We are often asked how to fill Strawberry Pots, Herb Pots or other 'holed' Terracotta. So please follow our simple instructions to get the best results
Firstly, choose a pot which has cup-shaped holes or holes with lips. Those which just have plain, circle holes cut into the terracotta are extremely difficult to keep watered successfully. Our pots are made with generous lips which catch the water. If you do, however, own a pot without lipped holes, then try adding a perforated plastic tube down the centre whilst filling with compost
If possible, always use a soil based compost (John Innes No. 2) or a gritty compost with added soil. This will provide good drainage without the compost shrinking and drying out. It will also give your planted pot a longer 'shelf life' and prevent the plants becoming too leggy. The health, flavour and scent of herbs will also be much improved.
Always choose young, healthy and small-growing plants. Unless the root ball is considerably smaller than the holes in the pots, always plant from the inside to avoid damaging the root.
1. Place some crocks (broken pieces of brick, pebbles etc.) at the base of the pot, loosely over the drainage hole.
2. Fill the pot with compost to just below the level of the first set of holes and lightly firm.
3. Gently remove the plants from their containers and lay the first root ball on the compost with the plant lying almost sideways. Carefully tease the foliage and stem through the hole with one hand whilst guiding the root ball towards the inside of the terracotta with the other hand, as needed. Repeat the process with the remainder of the layer. Sprinkle in some more compost and settle the plant roots down making sure that you have filled all the air pockets. Then, look at the outside of the pot and with one hand, gently lift the foliage and use the other hand to lightly fill the cup or lipped hole with more compost in order to finish firming in the plant.
4. Fill the pot with more compost until just below the second set of holes and repeat the whole process, continuing until all the holes are filled. Pop a plant in the top and water in well using a can or hose with a rose end which will spray water into all the holes.
