Can I amend soil in containers?

Amending container soil can look a bit different than amending the soil in garden beds. Containers can be very limited in space and require drainage. I grow lots of herbs and vegetables in pots on my patio. Container plants typically thrive when provided with the right amendments for confined spaces.

Specialized amendments can significantly enhance the performance of your container. Worm castings provide dense nutrition without compacting. Coconut coir acts like a sponge, holding moisture between waterings. Perlite offers proper aeration to maintain healthy roots in your container. I try not to use heavy amendments, such as raw manure, that can harm roots. Selecting from the options listed will help maintain a balanced container mix.

On an annual basis, it is advisable to refresh the soil in your planting containers to maintain the continued fertility and productivity of your plants. I recommend replacing the top third of the old soil with a fresh amended mix every spring. When I refresh my soil, I also incorporate some slow-release nutrients, such as worm castings. I also do this when I repot my lemon tree annually. Regardless of your plants, they will thrive with ongoing replacement of the soil.

Conventional container amendment errors should be avoided. Never use garden soil because it compacts and does not drain well. Avoid using new manure because it can burn roots in a confined space. I learned this from my basil, which eventually turned yellow due to the aforementioned hot amendments. Utilizing the right materials will keep your container plants healthy.

This season, start small with one container experiment. First, fill a herb pot with coconut coir. Or add perlite to a flower container. I started with just one tomato pot. You'll feel more confident with every successful container.

Read the full article: 10 Essential Organic Soil Amendments