How to Stop Potting Mix from Drying Out

Growing plants in containers provides gardeners the opportunity to grow plants that are tender in their climate. It also gives them extra room to grow plants when outdoor garden space is limited. Container plants, though, generally require more attention than plants growing in the ground. For example, potted plants need to be watered more frequently than in-ground plants. If regular watering is not your strong suit, adopt good habits -- starting at planting time -- to prevent a container plant's potting soil, or potting mix, from drying.

Non-porous container with at least one bottom drainage hole
High-quality potting mix
Potting or garden soil (optional)
Peat moss (optional)
Coarse sand or perlite (optional)
Mulch
Room humidifier (optional)
Tray (optional)
Small rocks (optional)
Watering can

Instructions

- 1
  Plant in a non-porous container, such as a glazed ceramic or plastic pot, with at least one bottom drainage hole. A non-porous container retains water better than a pot made of a porous material, such as clay.
- 2
  Place a high-quality potting mix in the plant container. A soilless mix that contains materials such as peat moss, bark, coconut hulls and/or vermiculite provides efficient drainage and aeration, and it holds moisture well. If you make your own potting mix, incorporate equal parts potting or garden soil, peat moss and either coarse sand or perlite.
- 3
  Leave 1 or 2 inches of space between the top of the potting mix and the container's rim. Fill that space with mulch, such as pine needles or shredded bark. They help to retain moisture. If the container's plant is woody, leave 1 or 2 inches of space between it and the mulch to prevent rot.
- 4
  Increase humidity if the plant grows indoors. Group plants together or add a room humidifier, which will help you monitor the humidity level. Another option is to fill a tray with small rocks and water, and place the plant container on top of the rocks. Increasing humidity minimizes water loss.
- 5
  Check the plant container's potting mix every one or two days, especially if the plant absorbs a lot of water, is located in bright sunlight or has a growth spurt. Dig your finger 1 or 2 inches deep in the potting mix. If the potting mix feels dry at that depth, the mix probably needs to be watered.
- 6
  Water the potted plant only as fast as its potting mix absorbs the water. This technique thoroughly moistens the entire potting mix. Stop adding water when water drains from the container's bottom drainage hole or holes. Wait a few minutes, and discard all the extra water that seeped. Leaving that water in place can cause the potting mix to be oversaturated.

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