, and be mindful not to over-fertilize your plants. This can cause nutrient burn, which can harm or even kill your plants.

Apply a layer of mulch on top of your potting soil mix to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

In conclusion, it’s essential to choose the right soil mix when filling large pots before planting. The soil mix you select plays a crucial role in the success of your plants' growth. Basic potting mix, soil-less mixes, and compost-based mixes are all great options to consider when choosing soil mixes for your large pots. Ultimately, by following the above tips and selecting the right soil mix, you can help your plants grow strong and healthy in your container garden.