Plotting Your Potting On? 🌱

If you’ve ever stood in front of a bench of plants wondering “should I move that up a size yet?” you’re not alone.

Potting on is one of those simple gardening jobs that makes a huge difference. Get it right, and your plants thrive. Leave them too long, and they can stall, dry out quickly, or become root bound.

The good news is that with the right pots, and a bit of timing, it is very straightforward.

At Nutley’s, we stock a range of pots to suit every stage of growth, from tiny seedlings to sturdy, established plants. Here is how to make the most of them.

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What does 'potting on' actually mean?

Put simply, potting on is moving a plant into a slightly larger pot so it has more room to grow.

You are giving the roots:

• more space

• more nutrients

• better access to water

It is not about jumping straight into a huge pot. 

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Starting small: seed sowing and young plants

Most plants begin life in modules or small pots, and this is where biodegradable fibre pots really come into their own.

Our biodegradable plant pots are ideal because:

• they reduce root disturbance

• they can be planted straight into the ground

• they are a great peat-free option

They are perfect for seedlings that do not like being handled too much, such as beans, sweet peas and squash.

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The first move: 9cm pots

Once your seedlings are big enough to handle, it is time for their first upgrade.

The classic 9cm plastic pots are a great addition to any greenhouse or garden.

They are ideal for:

• pricked out seedlings

• rooted cuttings

• young veg and flower plants

At this stage, you will start to see roots developing properly and growth will noticeably pick up.

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Stepping up: 1L and 2L pots

As plants grow, they will quickly outgrow their first pot. Signs it is time to pot on include:

• roots coming out of the bottom

• compost drying out very quickly

• slowed growth

Moving into 1 litre pots or 2 litre pots gives plants the space they need to keep developing strong roots and healthy top growth.

These sizes are particularly useful for:

• tomatoes before planting out

• perennials

• herbs you want to grow on a bit longer

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Going bigger: 3L pots and beyond

For plants that are staying in containers longer, or need a bit more growing time, larger pots come into play.

Our 3 litre pots are ideal for:

• more established plants

• small shrubs

• anything that is not quite ready for its final position

They give you flexibility, especially if the weather is not cooperating or your planting space is not quite ready yet.

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Not everything needs a pot: grow bags and planters

Sometimes potting on does not mean another pot at all.

Our grow bags are a brilliant alternative for crops like:

• tomatoes

• strawberries

• salads

They help maximise growing space, warm up quickly, and are perfect for patios, greenhouses or smaller gardens.

If you are short on space, they can completely change how much you are able to grow.

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Keeping things organised: pot trays and shuttles

If you have ever tried to move a collection of pots one by one, you will know it is not the most efficient job.

Our pot shuttle trays make life much easier:

• carry multiple pots at once

• keep spacing neat

• reduce mess and spillages

They are one of those things you do not realise you need until you have one.

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A few simple potting on tips

To get the best results:

• only go up one size at a time

• water before and after potting on

• handle plants by the leaves, not the stems

• use fresh compost each time

• do not bury stems too deeply unless the plant benefits from it, like tomatoes

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The takeaway

Potting on is not complicated. It is simply about giving your plants what they need, when they need it.

With the right pots at each stage, you will grow stronger plants, reduce setbacks, and make the whole process far more enjoyable.

You can browse our full range of plant pots, grow bags and trays on the website to find exactly what you need for each stage of growth. 🌿