Spring is a very busy time for most garden owners, digging, planting and sowing. Potted plants also need attention at this time of year if they are to grow well and bloom profusely later in the year.
How do I care for potted plants in spring?
In spring, potted plants should be inspected for pests and diseases, pruned, possibly repotted and provided with long-term fertilizer. Buy sensitive plants only after the Ice Saints and slowly get used to the outside temperatures.
Buy new potted plants
Spring is perfect for purchasing new container plants, but you should do so carefully. It's better to buy sensitive plants only after the Ice Saints, if you can't keep them frost-free for some time.
Even hardy potted plants don't particularly like drastic temperature changes. The plants can only be put in your garden immediately if they have overwintered outside in a nursery or hardware store.
Cutting potted plants
Older potted plants should be pruned once a year. If you overwinter in the garden, this pruning should only take place in spring, as the (withered) greenery serves as winter protection for the plant. In addition, some potted plants, such as miscanthus, are a very decorative eye-catcher in the winter garden.
Preparing potted plants for the growing season
Before you bring your potted plants back into the garden or onto the terrace in spring, you should examine the plants for pest infestation or possible diseases and treat them if necessary. Also check immediately whether the size of the plant pot is still appropriate and whether the potting soil has not been used up.
If necessary, repot your potted plants or replace used potting soil. Alternatively, provide the plants with a high-quality slow-release fertilizer. Then slowly get your potted plants used to the cool air and sunlight if you don't want to risk any damage to the plants.
The most important things in brief:
- don't buy too early
- don’t put sensitive plants outside too early
- check for possible diseases and pest infestations
- slowly get used to cool outside temperatures
- Pruning, if not already done in autumn
- possibly repot or change soil
- Add slow-release fertilizer if necessary
Tip
Frost-sensitive plants, such as citrus fruits, dahlias or fuchsias, may only be moved into the garden after the Ice Saints.
