How to Grow Healthy Potted Plants

The advantages of growing plants in containers are many. If you have poor garden soil, growing in pots allows you to provide the perfect growing medium. Or maybe you live in an apartment where there is no soil at all, only a small patio or balcony to garden on, if that. Then gardening in containers is the perfect solution, indoors or out. Potted plants are also mobile - easy to move to center stage on a front porch or patio when they are in their prime. Or you can easily transport them to a protected location if foul weather threatens. And last but not least, a beautiful plant matched with just the right container takes a unique character all its own, more a piece of art than just a plant growing in the ground.

Whatever your reason for growing plants in containers, here are some tips for keeping them healthy and happy.

Match plant and container. Just about any plant can be grown in containers, from flowering annuals to small trees. Of course, the bigger the plant is, the bigger the pot needs to be, but try to keep the two in proportion. A small plant in a big pot looks just as funny a huge plant in a small pot. Not to mention that a large plant in a small pot is almost impossible to keep healthy. As plants grow, transplant them into gradually larger pots (in mild winter areas fall is the ideal time to transplant). Containers come in a myriad of styles and materials so you'll have plenty to choose from. Just make sure they have drainage holes in the bottom. Otherwise, roots will drown.

Use a quality potting soil. Packaged potting soils have just the right balance of aeration and moisture-holding capacity for ideal root growth. Don't use garden soil, it rarely drains properly and is very heavy. For improved moisture control, insect protection and timed-released fertilizer, plant in Bayer Advanced™ Multi-Purpose Potting Mix Potting Mix (product discontinued).

Water frequently. Plants growing in containers dry out faster than those growing in the ground, so they need more frequent watering. Stick your finger in the top few inches of soil to check if it is dry. A dry pot will also feel lighter when picked up or tilted on its side.

Fertilize often. The frequent watering required by potted plants leaches nutrients out of the soil, particularly nitrogen. So fertilize often to compensate, at least twice a month. Water soluble or liquid fertilizers are easy to use.

Protect plants from pests. Many insect pests can quickly get out hand on fast growing container plants. Examine plants often and use Bayer Advanced Garden Insect Control Products when necessary. Or use Bayer Advanced™ Multi-Purpose Potting Mix Potting Mix (product discontinued), which provides insect and moisture control as well as timed-release fertilizer.