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The size and shape of your container should be suitable for the needs of the plants you select. For details of the many different types of plants suitable for container growing, see our container gardening hub . The best compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. for containers is often a peat-free multipurpose compost , but some plants have different requirements. For information on choosing a suitable compost and container, and more details on planting in pots, see our advice page on growing plants in containers .

What you will need to plant up a container:

• Selection of plants
• A suitable container
• Peat-free compost
• Mulch
  Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings. to cover the compost (optional)
• Broken pots or stones to cover large drainage holes
• A hand trowel, or a spade for large containers and plants
• Watering can

• Cover large drainage holes If your pot has drainage holes of more than about 2.5cm (1in) in diameter, place some stones or crocks (broken terracotta) over them to prevent compost
  Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. falling through. If drainage holes are small, there is no need to cover them.

• Place compost in your container Fill to a level where the rootballs of your plants will sit within the container (ideally about 5cm (2in) below the rim) when sat atop the compost, then lightly firm it down.

• Remove plants from their nursery pots and position them in the container Consider what angles the container will be viewed from – for pots against a wall or fence you will typically want taller plants at the back, for free-standing containers viewed from all sides you might have taller plants in the centre. Bear in mind that trees and shrubs often have a ‘front face’ or ‘best side’.

• Fill the gaps around your plants Add peat-free compost around the plants, gently firming it down to fill any spaces. A slight gap between the top of the compost and the top of the container will prevent compost spilling out when watering.

• Water well Water slowly and thoroughly to soak the compost. Use a rose on the end of a watering can or a hose with a fine spray to avoid disturbing the compost. If any leaves got compost on them during planting, wash it off with a gentle spray of water.

• Cover bare compost Add a layer of mulch to the top of the compost if you want to. This works well for single trees or shrubs planted in pots, where lots of bare compost is showing. A layer of gravel, stones or bark
  Bark is the outermost layer of woody plants (trees, shrubs and woody climbers). It is several cells thick and provides protection against physical damage, disease and environmental stresses. Bark comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, and these can help gardeners when identifying plants. The fissures and crevices of bark on older plants also creates valuable habitat for many garden creatures as well as lichens and small plants. chip will help conserve moisture, suppress weeds and look attractive.

Watering is the main duty when caring for plants in containers. Many factors determine how much and how often you need to water; for more information, see our handy step-by-step guide to watering containers .

Feeding and repotting will also be required for long-term container plantings; for more information see our guide to container maintenance .