While summer is still in full swing, now is the time to start thinking ahead. After months of growth, some potted plants may be ready for a refresh before cooler weather arrives.
Rather than waiting until plants become stressed or outgrow their pots, checking roots, replacing tired compost and planning ahead can help them settle before autumn.
Jude Allen, head grower at restaurant WILD’s Wild Farm, recommends September as the ideal time for many repotting jobs, when temperatures begin to cool. But you can start in late summer – so now is a great time to get planning.
"Having spent all spring and summer in the same pot, there are certain plants that definitely need potting on before the autumn arrives," explains Jude.
Read on for five plants that deserve your attention before the season changes, as well as tips for tackling each.
Skimmias
Evergreen skimmias are a brilliant choice for containers, offering glossy foliage and seasonal interest throughout the year. If their roots have filled the pot, they may benefit from moving into a slightly larger container.
Jude recommends checking the roots as the best way to see whether your plant is ready for a change. She explains: "If they completely fill the pot and there’s no space or compost left to grow any new roots then a larger pot could be a life saver. Lack of compost also means any water will flow straight through. We always make sure we water well the day before we repot."
Former royal gardener Jack Stooks also advises refreshing the compost when moving smaller shrubs.
He adds: "You’ll also need to be thinking about potting small shrubs such as Skimmia Japonica. You want to make sure they have fresh compost. You can add in a home compost and a slow-release fertiliser, but don’t use too much nitrogen fertiliser.
"Coffee grounds have nitrogen, which you can add those in if you’ve got a good compost. If you don’t have your own coffee machine, some cafes offer free bags of their coffee grounds. Using things like coffee helps because it slowly releases the nitrogen into the potwork."
Acers
Known for their striking foliage, acers are well suited to pots but can become restricted when their roots have nowhere left to grow.
"Autumn repotting works best for outdoor plants, such as acers and skimmias, along with autumn-flowering chrysanthemums and asters," says Jude.
When moving plants into a new container, Jude recommends increasing the size gradually.
"We also recommend sizing up in stages. It’s best not to go from a small pot to a large one. Go for a medium option instead. When it comes to compost we would always make sure it’s sustainable. For us that means both peat free and organic," explains Jude.
Chrysanthemums and Asters
Chrysanthemums and asters bring colour later in the year and can both benefit from being checked before the colder months arrive. When repotting, timing is important. Jack advises avoiding hot weather, as this can put pressure on plants.
"When you are potting up your plants, my advice is not to do it when it’s too hot," he says.
"The roots otherwise will be scorched, so do it early in the morning or early evenings. Get the plant out gently and release the old soil from the old plant. You then want to give them nice water and keep an eye on them. Glasshouses should have the space for your potted plants, and inside you can place them nearer the windows for more light and more warmth."
Scented pelargoniums
Unlike hardy outdoor plants, scented pelargoniums need protection when temperatures drop. Planning ahead means they can be moved somewhere sheltered before frost becomes a concern.
"There are some plants that can be out all summer, but when autumn comes you need to start thinking about potting and taking them indoors, putting them into glasshouses or conservatories. Otherwise, they’ll freeze and die from the late autumn winter," explains Jack.
A simple refresh for larger plants
For larger pots that are difficult to move, Jude has a simple way to give plants a boost without a full repot.
"Some of our potted plants are just too big to move let alone repot. We’ve found this quick hack works wonders. First remove 2cm of the old soil from the top and replace it with 2cm of lovely fresh compost. The perfect quick botanical pick me up," says Jude.
With a little preparation now, your potted plants can head into the next season, ready to thrive. A quick root check, fresh compost or a sheltered spot can make all the difference when the weather begins to change.
Plant Pots
